Going for Gold at Lark Rise Farm In an age where most young people's connection to nature extends little beyond weekend walks and Instagram-worthy landscapes, 24 teenagers recently experienced something far more profound. Between the ages of 16 and 19, these Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participants spent five transformative days and four nights wild camping on farmland owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), emerging with skills, confidence, and perspectives that no standard indoor classroom could provide. It was the third successive year the CRT has hosted the summer event. The adventure began with enthusiasm tempered by uncertainty. For most participants, the concept of living off the land was uncharted territory. Armed with camping equipment and guided by experienced mentors, they established their temporary home in the heart of working countryside, where the rhythm of rural life would become their daily reality. Perhaps no aspect of the experience proved more eye-opening than the food component of their adventure. In a society where protein arrives neatly packaged in supermarket aisles, these young adults confronted the reality of where their meals truly originate. Under careful supervision, they learned to prepare, and cook, and in some cases ‘catch’ wild game, including pigeon, deer, rabbit, crayfish (below), and trout. The process challenged preconceptions and comfort zones. The group discovered that understanding this process, rather than remaining disconnected from it, creates a more thoughtful and respectful relationship with food. The program extended far beyond survival skills into active countryside stewardship. Participants engaged in hands-on conservation work that directly benefited the local environment while teaching them about land management challenges and solutions. Footpath maintenance formed a crucial part of their conservation efforts. The group learned how properly maintained paths prevent erosion, protect sensitive habitats, and ensure countryside access for future generations. The art of scything proved particularly captivating for the group. Learning to cut grass with this ancient tool connected them to centuries of agricultural tradition while providing an environmentally friendly alternative to mechanical removal. The less skilled ‘slasher’ was also enthusiastically deployed to cut back brambles and scrub. Environmental protection took on immediate relevance through their work removing invasive Himalayan balsam from the Bourn Brook. This hands-on conservation activity demonstrated how non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native wildlife. Participants learned to identify the plant and saw firsthand how rapidly this invasive plant can colonise waterways, crowding out indigenous flora that local wildlife depends upon. The daily gathering after breakfast provided opportunities for deeper reflection through presentations on personal heroes. The diversity of choices revealed the varied interests and values within the group, while the requirement to articulate why these figures inspired them encouraged thoughtful analysis of character and achievement. Steve Irwin emerged as a popular choice among several participants. The Australian naturalist's passionate advocacy for wildlife conservation and his infectious enthusiasm for nature education resonated strongly with young adults who were experiencing their own direct connection to the natural world. One particularly thought-provoking presentation focused on Jeremy Clarkson, specifically his transformation from motoring journalist to farmer as documented in the Amazon show, Clarkson's Farm. This unexpected choice sparked discussions about agricultural challenges and the reality of food production in modern Britain. The participant's selection highlighted how Clarkson's often humorous struggles with farming had illuminated agricultural complexities for urban audiences, creating a bridge between city and countryside perspectives. Evening gatherings around the campfire were deeply bonding. Teams learned to cook the game they had prepared and prepare recipes with more familiar ingredients, but using the primitive technique of cooking on an open fire, using wood responsibly gathered from the site. Throughout their five-day experience, participants learned practical skills that also helped build their confidence and problem-solving abilities. The experience of successfully navigating challenges without immediate access to modern conveniences proved empowering, demonstrating their capability to adapt and. overcome obstacles through creativity and effort. The Gold Duke of Edinburgh program is perfectly aligned with the CRT’s mission to educate the public about countryside matters. By providing the perfect location for a direct, hands-on experience rather than theoretical knowledge, the charity is delighted to be involved in the scheme. The transformation was evident in participants' changed perspectives on rural life, conservation challenges, and their own relationship with the natural environment. Some expressed intentions to pursue further outdoor experiences and several showed genuine interest in conservation careers. As the five days concluded, the group departed with more than just memories of an unusual camping trip. They carried new skills, broadened perspectives, and deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of countryside life. Their experience serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful education often happens outside traditional classrooms, in direct engagement with the world around us. In an increasingly urbanised society, programs like this bridge crucial gaps in understanding between city and countryside, creating informed citizens who appreciate the land that sustains us all. CRT conservation officer, Vince Lea, who took part in the event, described the week as ‘uplifting’. “There’s no doubt this builds skills so youngsters can take positive action, and they all now understand that the natural world needs to be looked after.” Published: August 2025 Manage Cookie Preferences