Pupils Celebrate Year of Farming, Food and Learning at Broughgammon Farm

A celebratory picnic was held at Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, on 15 June to mark the successful completion of the Sow Grow Eat project.

Delivered by the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC), the Nature and Environment project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive, under the Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities investment area

Facilitated by Becky Cole of Broughgammon Farm, the project began in September 2025 and involved Key Stage 1 pupils from Bushmills Primary School and Gaelscoil an Chaistil, Ballycastle.

Over the course of the programme, children explored where food comes from, how it is grown, and the role farming plays in local heritage, sustainability and community life. Through regular visits to Broughgammon Farm, pupils took part in hands-on activities in farming, gardening, cooking and environmental learning.

Each child kept a seasonal project journal, recording their learning throughout the year. Activities included learning about farm life and seasonal cycles, pumpkin picking and baking, preserving the harvest, indoor growing during winter months, and developing growing plots at Bushmills Community Garden and Gaelscoil an Chaistil ahead of spring planting.

As the project progressed, pupils also explored topics including seeds, meadows, lambing, the life cycle from egg to chick, native plants, soil health, flowers and bees.

A highlight of the programme was the Tales and Tatties event held at Bushmills Courthouse in March, where pupils explored the cultural journey of the potato in Ireland and India through cooking, storytelling and creative activities. The session highlighted how food can connect cultures while deepening understanding of local and global food traditions and sustainable farming.

The project concluded with a celebratory picnic at Broughgammon Farm, where pupils sampled farm produce, enjoyed a bread-making demonstration by Ciara O’Hartghaile, and took part in a farm tour reflecting on their experiences and achievements.

“Projects such as Sow Grow Eat demonstrate the value of creating opportunities for young people to learn together, build connections and explore shared experiences through food, culture and sustainability. Causeway Coast & Glens PEACEPLUS is proud to support the initiatives that help build peaceful and thriving communities.”

Speaking after the event, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Project Officer Tiérna Mullan said:

“Sow Grow Eat has been a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with nature, farming and food production in a meaningful way. Using a local working farm gave pupils a unique hands-on learning experience and helped them connect with local food heritage and sustainable farming practices. Throughout the year, they showed great enthusiasm and curiosity, building skills, confidence and friendships. The celebratory picnic was a wonderful way to recognise their achievements and thank everyone involved.”