Prince Charles writes in a forward to Country Life this week that it’s imperative to value what the countryside provides and support the people who live and work in the countryside to make it thrive.
He writes, “The rich, natural tapestry that is the countryside we value so highly does not just happen by itself. But that delicately woven tapestry is facing unprecedented challenges.
"Start pulling out the threads and the rest unravels very rapidly indeed, and is very difficult to put back again - no farmers, no beautiful landscapes with hedgerows and stone walls; no thriving rural communities, no villages - or village pubs; no local markets, no distinctive local foods. Somehow, we need to find a way to put a value on our countryside, with all its facets."
The Prince’s Countryside Fund, founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, who has a long-held commitment to supporting Britain’s hard pressed rural areas, was set up by Business in the Community in July 2010. With support from businesses and donations from the public we have been able to invest £4.4 million by providing grants that have directly benefitted 80,000 people living and working in our rural communities in greatest need.
Helen Aldis, Manager of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said; “Our work to support and sustain rural communities would not be possible without the generous contributions of our supporting companies and individuals alike.
"In addition to contributing to the funding of 105 projects across the UK to date, the quick and generous reaction to the plight of the farmers and communities hit by the devastating floods in early 2014 is a testament to how businesses and communities can work together in times of crisis. However, we must continue to invest in supporting the people who care for the countryside to ensure it flourishes and survives for future generations”.
