SOME of Yorkshire's largest country estates are to open their gates to schoolchildren in the next few weeks in a move to promote awareness and understanding of the countryside.

Almost 700 seven to 11-year-olds from 16 schools will meet farmers, foresters and gamekeepers, plus managers and owners, and see for themselves what goes on behind the scenes as part of a nationwide programme organised by the Countryside Foundation for Education and supported by members of the Country Land and Business Association.

"This is the third year that CLA members have supported what we believe is the best way for the future of bridging the widening gap in understanding what farmers and landowners do as stewards and managers of the countryside," said Michael Willoughby,CLA Yorkshire chairman and manager of the Birdsall Estate.

"The scheme is growing in popularity. Not only do the children clearly enjoy their day out, but subsequently tackle their course work with huge enthusiasm."

Almost 300 children from eight schools will visit Lord Middleton's Birdsall Estate, near Malton, and more than 200 from five schools will go to the Garrowby Estate of Lord Halifax in East Yorkshire this month. In July, another 200 children from three schools will be guests at the Lane Fox's Bramham Park estate, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.