Families flock to Reaseheath College’s Lambing and Zoo Weekend

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Hundreds of local families flocked to Reaseheath College over the weekend for the first of two lambing and zoo events.

Spring has sprung in the Nantwich college’s lambing sheds with the arrival of the first newborns of the season. The lambing weekends have been a major draw to the college over the past 20 years, with many visitors returning each season to meet the lambs and hopefully experience a live birth. 500 expectant ewes are due to produce 1,000 lambs, including three sets of quads and 59 sets of triplets. The college’s agriculture students have been staying up through the night to make sure the lambs and their mothers get the best care.

The campus zoo is also open to the public. The zoo houses over 1,000 animals including meerkats, lemurs, tapirs, otters, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians. Families can get involved in handling and flying birds of prey, thanks to student members of Reaseheath’s Birds of Prey Society who are running special sessions with some of the college’s owls.

Reaseheath’s lambing and zoo event is on again next weekend, March 12 and 13 (10am – 4pm)

 A family ticket for both attractions is £25.

Find out more at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing

Watch a group of children who had the opportunity to see triplets being born at our Lambing event on Sunday:

The Skyr’s the limit for Yorkshire Dales farmer

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A pioneering Skipton farmer Sam Moorhouse is Britain’s first to make and sell a healthy Icelandic style super-yogurt.

Dairy engineer Thorarinn Sveinsson with Sam Moorhouse

Dairy engineer
Thorarinn Sveinsson with Sam Moorhouse

After completing his National Diploma in Agriculture at Reaseheath and spending time travelling Australia Sam knew he wanted to focus on the future of his family farm.

Sam of Hesper Farm at Bell Busk, initially launched Hesper Farm Skyr at the 2015 Harrogate Fine Food Show after researching ideas on how the family dairy farm could diversify.

Inspired by his research into the Icelandic cow and trips to Iceland to train in the art of making the naturally fat-free skyr, Sam recognised the potential of the product.

After extensive market research to confirm the demand for skyr in the UK, he took the product to Reaseheath Food Centre for initial trials to achieve his perfect formula.

Sam, 22, whose family has farmed locally for generations, is proud to be the first farmer to launch skyr in Britain and the first to bring skyr to the market with British milk. The skyr is produced onsite using milk from the farm’s award winning Airburn herd.

It’s currently available to buy from a host of farm shops and delis across the Yorkshire as well as being stocked by chefs and businesses via Wellocks wholesalers and plans in place for further expansion later this year.

He explains: “I started to read up on skyr when I was looking at ways we might be able to diversify. It really caught my attention because of its massive across Scandinavia and Iceland, and has really taken off in America too.

“It’s a really interesting product with great health benefits and I realised no-one was making it here. We are the first farm to make it onsite with our own specially-trained expertise, using our own British milk.

Baby the cow

Baby the cow

“The cow on our pots and logo epitomises what we are trying to do. It’s a drawing of a cow called Baby that I bought at auction a long time ago. I liked the look of her unusual markings. Her temperament means she always stands out from the crowd too.

She does exactly as she pleases and there is no persuading her otherwise! She’s been with us all these years and really represents our aim in doing something different and making skyr – we don’t follow the herd.”

 

Skyr (pronounced skeer) is a staple in Iceland and dates back to around the ninth century. It is made by incubating skimmed milk with live active cultures. The water contained in the milk – the whey – is then strained away. Per pot, about four times as much milk as an equivalent pot of traditional plain yogurt is used meaning it’s incredibly thick and creamy. It also means that the skyr contains more protein and calcium than standard yogurt.

 

Sam realised he would need expert tuition to learn how to make it, so set off for Reykjavik and asked around delis until he was put in touch with dairy engineer Thorarinn Sveinsson, who works for the Icelandic Farmers Union. Thorarinn taught him the labour-intensive process behind making skyr and then visited Hesper Farm once the new purpose-built dairy was finished to make sure the skyr Sam was producing was perfect.

