LECKHAMPSTEAD farmer Alison Brown has written a delightful book to raise children's awareness of nature-friendly farming - supporting nature by caring for flora and fauna.
She and her husband farm on 178 acres of chalk downland - Downland Farming. Her husband's family have farmed the land for more than 100 years.
Alison grew up on a farm and has a keen interest in the countryside. She taught geography for many years and holds a PhD in geographical education.
Alison wrote Rufus and Sarah's Farm Walk to raise awareness of sustainable farming and where food comes from by taking young readers on a walk around a small downland farm, introducing many aspects of sustainable mixed farming.
She is passionate about getting the word out to young people.
"It is a good idea to get the right message out there about farming and the countryside.
"I feel the emphasis should be on raising children's awareness of where their food comes from and information about nature-friendly farming."
Rufus and Sarah's Farm Walk is beautifully illustrated by local artist Helen Scholes, who brings alive the local landscape, flora and fauna.
As a former teacher, Alison has written the book in a child-friendly way to introduce children to key geographical concepts and knowledge about the environment.
And she hopes that school groups - both primary and secondary - will visit the farm to experience for themselves the workings of the farm.
"We have built a barn extension with toilets, hand washing facilities and a classroom to welcome school visits," says Alison.
You can read more about the farm and their philosophy at www.downlandfarming.co.uk
The book launched in the village last week is for sale at £7.99 and can be ordered directly from [email protected]
Illustrator Helen Scholes holds a degree in graphic design and illustration and is also a fellow of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society (FCLAS), an accredited calligraphy tutor and an experienced art teacher.
She has worked on lettering arts and design projects for more than 20 years and has drawn on all these areas of expertise in the design and illustration of Rufus and Sarah's Farm Walk.