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COUNTRY LIFE w www.countrylife.co.uk RESTORATION/ARCHITECTURE NOVEMBER 14 14, 2012 We celebrate the Duchy of How the has changed countryside thinking Today, The is marking an important anniversary: 60 years as The of Cornwall. Paula Lester discovers how he has transformed the Duchy of Cornwall into a thriving organisation reliant as much on the people who work for it and live on the land as on the founding principles of his vision

he Prince of Wales’s passion well-documented support of and passion for for rural life and landscape is well organic farming, traditional architecture and wild- known. What is less commonly cele- life conservation, it’s not surprising that he, brated, however, is his commitment, personally, has helped to boost the Duchy’s Tthrough the Duchy of Cornwall, to regene- income (£18.3 million in 2011–2012) through ration in general. Whether it be the Campaign myriad enterprises, such as the for Wool, social-housing schemes or encourag- at Highgrove, the Duchy Nursery at ing young people and former offenders to find and the Duchy Holiday Cottages. Duchy Ori- work, The Prince has created a forward-think- ginals, the organic food business he founded ing, well-oiled machine of its own time. in 1992, as part of a commitment to what he calls Created by Edward III in 1337 to provide the a ‘virtuous circle’ of providing natural, high- heir to the throne with an income independent quality organic and premium products, has of , the Duchy is a private estate that generated £3.5 million for charity since it was funds the public, charitable and private activ- relaunched by in September 2010. ities of The Prince of Wales and his family. Many of those we spoke to for this article When Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in identified The Prince’s long-term vision as one 1952, Prince Charles—then aged three— of the main strengths of the Duchy, bolstered became the 24th . The by his desire to pass it on in a stronger condi- longest serving of any of the successive Princes tion. ‘Across all of our estates, and in all of our of Wales who have inherited the Duchy, Charles business operations, I will continue to try to will today (November 14), on his 64th birthday, ensure that the Duchy makes a real and lasting mark 60 years as Duke of Cornwall. contribution to the communities in which we Encompassing more than 131,974 acres across live and work,’ The Prince has said. ‘Diversity 23 counties—mostly in the south-west of is perhaps its greatest strength—and its con- , including the , but also tinuation is one of the most important things in and —the we can hand on to the next generation.’ estate’s main income derives from the com- Did you know? mercial management of its land and properties. l When The Prince was officially proclaimed The Duchy crest features 15 gold bezants Duke of Cornwall at in emblazoned on a black shield. Although it’s 1973, his feudal dues included a pair of white unclear why the county originally adopted such gloves, gilt spurs, greyhounds, 1lb of pepper a bold emblem, some believe the design springs and cumin, a bow, 100 silver shillings, wood from when the king’s eldest son was captured for his fires and a salmon spear by the Saracens during the Crusades. Loyal l The Duchy of Cornwall gave £522,000 to Cornishmen, it is said, helped to raise the ran- charity in the year ended March 31, 2012 som of 15 golden coins, or bezants. The shield l It employs 130 members of staff is thought to commemorate this Prince’s ransom, l There are more than 270 ancient monuments with the legend ‘One and All’ noting a splendid across the Duchy, including the castles at joint effort by Cornishmen to save their Prince. , and Launceston. Since taking over the estate’s management l Some of the oldest parts are the Dart, at the age of 21, The Prince has created a tan- Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Avon, Tamar, , gible and thriving example of his vision for Helford and Camel estuaries, and coastal fore-

Andrew Lawson Photographysustainable living. Given His Royal Highness’s shore around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ➢