Hesper Farm Syr range

Hesper Farm Skyr range

Thorarinn said: “I had been getting increasing numbers of phone calls from people interested in skyr but I was so impressed with Sam, I knew I wanted to work with him. He has taken the whole  process so seriously and has paid attention to every last detail. In fact he is using a heritage culture which originally dates back to 874,meaning his skyr is genuine Icelandic skyr – the real thing made in the Yorkshire Dales.

“Skyr is part of everyday life in Iceland. I am sure that with its delicious taste and the health benefits you’ll see it becoming part of life here too. I have loved my visit to the Yorkshire Dales. It is a truly beautiful part of England.”

With business going from strength to strength, most recently Sam featured on James Martin’s Home Comforts where he demonstrated his approach to skyr production.

For more information about Hesper Farm Skyr please visit www.hesperfarmskyr.co.uk

 

 

Wildlife undergraduates introduced to life behind the lens

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Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduates have been learning how to shoot and edit videos as part of their course.

Twenty-six final year students who are studying a ‘wildlife in the media’ module spent the half term week studying conservation film-making, delivered on campus by the Wildeye International School of Wildlife Film-making.

This is the first time we have completed this exciting module, and it has given our undergraduates some excellent skills which will help them to record, communicate and promote their research projects.

Delivered by Wildeye Principal Piers Warren and Camera and Production tutor Mike Linley, both of whom have worked with major broadcasters, the training covered all the skills required to make a relevant conservation film. Research, planning and storyboarding was followed by training in practical production which included filming techniques, sound recording and editing., and our students also had training in stills photography.

Ten groups each made a two-minute film followed by feedback which will be invaluable as they need to complete an eight-minute video by April as their final project.  Their subjects ranged from zoo residents including otters, meerkats, birds of prey, fish, frogs and leaf cutter ants to wildlife on campus such as rabbits, ducks and squirrels.

They also enjoyed a photographic competition – here’s the winning shot taken by Amy Callaghan:

Amy Callaghan's winning Robin photography

Amy Callaghan’s winning Robin photography

The course was so successful that we are already planning to offer it annually to undergraduates.

Said Piers: “Film-making is a powerful way of putting out a message.  Having a zoo on site has been a tremendous asset and this, along with the grounds and lake, have given us the scope for a project which has tested the students’ observational skills and knowledge of habitat and animal behaviour.  They have also had to work as a team to a tight deadline, all skills which will hopefully help them in their future careers.”

Earlier this month members of Reaseheath’s Conservation Society enjoyed a lecture from wildlife film-maker Madelaine Westwood, founder of the Great Apes Film Initiative (GAFI), who has co-authored a book on conservation film-making with Piers.

For further details about our animal management degrees see: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/higher-education (animal science)

For further details about Wildeye see www.wildeye.co.uk

 

Dodson & Horrell Launch Bursary to Support British Equestrian Industry

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Europe’s leading equine feed manufacturer Dodson & Horrell is pleased to announce the launch of the Dodson & Horrell British Equestrian Bursary that aims to enhance and support the equestrian industry.

Are you a dedicated rider who would benefit from funding towards extra training? Do you know a deserving charity that is in need of specialist equipment? Are you or is someone you know embarking on an equestrian course and would like a helping hand? Would you like to recognise your equine physiotherapist or farrier who has gone beyond the norm for your horse? Then make sure you nominate for the bursary.

Dodson & Horrell is offering a bursary of £2,000 to each of the winners of the four categories to contribute towards funding such as equipment, training, education and travel. Entrants can either nominate a deserving person or organisation who they think will benefit from the prize, or they can put forward their own application.

The four categories are:

  • Equine Health (veterinarian, physiotherapist, equine dentist, farrier)
  • Inspirational Rider
  • Equine Charity
  • Equine Supporter (groom, parents, friend, trainer)

The winners will not only receive financial help but will also have access to expert nutritional advice from Dodson & Horrell and a VIP day out at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials in Derbyshire on Saturday 14th May 2016 where they will be awarded their prize.

