Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh has undertakena two-day visit to Cumbria, celebrating the people, organisations and communities helping to shape a vibrant and sustainable future for the county's rural sector.
Accompanied by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria,
Alexander Scott, Her Royal Highness visited a range of farms, businesses and
community organisations across the county, some of those at the forefront of
farming, food production, education, community development, environmental
stewardship and rural innovation.
The visit began at Whins Farm near Kendal, where The Duchess
officially opened the Addington Fund's first New Entrant Starter Farm. There,
she met new tenant farmers Kieran Milburn and Aine Devlin and learned how the
pioneering scheme is helping aspiring farmers overcome barriers to entering the
industry.
Continuing the theme of supporting sustainable rural livelihoods
and championing a field-to-fork approach to local food, Her Royal Highness
visited Home Grown Here and The Butchers Arms in Crosby Ravensworth. The visits
celebrated local food production, community ownership and resilient supply
chains, showcasing how communities are working together to keep more value
within the local economy, support local enterprise and strengthen rural
communities.
At Rheged, The Duchess met representatives involved in the
Royal Countryside Fund's Supporting Rural Communities Programme, hearing
first-hand about initiatives helping rural communities respond to challenges,
create opportunities and build long-term resilience.
The second day focused on developing future talent and
embracing innovation. At Low Beckside Farm, hosted by the Ernest Cook Trust and
partners, Her Royal Highness met young people involved in education and skills
programmes designed to inspire the next generation of countryside leaders. She
also joined celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of Penrith Young Farmers
Club.
The visit concluded in Borrowdale, where The Duchess met
farming families at Nook Farm and Seatoller Farm. Discussions focused on
sustainable land management, diversification, environmental stewardship and
innovative approaches to renewable energy. .
Throughout the visit, a common theme emerged: the
determination of Cumbrian communities to preserve what is special about rural
life while embracing new opportunities for future generations.
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott,
said:
"It was a privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness The
Duchess of Edinburgh to Cumbria. Across two days, she met an inspiring range of
individuals and organisations who are making a real difference to our rural
communities.
From supporting new entrants into farming and strengthening
local food networks, to developing future skills and pioneering innovative
environmental solutions, this visit showcased the very best of Cumbria.
The Duchess's visit recognised not only our county's rich
rural heritage, but also the ambition, creativity and resilience that will
shape its future."
The Cumbria Lieutenancy extends its sincere thanks to all the organisations, businesses, volunteers, farmers and community groups who contributed to a successful and memorable Royal Visit.
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