Farm TrailsTeacher's NotesAbout Organic Farming
Rushall FarmMore about the farmArrange a visit
Farming
1

Farming
as an
economic
activity

   Animal farm
2

Animal farm

   River studies
3

River
studies

   Sustainable farming
4

Sustainable
farming

   Safety, comfort & enjoyment
5

Safety,
comfort &
enjoyment

   Managing the environment
6

Managing
the
environment

   Fieldwork techniques
7

Fieldwork
techniques

   Food for thought
8

Food for
thought

  
Rushall Farm map Fieldwork techniques Food for thought Managing the environment Safety, comfort & environment Sustainable farming River studies Animal farm Farming as an economic activity River Studies

River studies

A truly memorable experience

The river Pang, just below Rushall Farm, is a tributary of the Thames and one of the safest and cleanest rivers in the region.

Geography (QCA Unit 7)

Typical measurements taken by geography students might include channel width and depth, wetted perimeter and speed of flow (velocity). Field sketches of a meander are also popular.

Science

Science students can study the river as a habitat and learn how the river is being managed and protected. Pollution levels can be assessed by examining the biological life of the river and carrying out chemical analysis of the water. The latter might include measuring indicators such as oxygen levels, turbidity and nitrates.

  • For a more comprehensive study, schools can visit four other sites on the River Pang and take a series of measurements from source to mouth.

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» COMMENT:

"Although we have a river flowing near to the school, it does not provide the safe environment and expert staffing that we get at Rushall Farm."

Mr Youd,
head teacher,
Hawkedon Primary School,
Reading
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