46 Country Life, November 14, 2012

We celebrate the Duchy of Cornwall

l The Duke has right of wreck on ships Duchy tenants greatest strength. ‘It’s like a wise old ing to struggling sheep farmers who wrecked on most of the Cornish shores feel that The Duke uncle—it might take time to make deci- could no longer get a decent price for of Cambridge sions, but they’re usually the right ones.’ older ewes The Duchy Home Farm Manager (right) will con- Did you know? ‘Back in the 1980s, organic farming tinue his father’s l The Duchy Home Farm was con- The ‘starter’ farmers was seen as pretty cranky and The pioneering work verted in 1986 and is a flagship farm ‘When the phonecall came telling us Prince was conscious of the fact that for the organic movement we’d actually got it [the tenancy of many people were against what he l Duchy Originals was launched 20 a recently created ‘starter farm’], we was doing. But he said: “If the Duchy years ago and is now run in partner- were terribly excited,’ admits live- can’t afford to try this, who can?”,’ ship with Waitrose—it started with stock farmer Matthew Heard. The reveals David Wilson, farm manager the Oaten biscuit. There are more 41-year-old, his wife, Christiana, and at Highgrove since 1985. than 200 products now and all profits their son and daughter will move into ‘Working for The Prince could not go to The Prince of Wales’s Charit- their newly refurbished farmhouse be anything other than an opportunity,’ able Foundation, with more than £10 on the estate near Cul- he adds, citing the success of red- million raised to date lompton, , this month after 15 clover pasture as the achievement he’s l Duchy Originals makes organic years and 10 attempts to secure their most proud of. ‘Representing his views, hair-care products devised by leading first farm tenancy. which I happen to share, is a huge hairdresser Daniel Galvin Jnr ‘Unless you’ve been through the privilege. He says “seeing is believing” l Patron of the Rare Breeds Survival process, you don’t realise what an and it’s true. Farmers judge crops and Trust, The Prince has long advocated achievement it is—tenancies don’t livestock at a glance, so it’s best to the use of breeds such as Tamworth and get handed out at fairs,’ explains Mr come and have a look at what we do.’ Large Black pigs, Irish Moiled, Glou- Heard, who, having worked as a herds- Admitting to still ‘getting a buzz cester, Shetland and British White cattle, man, a relief milker and a share from looking at a field of good-looking and Hebridean and Cotswold sheep farmer, is looking forward to calling cows or sheep, or a nice, clean wheat or l The Home Farm runs a successful the shots. ‘There is a lack of oppor- barley blowing in the breeze’, Mr Wilson vegetable-box scheme providing tunity in the UK,’ he attests. ‘A lot of

Chris Ison/PA Archive/Press Association Image; Duchy Originals/Waitrose; Nick Turner/Nature Picture Library believes the Duchy’s longevity is its locally sourced produce to more than land is generation owned and agri- 140 families culture is difficult to break into. But l The Prince encourages the growth we’re ready to get stuck in.’ of heritage seeds at Home Farm to For Matthew’s Texan-born wife, the gene pool alive Christiana, the Duchy has been a reve- As patron of the l Organic mutton is sent to Calcot lation. ‘I had no idea what it was Rare Breeds Manor Hotel, , Gloucester- before I moved here—Britain is very Survival Trust, shire, and The Ritz, London. The lucky to have something like this,’ The Prince farms Prince launched the Mutton Renais- she says. ‘We’re going to be very breeds such as sance campaign, championing meat happy on the farm—we can’t wait to Cotswold sheep from two-year-old sheep, after speak- move in for Christmas.’

www.countrylife.co.uk Did you know? senses in order to engage in learn- The Kingsbridge Did you know? l After leaving university, The Prince ing,’ she elaborates. ‘A classroom estuary at l The Prince has helped to increase spent time working on a sheep farm with an ever-changing ceiling and Salcombe and the Duchy’s capital value—to which on to get first-hand experi- a carpet of leaves is far better than East Portlemouth he has no access—by 30% in the past ence of the difficulties faced by tenants one with four walls—we don’t do in Devon is one of six years chalk and talk.’ the oldest parts The schoolmistress Grateful that the Duchy was will- of the Duchy The vicar ‘I’ve always loved the outdoors, but ing to invest in refurbishing the Mill Although neither an employee of the it was my dad who first suggested the Barn on the farm for the school, Duchy nor a tenant, the Rev Angus farm would be a great place for a Charlotte admits she was surprised Aagaard and his thriving south nursery school,’ explains Charlotte by how readily the estate accepted London parish of North and Lucas when asked what inspired her the idea. ‘We feel so lucky; my hus- , SE11, are set to benefit and her sister, Jayne Morris, to set band and I were blown away by how from the estate’s expert architect- up the Welton Free Rangers Forest forward-thinking The Prince is. My ural advice. Having struggled for School Nursery on the Duchy-owned husband calls me an ‘entrefarmeur’, four years to get planning permission farm at Midsomer Norton, , which he thinks is funny, but if the for Pathways at Kennington Cross— where they grew up. ‘We believe child- Duchy thinks an idea has merit, an ambitious £12.3 million redevelop-

