The Hardwill Building, based at the Discover Farming Classroom at Washingpool Farm in Bridport, was officially opened by Peter Hardwill, President of the Melplash Agricultural Society in 2026 and founder of local business, P H Hardwill Ltd.

Peter commented, “It gives me great pleasure to donate the Hardwill Building to the Melplash Agricultural Society’s Discover Farming classroom at Washingpool Farm, as our own business celebrates its 60th anniversary and I serve as Society President.  I am passionate about the Discover Farming project and its lasting impact on primary school children.

By showing them how food is grown and produced, the project can inspire careers in the sector, encourage an appreciation of nutritious food, and create lasting rural memories.  The Hardwill building will provide much-needed shelter for outdoor learning, enabling children to be outside in all weathers!  I hope it serves the community for many years and helps educate generations of local children.”

The Melplash Agricultural Society is a charity supporting farmers and food producers in West Dorset.  Our Discover Farming initiative encourages young people to learn about agriculture, food production and related career opportunities.  The classroom is used by local schools to explore topics such as farming, food, and the environment, and is led by education co-ordinator Katie Vining.

Pupils from St Catherine’s School in Bridport, Burton Bradstock and Powerstock Schools attended the building’s official opening ceronomy during the annual Discover Farming Classroom Expert Day.