Nominations will be shortlisted by industry experts including the world renowned cross country Course Designer Ian Stark OBE and equestrian enthusiast and Marketing Director of Dodson & Horrell, Sam Horrell.

The winner from the final shortlisted entries will be nominated by public vote through the Dodson & Horrell website and the four winners will be announced on Wednesday 27th April.

Dodson & Horrell Marketing Director Sam Horrell commented “We are excited to announce the launch of our bursary and believe it is a valuable opportunity for the equine industry. We look forward to receiving the nominations and selecting the final three in each category and it will be fascinating to view the nominations as they come through.”

Nominations open on Friday 29th January 2016 and close Sunday 6 March 2016 midnight GMT. To find out more about the bursary and how to apply please visit the website www.dodsonandhorrell.com.

 

Students celebrate 20 years since college days

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Members of the class of 1996-99 were welcomed back to Reaseheath last weekend for their 20th anniversary reunion of starting at college.

Twenty-six former students met on campus to catch up on old times and see what’s changed since their time as students.

The reunion was coordinated by 1996-99 agricultural mechanics student Adrian Dunn through generating interest via Facebook and involved students from a range of subject areas including agriculture, animal management, engineering, equine and floristry. One group of former engineering students made the journey all the way from Ireland specially for the weekend!

The group went on a guided tour of the campus, visiting old haunts and many new facilities around the campus followed by a proper catch up over a buffet and a brew in the historic Reaseheath Old Hall.

A big thank you to agricultural engineering instructor (and former student) Graeme Smith and our student ambassador Tia Castle for being such excellent tour guides on the day, the group had a great time and plans are already in the pipeline for their next meet up.

If you’re a former and student or member of staff and would be interested in being involved in reunion tours and events at the college, please do get in touch with Katie Burt (Alumni Officer) alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk, 01270 613 219.

Header picture caption: Members of Reaseheath 20th anniversary reunion group outside Reaseheath Old Hall

 

Brazilian students’ visit strengthens Reaseheath’s international links

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Six Brazilian students are spending nine weeks with us as part of the Association of Colleges ‘Skills without Borders’ initiative.

The six, who have joined programmes in our Countryside and Food Technology departments, are already studying those subjects at university or college and have come to us to develop their academic and practical skills.

The students are from the Minas Gerais region near Rio de Janeiro and all are enjoying their first visit to Britain. Apart from furthering their studies, they’re enjoying being part of the Reaseheath community, sampling life in the UK and improving their English. They’ve visited Chester, Manchester, Liverpool, North Wales and Paris, and will go to London at the end of their stay.

Sarah Amorim, 18, and Julia Silva, 19, who are both studying a Level  3 technical course in environmental management in Brazil, have joined our Level 3 Diploma countryside students. Both want to help their home country  to become more sustainable –  Julia wants to be an environmental engineer while Sarah aims to work as an environmental technician before moving into management.

Samia Oliveira and Luan Marciano at the Food Centre

Samia Oliveira and Luan Marciano at the Food Centre

The two are really enjoying their practical sessions, particularly a trip to Delamere Forest where they joined students helping to improve the habitat for the white-faced darter. The darter is one of Britain’s rarest dragonflies and has recently been reintroduced to Delamere by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Said Julia: “The whole experience has been fantastic. Everyone has been very welcoming and we’re loving the social life.”

Undergraduates Nagela Ruphael, 20, and Alessandra Bina, 22, who are studying for environmental related degrees, have joined our Foundation Degree in Countryside Conservation and Recreational Management while Samia Oliveira, 20, and Luan Marciano, 25, are working alongside the  Eden cohort who are taking their Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology.  All four are currently studying at the University IF Sudeste MG near Rio.

Both food students have appreciated the opportunity to up their practical skills in our dairy processing halls and have made cheeses and other products.

Samia said: “This has been a great opportunity to experience something new. We use the same principles in our practical sessions in Brazil, but here we are able to spend more time ‘hands-on’ and are making a wider range of products. We’re also learning to use the same equipment as you find in industry, which is fantastic.”

