Photo: Loheland Foundation

The Rudolf Steiner School Loheland lies on historic ground: Founded in 1919, the Loheland settlement in the Hessian Rhön is considered to be the oldest anthroposophical settlement in Germany. Biodynamic farming has been practised here since the founding years, and since the 2024/25 school year it has been organized as a school farm under the name Hof Loheland.

The animal-based educational approach is intended to open up new educational and experiential spaces and also revitalize the Loheland estate as a whole. The farm becomes a classroom: pupils in grades one to five spend one day a week on the farm. They take responsibility for animals such as cows, sheep, goats, chickens and runner ducks and are actively involved in all work processes. Processing into bread and dairy products is also planned, allowing the children to experience the value of food directly. They experience self-efficacy, develop social skills and deepen their ability to relate to the animals.

This close connection between education and agriculture is further strengthened through cooperation with the Arche project. The Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds (GEH) is committed to so-called Red List breeds. The aim is to integrate these endangered livestock into agricultural practice, exploit their potential and ensure their long-term preservation. Ten cattle of the endangered Red Mountain cattle breed, among others, are already grazing in Loheland, and Thuringian Forest goats will soon be added to the herd.

"The hands-on educational approach promotes children's health at all levels," says project manager Anne Bresser, emphasizing SAGST's motivation for its support. "Direct contact with nature and animals strengthens self-awareness and environmental awareness, promotes sustainability and preventative health measures. In addition, dealing with endangered livestock breeds raises awareness of biodiversity and animal welfare." A special curriculum for the Ark Farm and the school is also being developed. The knowledge gained on organizational structures and educational concepts will also benefit other educational institutions, farms and communities.