Prince’s Countryside Fund

Prince Charles has unveiled his 19th charity which aims to assist rural communities and provide funds for use in emergencies. The charity will provide money for training schemes which aim to assist young people in learning the skills being lost as young rural populations increasing move to towns and cities. “The important thing is to ensure rural skills are maintained and that young people have a chance to take part in rural businesses,” Prince Charles said.

Businesses such as Waitrose, MacDonalds, Marks and Spencer and Jordan’s Cereal have all donated money to the charity and in return will display the charity’s logo on selected products. More than £1 million has been pledged for the first year of the fund. “A whole number of companies have come together and have made a contribution make donations,” said Waitrose managing director Mark Price.

Upland areas were particularly at risk, said the Prince. “In rural communities, there is a great deal more hardship than many people realise,” he said. The average annual farm income is £18,000, according to the latest government figures. But hill farmers can earn as little as £6,000 a year.

The Commission for Rural Communities called for a new strategy to revitilise England’s upland communities last month as these areas are failing to realise their potential despite underpinning a wealth of natural and cultural assets it warned. Problems included a lack of affordable housing, poor mobile phone coverage and slow broadband connections.