The ‘Skills without Borders’ initiative is a pilot project aimed at providing Level 3 and Level 5 vocational students from Minas Gerais with the opportunity to develop new skills and to widen their understanding of global culture. We are one of three colleges in the country  to have been selected to host students in this initial programme.

  • There are a number of other international developments in the pipeline, with a strategic direction that focuses on our land-based specialisms within higher level technical education (level 3 to 5). These could include student exchange, consultancy and student recruitment.
  • This month Nick Blakemore and James Bickerton are to visit Saudi Arabia to provide curriculum consultancy support to a developing Dairy Technology College. We are also going to host a visit by a Finnish University to explore a curriculum partnership with Horticulture and Countryside, and become involved with a shadow leadership programme with a land-based College in China.

Header image caption: Countryside students Nagela Ruphael, Alessandra Bina, Sarah Amorim and Julia Silva with Assistant Dean Mark Harris

Reaseheath welcomes British Grassland Society onto campus

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The country’s leading forum in the science and practice of grass and forage production, The British Grassland Society (BGS), has relocated to offices at Reaseheath College.

BGS was established in 1945 to serve as a communication forum, through events and publications, for the profitable and sustainable use of grass and forage. Membership is open to all with an interest in grassland agriculture, whether in the UK or overseas.

The organisation’s move from Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, to Cheshire places it at the heart of a major grassland region and, by being located at a land-based college, brings it closer to some of the young people who will form the future of the farming industry.

As well as having members and affiliates in the UK, the society has many active members overseas and is a member of the European Grassland Federation

The move is great news for Reaseheath College, as the BGS brings together those who have an active interest in the science and practice of grass and forage production and utilisation. These include researchers, farmers, advisers, teachers, students and technical members of the agricultural industry, all of whom aim to advance grassland farming through education, research and practice.

It is hoped that the new partnership may lead to the BGS becoming a valuable specialist educational resource, with the possibility of guest lectures and the potential in time for undergraduates and Level 3 students to become involved in appropriate project work. Reaseheath’s Agricultural Development Academy (RADA) is also looking forward to further developing its working relationship with the society.

BGS Director Elaine Jewkes said: “It’s great to be at a vibrant place of learning such as Reaseheath. I’m looking forward to strengthening our links with the college, which is itself a high profile and respected centre for agricultural education.

“I hope it will help us to further our central aim – to communicate improved methods of grassland production and use through research and the latest technology to the wider agricultural community.”

Find out more about the BGS by visiting www.britishgrassland.com

Lambs herald Spring at Reaseheath College

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Hundreds of local families are expected to flock to Reaseheath College in Nantwich this weekend for the first of two lambing events.

Spring has already arrived in the college’s lambing sheds with the arrival of the first newborns of the season. The lambing weekends have been a major draw to the college over the past 20 years, with many visitors returning each season to meet the lambs and hopefully experience a live birth.

Agriculture student Matt Broady with an early arrival

Agriculture student Matt Broady with an early arrival

The campus zoo, which is one of the best at any educational institution in the country, is also open to the public. Both attractions are open on March 5 and 6 (10am – 4pm) and again on March 12 and 13.

The college has a flock of 500 expectant ewes which will produce 1,000 lambs before the end of the month. Three sets of quads and 59 sets of triplets are expected.  During quiet times in the lambing sheds, visitors can watch a big screen showing highlights of the action and watch experts demonstrating the special care required for the delivery and care of the lambs.

Reaseheath’s zoo houses over 1,000 animals including meerkats, lemurs, tapirs, otters, birds of prey, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians.  Activities include face painting and educational talks by Reaseheath zoo keepers.

Reaseheath’s sheep unit manager Ollie Bagley, 23, a former Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student, is in charge of the lambing flock helped by a rota of current students who are gaining practical experience in the lambing sheds.