Last Refuge/Robert Harding ren need to experience using all the it will really back you.’ ment of the St Anselm’s church site ➢

www.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, November 14, 2012 49 We celebrate the Duchy of Cornwall

to create a new community hub, cafe, deli and nursery—Rev Aagaard says the Duchy has saved the day. ‘We kept coming up against a brick wall, but Tim Gray, the Duchy estate sur- veyor, and his team unlocked the whole process for us.’ Now embarking on a fundraising drive, Rev Aagaard is enthusiastic about the project’s power to change lives. ‘In a hugely diverse area that sees poverty and crime living cheek by jowl with wealth, we’ve got a chance to help people flourish. It’s fantastic to have had this help—a little vicar and a community group on their own don’t have the skills to make this sort of thing happen.’ Did you know? l The Duchy has owned the manor of Kennington in London since 1337. In addition to local housing, this manor includes three pubs, the county court and the Oval cricket ground The nursery manager The tenant farmer brands, six national department stores Above: Andy Pleased to be making a living from and 1,000 carpet independents signed Bradford is a ‘In Cornwall, there’s always a patch of land that’s been farmed by up for the first UK Wool Week member of the a sense of the Duchy’s tenants for about 700 years, Andy l The Duchy lets 21 farms on Dartmoor Farm- presence. The nursery is Bradford is a ‘great believer in the Dartmoor ers’ Association a public place where people power of collaboration’. A member of l The commons provide valuable and is proud of can come to see some of the work it the Dartmoor Farmers’ Association, grazing and habitat, a training facility the Duchy’s heri- does,’ says Angie Coombs , manager of an initiative inspired by Prince for the Ministry of Defence and enjoy- tage. Below: The its nursery set on a hillside overlook- Charles and established in 2007, Mr ment to millions of visitors Duchy Originals ing the River at Lostwithiel in Bradford is one of a number working l Through the Dartmoor Farmers’ range has raised Cornwall. Recently expanded to to bring together Dartmoor farmers Association, the Duchy is working with £3.5 million for include a shop and a cafe—both of to sell beef and lamb direct to the farmers to show the link between charity since its which promote locally sourced produce consumer. ‘The Duchy is very good the public’s enjoyment of the moors relaunch in 2010 —it’s a favourite with keen gardeners, at letting us bring ideas,’ he says. and the role that farmers play in including the Prince himself, due to ‘The estate has great foresight and, maintaining the landscape. The pub- the expertise of its staff. ‘The Prince with its support, we’ve converted lic can buy meat from livestock likes the idea of the nursery being barns here at Brimpts Farm into cor- reared on Dartmoor in the a place where people can choose a well- porate meeting rooms—we’ve got 34 knowledge that profits will grown plant,’ explains Mrs Coombs. doctors here today.’ Mr Bradford is benefit farmers ‘My team won’t let a customer leave also kept busy with the Dartmoor l The Duchy supports a pro- with a plant unless they know what Woodfuel Co-Operative which was gramme with the Dartmoor they’re going to do with it—we won’t formed with Duchy assistance to pro- Pony Society to improve have any cruelty to plants.’ vide sustainably produced woodchip breed characteristics The nursery is no stranger to accom- fuel for local biomass boilers, plus l The Duchy works with the modating The Prince’s personal passion a scheme to help retrain former National Park Authority and for plants either. ‘We’ve had requests inmates of HMP Dartmoor. ‘What other organisations to protect vul- from the head gardener at Highgrove I like is the diversity of what we offer nerable species and habitats, through asking us to send plants to here and what we’re allowed to do— programmes such as the Dartmoor [his Scottish home], because he wants it’s a real privilege to farm here, not Biodiversity Action Plan and the to plant them himself.’ least because of the heritage.’ Action for Wildlife Project Did you know? Did you know? l , one of the highest l The Duchy’s plant nursery (www. l The Duchy owns HM Prison villages in England, has received duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk) Dartmoor considerable investment, for new stocks more than 4,000 varieties of l The Campaign for Wool, started in housing and the refurbishment of plants plus specialist collections of 2008, aims to help the wool industry. a post office and shop fuchsias, magnolias and camellias The Prince convened a diverse group l The Prince donated £100,000 from l Built in the 13th century as the of stakeholders—from sheep experts his Benevolent Fund to farmers in administrative centre of the Duchy to fashion designers and carpet manu- the South-West after the foot-and- of Cornwall, and later purchased by

