Farming and Countryside Education (FACE)

FACE

Farming and Countryside Education are a charity working to inspire children to find more out about food, farming and the countryside. Their work is supported and informed by regular research, which contributes to the development of effective resource materials for use in schools and countryside visits, monitoring children’s behaviour and attitudes.


CHILDWISE have conducted three waves of tracking research for FACE, in 2006-7, 2008 and 2011:

  • Qualitative research to explore children’s views and identify current issues – discussion groups in schools with primary and secondary pupils from urban, suburban and rural communities.
  • Quantitative research – online research with over 2000 children aged 7-15 via more than 50 schools across Great Britain, measuring awareness, attitudes and behaviour across key topics relating to food, farming and the countryside.


Children have a keen interest in food, cooking and food preparation, and in growing food at home, but pressures of time and outside interests mean that this falls off as they progress through secondary school.

For many, their views of farming and the countryside are partial and outdated, with few appreciating the sophistication of today’s agricultural industries. A better understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced will contribute to healthier diets and lifestyles, and also ensure that the industry recruits the young talent that is needed for a robust future.

To read the reports, click here

FACE