He said: “Lambing is traditionally the first sign of spring and this event is always very popular. Opening the lambing sheds gives us the chance to show what we do here.  As well as giving the public the unique experience of seeing lambs being born, it is also a great opportunity for us to tell them about the farming calendar and about the food on their plate.”

A family ticket for both attractions is £25

Find out more at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing

Aspiring businesswoman Hannah uses undergraduate research in industry

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Business minded Hannah Dickson is using her equine science degree to help develop her own faecal egg counting business.

BSc (Hons) Equine Science Hannah Dickson - Outstanding Achievement in undergraduate research in Equine Science Award winner

BSc (Hons) Equine Science Hannah Dickson – Outstanding Achievement in undergraduate research in Equine Science Award winner

After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science (2:1), Hannah was keen to put her undergraduate research skills into industry practice. With a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and high-class research skills honed during her degree, Hannah launched her own mobile faecal egg counting business under the name of EquineErudition.

During her degree Hannah had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at Harthill Stud in Cheshire and it was here she discovered her interest in faecal egg counting.

Said Hannah: “It was hard to choose which direction to pursue with regards to a career, as I’d thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my degree course. However, it was after my work experience at Harhtill, I approached one of my lecturers for advice about setting up a business which really helped me to get things started.”

Hannah went on to focus on faecal egg counting for her dissertation topic, studying the effect of temperature on the number of eggs in a sample. She found that samples are best preserved at fridge temperature, of around 4°C, as apposed to room temperature (19.5 °C) and freezer temperature (-18°C).

Commended for her first class research skills whilst a student, Hannah was awarded the Reaseheath Dean of Higher Education’s ‘Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Research’ accolade.

Said Hannah: “I’m incredibly proud of my Outstanding Achievement award and I loved every minute of studying at Reaseheath – it truly fuelled my passion for the equine industry.”

For more information about EquineErudition visit http://www.equineerudition.co.uk/

New career in the countryside for passionate conservationist Wendy

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Reaseheath opened doors to a new career for Wendy Nulty after working for 12 years in the NHS.

Wendy Nulty

Wendy Nulty

With a passion for the outdoors and countryside conservation, Wendy looked to Reaseheath to help take her first steps with a career change by studying our Foundation Degree in Countryside Conservation and Recreation Management.  After just a year on the part time degree programme,  she was chosen to join the National Trust Ranger Academy training scheme, which she pursued alongside the degree.

Combining the academic knowledge and practical experience gained from her degree and the National Trust programme Wendy’s now a fully qualified Ranger, working for the National Trust.

As a Ranger, Wendy coordinates the day to day operational and land management of a number of National Trust properties across Cheshire, spanning Bickerton and Bulkeley Hills. The properties cover just short of 400 acres and contain a mix of woodland and lowland heath habitats. Responsible for a mix of practical estate maintenance, habitat management and visitor engagement, Wendy also manages groups of volunteers for 2-3 days a week. With no two days ever the same, she absolutely loves her job.

During her degree Wendy covered all the components of countryside management studying a wide range of topics from plant identification through to visitor management.

Said Wendy: “The opportunity to make industry links and the support from dedicated staff really helped me get the most out of my degree. I really enjoyed the variety of modules and the field trips helped to inspire us and see the importance of the content of lectures in the ‘real world’ of land management.”

“The flexibility of the course allowed me to work full time whilst studying, which was invaluable as I took the plunge with a career change.”

Wendy’s top tips –  careers in countryside conservation

  1.  If you want to get into conservation, having plenty of volunteering experience is essential. Look at role profiles of the jobs you are interested in and try and find volunteering roles that help you fill the practical or public engagement elements of it. It takes effort and perseverance to get into this sector so be smart about how you spend the little free time you may have.
  2. Whilst you are at college or on work placement remember you are meeting potential future employers or work colleagues so make a positive impression. I always remember the hard workers or those that take an interest in field trips to Bickerton. Likewise I always remember those that don’t make a great impression!
  3. Don’t be afraid to contact people who are already doing the job you are interested in. They can often give you valuable advice that can help shape your career path and tell you what to focus on.