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Prince William Highlights Flood Resilience and Regenerative Farming in Wales and Herefordshire
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Royal Visits Address Flood Risk and Sustainable Agriculture
Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, made a day-long tour of south-east Wales and the bordering English county of Herefordshire. He first visited Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, to meet residents affected by flooding and discuss catch-area strategies with officials. The itinerary continued with a stop at Great Tre-Rhew Farm, where he joined volunteers from Stump Up for Trees in seed-harvesting and tree-planting. The visit concluded at Monkhall Farm in Herefordshire, where the Prince met 25-year-old farmer Harry Davies about the Duchy of Cornwall’s inaugural 25-year regenerative Farm Business Tenancy (rFBT).
Background & Context
Skenfrith has experienced four major floods in the past six years, the most severe last winter when Storm Claudia delivered a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours, causing the River Monnow to burst its banks. In 2019, about 25 homes were evacuated after heavy rain and a power cut. Residents say such events are now occurring with increasing regularity.
The Duchy of Cornwall is promoting regenerative agriculture as a climate-resilient model. Monkhall Farm, a 900-acre estate, will operate under a 25-year tenancy that emphasizes soil health, biodiversity and long-term investment, aligning with the Duchy’s target for all its farms to follow regenerative principles by 2035.
Data & Statistics
- Four major floods in Skenfrith over six years.
- Approximately 25 homes evacuated in 2019.
- Storm Claudia delivered a month’s rainfall in 24 hours.
- Stump Up for Trees collected 35,000 seeds last year, aiming for 60,000 this year.
- Monkhall Farm covers 900 acres and will be managed under a 25-year rFBT.
- The rFBT is the Duchy’s first such agreement.
Official Statements & Responses
Representatives of the Duchy highlighted the strategic value of a long-term tenancy, stating that it allows farmers to invest confidently in soil, water and infrastructure improvements, thereby enhancing resilience to rising costs and unpredictable weather.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local residents Rod and Helen Wyatt recalled the Prince’s childhood memory of selling CDs from a “dodgy car boot sale” and expressed relief that the visit brought attention to their flood challenges.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Prince’s tour links flood mitigation in vulnerable river valleys with the promotion of regenerative agriculture to improve water cycles, soil health and biodiversity. By showcasing collaborative projects between charities, the Duchy and local farmers, the visits aim to model integrated, nature-based solutions that could be replicated across the UK’s flood-prone regions.
What’s Next
The Duchy plans to extend the regenerative tenancy model to additional farms, aiming for full adoption across its portfolio by 2035. Ongoing partnerships with environmental charities will continue knowledge-exchange programmes to scale nature-based flood defenses throughout Wales and the West Midlands.