MORE than 1,200 primary school pupils from across the Scottish Borders enjoyed a taste of the country last week.

The Border Union Agricultural Society was host to yet another successful Countryside Day for all Primary 5 children at Springwood Park in Kelso.

They witnessed horses being shod, sheep being shorn, sheep dog demonstrations, saw animals up close, life which exists in the rivers, how bees make honey and how the rainfall creates the rivers and sometimes, regrettably, flooding in some places.

There were agricultural vehicles on display demonstrating how they work and the children could take part in competitions and activities, all designed to show how the countryside and the environment works, and the inter-relationship of the activities that go on every day without being appreciated.

Ronald Wilson, secretary of the Border Union Agricultural Society, said: "The sun shone on a wonderful educational experience for all of these children, and the noise and bustle of activity was a backdrop to a huge number of activities, all centred around showing them the wonderful environment in which they live and how fortunate they are to live in the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders.

"As evidence of the enjoyment and learning of the children, many reluctantly left the Park after one of the most educationally important days of their entire school life."

A total of 1228 ten year olds, as well as more than 170 teachers and parent helpers, enjoyed the fourth annual Schools Countryside Day.

The introduction of foreign language into many of the activities was well received by both the pupils and their teachers.

Scottish Borders Council provided transport for the pupils, from West Linton to Newcastleton, from Eyemouth to Heriot, and everywhere in between. Support was also given by Charity Begins At Home, Greenvale AP, Case IH, Bayer Science Ltd, Tesco, BSW, Kelso Farmers Market, Agrii, and Ford & Etal Estates.

Ron added: "The Border Union Directors are very grateful to all the businesses and individuals who gave up their time either demonstrating their skills or volunteering as stewards to make this very special day possible."

There was also further good news for the organisers of the popular Countryside Day with the Duke of Roxburghe and representatives of EDF Energy, who manage the Fallago Environment Fund, announced a package to fund the event for a further two years.