planners for the education centre, which will be set up at Home Farm at Dumfries House, which is a Palladian country house in Ayrshire, operated by the Prince’s Foundation. About 1,800 teenagers, school leavers, as well as adult learners are expected to pass through the institution each year. Drystone and butchery will be among the many lesson that will be taught at the school, which will include barns to teach livestock handling. The project will cement the prince’s continuing interest in rural affairs, which is often appreciated by observers.
The education centre will be built on 2,000-acre East Ayrshire estate using material salvaged or sourced locally, like larch cladding boards. “The underlying principle is to bring new talent into the farming and rural sector, specifically targeting those with no current connection to it,” a design statement submitted to planners read. “Delivery would be hands-on and practical, allowing students to immerse themselves in their subject area, giving them maximum opportunity to grow their knowledge, skills and passion for the industry.”
Hedgelaying, one of Prince Charles’ private passions, will also be among traditional skills taught at the new school. His Royal Highness, who has spent time practicing the art, is the chair of the National Hedgelaying Society. “Their ability to sequester carbon, help prevent flooding and soil erosion whilst providing stock control, shelter, green corridors and an abundance of food and protection for wildlife, make our hedgerows as precious a natural asset to our planet as any other I have experienced. And this is without recording their immense historical or cultural value as living history with some 30 different styles of hedgelaying to be seen across Britain,” he said in a speech to the society last December.
According to Gordon Neil, an executive director of the Prince’s Foundation, the initiative is expected to allow the charity to carry out important work in agricultural education at an “impressive” new facility. “Our charity already practises and passes on traditional and rural skills, and this new development will build on our work to encourage the next generation to learn such skills and consider careers in rural industries,” he added.
