Farms for City Children, a charity co-founded by Michael and Clare Morpurgo, has developed into a well-established educational initiative that offers urban children immersive experiences on working farms across the United Kingdom. Established amid early financial challenges, the program has grown steadily, now operating three sites at Nethercott House in Devon, Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire, and Wick Court in Gloucestershire.

The charity’s approach centers on connecting children with rural life and agriculture, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from and the realities of farming. Schools and families pay to participate in week-long stays, with the charity subsidizing at least half the cost to ensure accessibility. This hands-on experience allows children to engage directly with farm animals and daily agricultural activities, confronting both the joys and hardships of farm life.

The genesis of the charity’s philosophy stems in part from Michael Morpurgo’s own reflections on education and personal experience. As a child, he struggled with unhappiness and a stutter during his years at a boarding school in Sussex, while his wife Clare thrived in a more permissive educational environment. Both remain critical of the national curriculum, describing it as overly restrictive and excessively focused on assessment, which they believe stifles children’s individual progress and curiosity.

One formative moment for Michael involved observing a non-verbal boy named Billy, who found comfort and communication through bonding with a horse. This interaction inspired Morpurgo’s creation of the character Joey in his acclaimed novel War Horse. The charity’s impact on children often extends beyond their time on the farm, helping sow seeds of confidence and emotional growth.

The charity has also attracted the support of notable figures, including the late poet Ted Hughes. Hughes, who spent his later years in Devon, frequently visited the farms and wrote poems dedicated to the children participating in the program. His involvement lent important cultural weight and encouragement to the charity during its early years.

Farms for City Children partners with active farming families, such as the Ward family in Devon, to provide authentic experiences. Michael Morpurgo emphasizes the farm’s openness about the realities of animal life and farming practices. Children are exposed to the cycle of life and death, including witnessing the birth of lambs and understanding that not all survive, which Morpurgo considers a valuable, albeit difficult, lesson.

The charity’s founders express concern about the declining number of small and medium-sized farms in Britain, citing a significant reduction in agricultural holdings since 2005. They note that the scale required for financial viability has increased substantially, from about 100 acres historically to 500 acres today.

Although Michael and Clare have stepped back from daily management of the charity, they remain closely connected. Michael often returns to read to children during farm visits, advocating for the integration of farm experiences as a core part of education. He believes such exposure not only benefits children’s personal development but also promotes a lifelong respect for the environment and an understanding of their connection to the natural world. The couple continues to live in Devon while maintaining a residence in London to facilitate visits.