Tom Lindsey; Duchy Originals/Waitrose;facturers. Duchy of Cornwall; David Chapman/Alamy; Neil Crick; Charles Sainsbury-Plaice In October 2010, 70 fashion mouth outbreak in 2001 the Freemasons, the Grade I-listed

50 Country Life, November 14, 2012 www.countrylife.co.uk Old Duchy Palace in Lostwithiel was saved from an uncertain future by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in 2008. Once the building is restored, it will be open to the community

The holiday-maker ‘Little touches such as fresh flowers in the bed- room make you feel special and the house and grounds are always immaculate,’ enthuses Pauline Stringer from north London, who has been staying at the Duchy holiday cottages in Cornwall each year since 2009. ‘We found them by chance. I typed “Cornwall, some- where special” into the search engine and the cottages at Restormel popped up,’ she explains. The family at first booked the courtyard cottage, War- ricks, but now eight of them—four generations, from Mrs Stringer’s father, Cyril, 89, to her granddaughter, Eve, five—stay there. ‘The properties have been sympa- thetically restored; the setting and interior decoration are lovely, too— practical and comfortable.’ This year, the family sought per- mission for, and held, a Jubilee party during its annual sojourn. ‘My granddaughter drew a picture and sent to it to Prince Charles and got a charming letter back that she’ll keep forever.’ Did you know? l The Duchy lets out several five- star-rated holiday cottages (www. duchyofcornwallholidaycottages. co.uk), mainly in Cornwall, but also in the Isles of Scilly and Wales. With the assistance of interior designers the ‘’ of in Top: Cosy Rest- appropriate.’ Giving pedestrians such as The ’s . An example of the architec- ormel Cottage is priority and ‘pepper-potting’ social sister , each property tural principles put forward by the one of the luxury housing (now nearly 35%) with is meticulously furnished to respect Prince in his 1989 book, A Vision of properties to rent. private residences, shops and busi- the and age of the building Britain, Poundbury is home to some Above left: The nesses have been successful. ‘There l Five holiday cottages welcome up 2,000 people and 140 businesses with ‘model village’ of was a lot of scepticism, but The to two well-behaved dogs more than 1,600 employees, spread Poundbury. Prince has confounded his critics.’ l The Duchy provides financial over 400 acres of Duchy land on the Above right: Did you know? support to voluntary conservation outskirts of Dorchester. The Prince was l The Duchy is planning affordable- projects in the estuaries of the Masterminded by Leon Krier and proclaimed Duke housing schemes on its land, Helford, Dart, Salcombe and having used 20-plus architects so far, of Cornwall at including Bletchingdon in Oxford- Kingsbridge rivers the development—which began in Launceston shire, as well as in and 1993—has not been without contro- Castle in 1973 in Cornwall The chartered surveyor versy. Some critics dislike the ‘I’ve always had a great mixture of architectural styles. ‘We The Head Forester sense of affinity with The haven’t got all the architecture ‘People sometimes say to Prince’s views on archi- right—we acknowledge that. But, as me “you’ve got the best job tecture and civic design. we progress, it’s getting better,’ in forestry in the country” I have been delighted to help him and stresses Mr Hamilton. and I’m not inclined to dis- am very proud of what he has ‘The Prince was right to feel in that agree,’ says Geraint Richards, the achieved,’ says chartered surveyor location that more contemporary Duchy’s head forester of 17 years. ‘It’s Andrew Hamilton, co-ordinator of architecture would not have been a demanding role, but an incredibly ➢ www.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, November 14, 2012 51 We celebrate the Duchy of Cornwall

