News

Friskney pupils continue farm school adventures thanks to Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind

Children at Friskney Church of England Primary School, part of LAAT, will continue their weekly visits to Farm School at Askefield Project for the next academic year, thanks to the support of Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind.

The school has been working with Askefield for the previous [years] and the funding from Outer Dowsing will cover the academic year from 2025-2026, after which Outer Dowsing plans to establish a community benefit fund. Anyone interested in funding opportunities from 2026 onwards should get in touch with contact@outerdowsing.com.

Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind is a 1.5GW offshore wind farm that is currently under development  and is planned to be  approximately 33 miles (54km) off the Lincolnshire coast. Engaging with local communities is a crucial part of the project’s development and design process, with investment directed towards initiatives that connect people to nature and invest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learnings fostering long-term community benefits. Supporting Friskney’s Farm School visits reflects this commitment, providing children with meaningful opportunities to deepen their connection to the natural world, expand their understanding of biodiversity, and develop vital STEM skills through hands-on learning.

Thanks to funding from Outer Dowsing, pupils from each class will experience a full-day visit to Askefield Farm, a 13.5-acre smallholding in the heart of Friskney, every three weeks, taking part in activities that range from feeding animals and cultivating vegetables to maintaining the sensory garden and working on landscaping projects. These experiences instil responsibility, teamwork, and practical life skills, enriching children’s education well beyond the classroom.

Friskney Church of England Primary is an ambitious and growing school, committed to providing pupils with a rich and diverse education. From unique opportunities such as Farm School to a carefully planned curriculum, the school ensures that every child can flourish. This commitment was recognised by Ofsted last year, when inspectors judged Friskney to be a Good school, noting that staff “care very deeply and act with a sense of mission.

Headteacher, Tina Wood, said: “Our visits to Askefield Farm are a highlight for the children. They give pupils the chance to learn in a completely different way – immersed in nature, working together, and developing life skills they’ll carry with them for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind for making this possible and for investing in opportunities that genuinely make a difference to our children and community.”