Meet the Ernest Cook Trust Education Team

Susan's new classroom – the countryside

Susan Perry has swapped the classroom for the great outdoors to become the Little Dalby Estate's first Education Officer.

The former primary school teacher now works for the Ernest Cook Trust, one of the UK's leading educational charities which is rooted in the conservation and management of the countryside.

The Trust actively encourages children and young people to learn from the land through hands-on educational opportunities on its estates across five English counties, including Little Dalby in Leicestershire.

Susan organises school visits to the estate, centred on its new Hollies Education Centre. She was formerly a primary school science co-ordinator and she combines her subject knowledge with a passion for the environment.

"I'm really enjoying the job – who wouldn't?" she said. "I've always been interested in the outdoors and wildlife. And former colleagues are quite envious – one teacher came out to visit and said 'can I be your assistant please?' !"

The estate's newly-refurbished education centre, housed in former farm buildings in Little Dalby, can accommodate groups of up to 30 schoolchildren.

Visits are planned to suit primary or secondary school pupils. Activities on offer include seeing sheep dogs at work, visiting local farmyards, woodland activities and pond dipping.

Susan has been busy developing links with Leicestershire schools. When a school is interested in visiting, she works with teachers to tailor it to their particular needs and the requirements of the curriculum.

"My role is to go to schools and say, this is what we have to offer on the estate – how can we help you?" she said.

To contact Susan Perry, Education Officer on the Little Dalby Estate,
telephone 01664 454553 or e-mail susan.perry@ernestcooktrust.org.uk