satisfying one l Sweet chestnut coppiced because of who The from Duchy woodland Prince is and what’s is being turned into important to him. Who cleaved fencing else with such influence l Woodchips are used has such a passionate in the smoking of some of interest in and knowledge of the Duchy Originals woodland and planting trees?’ Trips abroad to look at innovative The flower farmer ways of managing woodland and ‘The Prince of Wales shows enhancing biodiversity have helped a great interest in all areas, to keep the Duchy’s stewardship especially those that are expe- of its 4,500 acres of trees ahead riencing difficult times,’ says of the game. third-generation flower farmer, However, The Prince is keen that Rob Hale, whose farm on St Mary’s some of these ancient copses continue in the Scillies produces five million to echo and make use of historic stems of scented narcissi—the Above: Rob Hale’s Did you know? skills, such as coppicing. ‘The islands’ biggest export—each year. farm produces l The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Prince’s Trust Get into Woodlands Mr Hale is particularly grateful five million stems which manages all the untenanted programme [which encourages for the Duchy’s help in establishing of narcissi each land, uninhabited islands and rocks young people to work in the woods] the Isles of Scilly Farmers’ and year. Below: The leased to it by the Duchy, pays a rent is very much down to His Royal Growers’ Initiative. Joint funded Duchy receives an of one daffodil every year. Highness’s championing of and by Defra and the European Union, annual rent of one l The Islands’ Farmers’ and Growers’ desire to see traditional skills passed the group has just won £100,000 daffodil from the Initiative is designed to close the on,’ explains Mr Richards. to help drive the Scillonian agricul- Isles of Scilly Wild- gap between the islands and the ‘His attention to detail means that tural sector. life Trust mainland, which will allow Scillonian he will add something to whichever ‘The Prince visited the islands in farmers to access ‘know-how’ and charity he’s founded or is a patron June this year and made an abso- markets, thus reducing the cost of of, whether it be horse-logging, lutely fantastic off-the-cuff speech,’ importing agricultural inputs to hedge-laying, teaching traditional says Mr Hale. ‘He speaks from his the islands skills or getting young people into heart and he means what he says. He l The islands aren’t currently served work—he makes a difference.’ and Prince William have a real feel- by a budget airline and the Duchy is Did you know? ing for the farming community—the helping launch the new Islands l Working with Natural England and entire family does,’ enthuses the 35 Tourism Partnership to meet that Butterfly Conservation, the Duchy year old, who hopes that one day, just challenge manages some of its woodland to like William, his own son will take l The Isles of Scilly have been part help conserve the rare heath fritill- on the family business. of the Duchy of Cornwall since the ary butterfly (above) ‘The Prince doesn’t just care about 14th century. The Duchy owns the l The Duchy has a wildflower meadow the current generation, he cares freehold of most of the land and nearly and has deployed Dartmoor ponies about future generations, too—that’s a third of the residential buildings

Chris Wright; Piotr Marcinski/Dreamstime; Adam forBurton/Nature Picture Library; Martin B. Withers/FLPA grazing pasture desperately important to him.’ on the islands

Native ponies have been deployed for grazing pasture on Dartmoor and some of the Duchy’s woodland is managed to conserve the heath fritillary (above)

52 Country Life, November 14, 2012 www.countrylife.co.uk