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The Duke’s family has been welcoming children on Country Trust visits to Eaton, in Cheshire, which have included visits to Grosvenor Farms (a major dairy farm), and Abbeystead in Lancashire, for more than 25 years.
The Duke works closely with The Country Trust to support its vision to bring an understanding of food and the countryside to every child experiencing disadvantage through quality learning experiences.
Masterchef Winner, Writer, Entrepreneur
“Cooking and ingredients have inspired me and enriched my life since I was a child, particularly when these have taken me on fascinating adventures around the world. I applaud The Country Trust for broadening the range of educational possibilities for children from all faiths and backgrounds into growing and cooking and nurturing the confidence to enjoy introducing new foods into their diets”.
Food writer, author, commentator, entrepreneur, presenter BBC Good Food, Judge & Co-Presenter The Great Taste Awards Final
"A picky eater as a child; I went on to build a life and career around food. And so now, I am determined to make sure that my two children discover a love for fresh produce, cooking and wholesome meals during their childhood. I feel passionately about this, and wish there were more opportunities for children from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds to experience all the joys and wonders of food and agriculture from an early age; building knowledge and habits that will last a lifetime. Very honoured to be supporting the work of The Country Trust."
Actor & Writer
"Most of us live in towns and cities now, and lots of children are growing up with no connection with the countryside and the land that sustains us all. The Country Trust is changing that, providing life enhancing food and farming opportunities for children facing disadvantage across England and Wales, which I wholeheartedly applaud."
Founder Seed Explorers & Head Tutor The Raymond Blanc Gardening School at Le Manoir aux Quait'Saisons.
"It is so important for all children, especially those facing disadvantage, to be able to discover where our food comes from. The Country Trust makes this happen through residentials and farm visits, as well as in the classroom; enabling children to run through green spaces, get their hands muddy, to experience the magic of picking and tasting freshly ripe fruit straight off the plant or digging their own vegetables out of the ground."
Former Strictly Dance Pro & Stage Star - Our Life At The Barn
"Stepping away from the bright lights of Strictly and the stage to Our Life at The Barn, a smallholding surrounded by rolling hills and working farms, has opened up a whole new world. I never cease to be captivated by the countryside with the ever changing seasons and how we all depend upon the soil. From busy lambing season to harvest time, farming is hard but such vital work, which is why its great that children facing disadvantage are given the opportunity, through The Country Trust, to connect with those who produce our food and look after the land."
Photo: @AdamFradgley
Film and Property Entrepreneur
“I believe entrepreneurial flare comes from having the courage to try new things, take risks and put trust in your own ability to reach the goals you set for yourself. When Country Trust give children the opportunity to experience a brand-new environment, like a working farm, and overcome all the little challenges that may come with it, those formative moments are so vital for nurturing confidence and self esteem - which are the greatest gifts you can give a child and why I am so dedicated in my support of their work.”
Chef & Co-Founder at Sorted Food
"Forging interest and excitement about food and where it is grown for young people is, in my opinion, so important. I am delighted, therefore, to champion the Country Trust's commitment to enabling children facing disadvantage to meet those who grow our food and look after the land; to get their hands in the soil, to harvest, cook and taste; to discover the journey from farm to fork."
The Black Farmer
"It's important that young people understand the journey from farm to fork. If we don't connect the next generation with where their food comes from, we'll lose something essential in our culture and communities."
Farmers - Fletchers' Family Farm
“We never cease to be inspired by the beauty of our rural surroundings in the Peak District. We hope the rhythms of farm life, witnessing how food is grown through the changing seasons, whilst forging their own relationship with nature, will benefit our own children for life. We are delighted to support such a wonderful fundraising event which will lead directly to many more children, who do not have easy access to the great outdoors, being able to spend quality, mindful time on farms across the country, just like our own.”
Actor, comedian, presenter, writer
"Delighted to be a Country Trust Champion and support the fabulous opportunities offered to children across England and Wales, to explore the delights of the countryside, especially in my beloved Norfolk and East Anglia."
Environmentalist working towards sustainable food & farming systems
"Connecting young people with nature and showing them how food is grown is so important. It helps them engage with where their food comes from and ultimately helps them make informed decisions about their diets. At a time when our food systems have such an impact on the environment and our health, the Country Trust helps a new generation care about food, our planet and how it is all connected."
Award Winning Author, Columnist & Radio Producer/Presenter
"I had never before seen a real life combine harvester until I met my arable farming husband, John, on a blind date. I was absolutely ashamed at my own personal ignorance about food provenance, and since that life pivotal moment, I am now so passionate about reaching out and bridging that gap between food producer and consumer and to shout loud and proud about the great work that farmers and fishermen do all over the world. The Country Trust does just that for school children here in the UK; nurturing our next generation and championing the hard work that British farmers do to help put food on our tables. Educating young school children about farming and food is at the heart of The Country Trust and it's a great privilege to help support such a positive and significant charity."
Journalist, Author, Producer, Broadcaster
"A lot of my work revolves around building bridges between disconnected urban and rural communities, but it wasn't until I saw for myself the work of the Country Trust on our own family farm that I fully realised the value of sharing farm life with young urban people. Thanks to the Country Trust and the hard work of my sister 'Farmer Kate' and Dad 'Farmer Tony', we have welcomed hundreds of children to our small farm, to meet our sheepdog Peggy, Wonky the Bull and Miracle the Sheep. By sharing stories, we have opened up our world to children from many different backgrounds, and they, in turn, have taught us so much too. We are ever grateful for that opportunity, and I am honoured and proud to support the Country Trust in everything they do."
England Team & Bristol Bears Rugby Union Player
“I definitely feel that growing up spending a lot of time outdoors, running around in green space in all weathers with my siblings and friends was a strong foundation for becoming a professional sports person. The connection I forged with nature whilst helping to look after my family’s cows gave me space to think. Even now, I believe retreating to mindful time in the great outdoors helps mental fortitude, alongside all the physical benefits that come with exercising outside. For these reasons, I am pleased to lend my support to The Country Trust, at a time when it’s important to get kids playing outdoors, noticing the seasons changing. The fact that they also educate children on how to cook and eat healthily is, from my perspective as an athlete, giving children an invaluable start in life.”
Former Actor - Our Life At The Barn
"I started baking bread as a child growing up in Yorkshire and the passion for baking has stayed with me into adulthood. I never dreamt that I would swop acting on stage and screen for Our Life at The Barn and establishing a Micro Bakery, using fresh ingredients from our smallholding, such as the free range eggs laid by our chickens. Discovering how our food is produced, to see dairy cows grazing and wheat growing in the fields, connects children with the land that sustains us all and the food on our plates. Cooking from scratch with simple, fresh ingredients is not only an important life skill, but also integral to our health and wellbeing."
Former England Spin Bowler, Sports Presenter & Broadcaster
“I rate how The Country Trust promotes diversity in the countryside and gives children from all backgrounds space to find their own sense of agency with the land. From my perspective, overcoming small challenges when I was young, like going to a farm for the first time might be for some children, showed me I could be resilient and justified in believing in myself. Once you’ve figured that out as a child, you’re better equipped to exploit further opportunities that may come your way in life, and that’s why I’m pleased to lend my support to this worthwhile cause.”