Former Shuttleworth College student, now Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries Mark Spencer visited the Old Warden campus in May to meet the agricultural producers of the future.
Mark was the guest speaker at the annual Shuttleworth Lecture of the East of England Agricultural Society and met with students and farmers from across the region.
He took the time to revisit his old digs at the campus, where students from all across the UK, and sometimes the world, have “lived in” for generations.
An inspiring environment
Talking to Dr Catherine Lloyd, Vice Principal at Shuttleworth College, Mark heard how a £2 Million investment in Kingshill Farm, part of the College, will support curriculum change to deliver the T Levels in Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care.
The funds come, in part, from Government T Level grants and also from The Bedford College Group. The money will provide high-quality teaching accommodation and fit-for-purpose facilities which will in turn provide an inspiring environment for students at the Old Warden Park setting.
Developing skills
The site currently provides an educational setting for students who are involved in all aspects of farm and habitat management. This plays an important role in developing skills with both arable and livestock enterprises and gain a wider understanding of land management.
This investment will enable effective utilisation of new and emerging technologies, providing workshop and classroom space for effective delivery of T Level qualifications.
Kingshill Farm will provide the focus for the occupational specialisms of crop production, livestock production, as well as providing access to livestock to enhance the experience of the animal management T Level students.