DUCHY College Stoke Climsland has played host to some of the UK’s leading grassland experts during a four day conference.

Nearly 200 members of the British Grassland Society from as far afield as Aberdeen visited the campus and explored the local area for their annual summer meeting.

The British Grassland Society is a forum for those with an active interest in the science and practice of grass and forage production and utilisation.  The group brings together research workers, farmers, advisers, teachers and technical members of the agricultural industry.

Day Chairman from South East Cornwall Grassland Society said: ‘The event has been very well attended. Here in South East Cornwall we have some of the best dairy units in the region. It’s great to have the national Grassland Society here to show off what we have here in the South West. Our visitors have been really involved and engaged in what they’ve seen here today and are keen to find out more.’

Delegates from across the UK came to find out more about the mild climate, diverse landscape and grazing conditions in Cornwall.  The group got to explore a number of local farms, listen to a host of guest speakers and enjoy a gala dinner. 

The director of the British Grassland Society, Elaine Jewkes, said: ‘We were really delighted to be down here in Cornwall, the local committee did a fantastic job in finding us a diverse range of farms around the peninsula.’

Delegates also toured the college campus and learned about the work of the Rural Business School to include the award-winning Farm Crap App.