The Royal Northern Countryside Initiative was created to give children and young people an insight into rural life and provide balanced information about agriculture, sustainability and the importance of rural communities. The RNCI was founded in 1997 and has grown from links between the Royal Highland Education Trust and the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, together with the participation of several leading local businesses. Covering the north-east of Scotland, RNCI works alongside volunteers to provide free farm visits, classroom talks and demonstrations in our countryside classroom on wheels. RNCI champions countryside education by engaging children from an early age using classroom resource boxes, farm visits, food and farming days, STEM days, and take-home projects such as windowsill garden kits.
The RNCI team are passionate about connecting students with the land and teaching them about farming practices, with the hope to inspire the children to foster a deep appreciation for their food and to encourage responsible choices. By creating memorable experiences for every child and being present at career days, RNCI hopes to kindle a drive among the future generation to pursue countryside careers.
Having provided free education to school pupils and teachers in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City for over 25 years, the RNCI has built up a fantastic relationship with the rural sector. Through robust engagement initiatives, RNCI connects with thousands of children and teachers annually. On top of this, RNCI enables children to continue their learning at home using DIY vegetable growing kits and soup recipes, developing children’s growing and cooking skills.
RNCI does not accept distance or accessibility as an obstacle to learning and commits to visiting and engaging with any community with Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, and building partnerships with local businesses and benefactors. For example, a local garden centre provided seeds and compost for the windowsill garden project.
Although Covid prevented in-person events and roadshows, the RNCI quickly adapted to create virtual experiences. Through the dedication of their staff and partners, the charity has become more efficient and gained new skills and connections illustrating the passion for teaching children about food and farming.