A NEW bus is leading the way in food literacy in the Chew Valley and beyond.

The Chew Magna-based Pony Group has built and launched an interactive Farm Bus to drive awareness and understanding of how our food is grown, in a playful and engaging way.

The vintage double-decker bus was turned into the ‘mobile farm’ with help from funding through chef-led dinners at The Pony with famous chefs such as Tom Kerridge and a crowdfunder.

The Pony Farm Bus CIC project was inspired by siblings Josh Eggleton MBE and Holly Eggleton’s existing community efforts across Bristol and Somerset.

Co-owner of The Pony Group, Holly Eggleton, said: “Immersing ourselves into the community is behind everything we do, and it’s been a real community effort getting the wheels of the Farm Bus in motion.

Before its dramatic transformation, the Pony Farm Bus was a tired and sad double decker.
Before its dramatic transformation, the Pony Farm Bus was a tired and sad double decker. (The Pony Farm Bus CIC)

“As much as we’re looking forward to seeing it out and about in our local area, it will also be exciting for our teams to travel around the country, helping all sorts of groups.”

Together with partner Arthur David, the brother and sister’s CIC initiative aims to enhance people’s understanding of where their food comes from and inspire through learning opportunities such as cooking classes, workshops and informational resources.

The bus features a hydroponic growing system, planters, a demonstration platform, kitchen, dining and picnic areas and a library of resources; everything needed to share farming practices and more in an inspiring, compact and mobile space.

Access to food education remains an important issue and challenge throughout the UK with a plan for the bus to visit 25 schools a year, reaching 2,500 school children over the course of a year.

Once a month, they also hope to bring the bus to community groups and festivals to reach a diverse audience, working with charities and organisations such as the NHS.