Jelly and Oof teach the Countryside Code
Recognising that references to the countryside code in the Isle of Man were hard to find, the Manx National Farmers Union decided to create a unique way to deliver the Countryside Code message to children and families through the Islands primary schools
The Idea
The concept was started by farmer, Paula Creer from Crosby, who was inspired by a very characterful orphan calf and lamb on the family farm, that had formed an unlikely friendship. Her grandchildren named them Jelly the calf and Oof the lamb, and the story began! Paula’s idea for the two to become the main characters in a story was developed and the MNFU team worked with Paula to create ‘The Adventures of Jelly and Oof’. The story tells of what happens when the two friends are accidentally let out of their field. Professional artist Steph Quayle Jackson, also a farmer, was commissioned to create the artwork and MNFU’s own Carolyn Lace wrote the story that is now being delivered in the Islands Primary Schools.
School Visits
Children hear the story and get to discuss the situations Jelly and Oof get themselves in to, and how best to take care when out in the countryside. Paula the farmer brings along the animals and after the story, the children get to meet them and relate the countryside code to the actual animals. They also all get issued with their own copy of the storybook for free!
The project has become increasingly popular in schools over the last two years. The original Jelly is now a full time Mum so some enthusiastic juniors are in training to join Oof and the team on the celebrity circuit. The new recruits love to join the children in the classroom, which is very entertaining for everyone!
Friendly Signage
The success of the Jelly and Oof project led to the development of some friendly advisory signage that is currently being displayed by farmers around the countryside. The hope is that children and families when out enjoying the Island’s many beautiful glens, plantations and footpaths, will recognise the signage from the story of Jelly and Oof and relate to it more effectively. Ultimately we hope to encourage more empathy and understanding for those managing farmland, livestock, and the environment, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Get Involved
Both the school visits and the signage are free. This would not have been possible without the support of the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, and the Rotary Club of Douglas, who recognised the value of increasing education and awareness about the countryside code on the Isle of Man. Their contribution has been invaluable to the success of the project, and the Manx National Farmers Union are very grateful for the continued support.
Schools can book a free visit using the button below. Farmers can request the free signs by contacting the MNFU Office on 01624 662204 or 07624 490327, or email office@manx-nfu.org.
Book a School Visit Now
Our Countryside Code school visits are most suited to year groups one and two but can and have been adapted to suit all Primary School ages