Learn more about farming and its links to STEMM at the Discovery Zone at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show.
The Discovery Zone is a festival of knowledge at the Royal Norfolk Show and this year it has moved to sit beside the STEMM Village – blending the worlds of food, farming and countryside with the wonders of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) education.
In partnership with the Food and Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the Discovery Zone is a place where students can develop a deeper understanding of agriculture through hands-on experiences and interactive showcases.
“The theme of the Discovery Zone this year is sugar beet,” said Frances Roberson, trust manager of FFDT. “Many people aren’t aware that we can grow and produce sugar here in the UK (specifically in East Anglia), so it’s really important to make the public aware of this.”
FFDT is working with the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) this year to create the Sugar Beet Trail, which visitors can follow to learn about the growing process of sugar beet from seed to harvest, as well as how it is used to create sugar and other bio-products, while taking part in interactive activities.
Francesca Broom, knowledge exchange manager at BBRO, said the organisation is looking forward to supporting the Discovery Zone this year “to demonstrate how this humble looking crop can provide energy for humans and animals and support the country’s power infrastructure”.
Thornage Hall
North Norfolk charity Thornage Hall is returning to the Discovery Zone to demonstrate how the team farms biodynamically at its 70-acre site, which also provides supported living, learning and work for adults with learning disabilities.
The charity will be bringing its own Red Poll cattle, along with some of its amazing produce, and will host a range of interactive activities too, with knowledgeable staff on hand to advise.
“We are honoured to be returning to the Royal Norfolk Show this year, especially as this year marks the 100th anniversary of biodynamic farming at Thornage Hall,” said land assistant Louise Ferris.
“We hope to share what we love about this way of farming and growing and look forward to talking to as many people as possible!”
Science Tent
The Science Tent will be back in the Discovery Zone showcasing some of the advances in agricultural science and biotechnology.
“As a plant scientist myself, I am so excited to be able to bring new and exciting innovations in agri-technology to the visiting public this year,” said Dr Samantha Fox, director of the Youth STEMM Award, who is also coordinating the STEMM Village.
Visitors will have the chance to meet with members of the scientific community and take part in educational, interactive activities to learn all about their work, which ranges from soil management and eco-friendly chemical alternatives to species identification.
Groups in attendance include the John Innes Centre, University of East Anglia, PfBIO, VF Agriculture, Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, The Norfolk and Norwich Science Association and The Little Story Telling Company.
For more information, visit royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
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