The Prince's Countryside Fund

The first ever National Countryside Week – a celebration of the British countryside and the people that take care of it – kicks off next week, running from 11-18 July. It’s the perfect reminder to get out there and make the most of our beautiful countryside with a family picnic, cycle ride or walk.

The Week is being launched by The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF), set up by HRH The Prince of Wales to support projects in rural Britain. Speaking in a video message to celebrate the Fund’s first anniversary, HRH said, ‘I’m delighted to introduce the very first National Countryside Week, which happily coincides with the first anniversary of my Countryside Fund.

Waitrose will be marking the week by offering savings on brands that have stated their commitment to the countryside and supported the PCF. These include Ginsters, Jordans, Ryvita, Red Sky, Twinings, McVitie’s and Country Life. In addition, Country Life can help you find the best picnic spots in the UK, with its free mobile phone app.

Mark Price, Waitrose Managing Director and trustee of the PCF, said: 'We hope to inspire the general public to recognise the importance of the countryside to the nation’s well-being and the wider British economy, and to take time to appreciate it.'

Together, companies including Waitrose have so far contributed more than £1million to the PCF which has given out nearly half-a-million pounds in grants to 13 projects. These include an apprenticeship scheme to train young people to become hill farmers in Cumbria; a community-run minibus in Shropshire; and the development of 50 school farms.

Also see our two case studies. The second round of grants will be announced by the Prince at the Great Yorkshire Show, 12-14 July, in Harrogate, when £250,000 will be allocated to other projects.

Visit princescountrysidefund.org.uk