Surrey Docks Farm, in the heart of London with the Thames Path running through it, provides pupils with unique opportunities to learn about farming and food production. Animals reared on the farm include milking goats, sheep, cows, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, bees and donkeys – with always careful attention to animal welfare and visitor hygiene. In its unique setting, the farm is an ideal resource for educational and environmental activities throughout the year.

“Thanks for an excellent day out. The children loved seeing, touching and especially feeding the animals. We would love to come back in the Spring when there are lambs and piglets. Highly recommended.” Grant Perry, Teacher, Ivydale Primary School, Year 4

First established 500 metres downstream in 1975 on vacant land by Greenland Dock, the farm started raising livestock and producing food from what was regarded as wasteland. The farm moved to its present 2.2-acre site on the Thames at South Wharf in 1986: it’s a community asset used by a wide cross section of people and has an excellent educational reputation.

School visits to the farm

These are tailored to support the National Curriculum and specific teacher requirements. Half-day activities can be followed by lunch in the classroom and a set activity.

• Farm tour – Children learn more about where their food comes from and discuss the origins of different foods such as meat, eggs, milk, bread and vegetables.

• Apple tasting and pressing – Best in the Autumn...learn about the varieties of apple on the farm, and use the special equipment to mash and press them for the juice.

• Goat’s milk and butter making – (Spring/Summer) Pupils can try milking the goats and making butter, then discuss dairy products and their part in a balanced diet.

• Bee trail – Explore the life of a bee, pollination and bee products. Includes honey tasting and candle making.

• Vegetable trail, planting and growing – Discuss the plants grown on farms and their uses in food. Children will sow seeds in a pot to take away with them to care for.

• Composting and recycling – Pupils learn about what goes into a compost heap and the mini-beasts that live there. They will sieve their own compost and sow seeds.

• Fabulous felt – A chance to learn about the uses of wool, meet the sheep, card wool and create their own piece of felt in this practical and fun workshop.

Self-led activities

Add to your visit by incorporating several self-guided activities, including a scavenger hunt and photo/sensory trail cards to investigate the farm further. Or you can visit resident blacksmith Kevin Boys on his working urban forge. The farm is a unique classroom and teacher resource for Key Stages 1,2,3,4, covering Science, History, Geography and the Arts.

Key information

• Fully equipped classroom able to sit 30
• Enhanced CRB
• Bespoke workshops and tailored visits
• Practical interactive learning that’s fun
• Lovely cafe open Wednesday–Sunday