The Duchess of Edinburgh has opened the Addington Fund’s first New Entrant Starter Farm at Whins Farm near Kendal during a two-day visit focused on Cumbria’s rural and farming communities.
During the visit, the Duchess met new tenant farmers Kieran Milburn and Aine Devlin. They discussed how the scheme is intended to help aspiring farmers overcome barriers to entering the industry.
A visit focused on rural communities
The royal tour also included visits to Home Grown Here and The Butchers Arms in Crosby Ravensworth, where the Duchess celebrated local food production and community ownership.
At Rheged, representatives from the Royal Countryside Fund outlined initiatives designed to help rural communities build long-term resilience.
The second day centred on education and rural skills. At Low Beckside Farm, hosted by the Ernest Cook Trust, the Duchess met young people taking part in rural skills programmes. She also joined celebrations for the 90th anniversary of Penrith Young Farmers Club.
Farming, skills and environmental work
The visit concluded in Borrowdale, where the Duchess met farming families at Nook Farm and Seatoller Farm. Discussions covered renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott said: “It was a privilege to welcome 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.”