A multi award-winning organic farm estate launched its own charitable trust to promote sustainability, healthy eating and give disadvantaged children from urban areas an opportunity to experience nature and the countryside.
Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year and has raised money for many UK and international organisations and campaigns, including the NSPCC, Awyr Las, Hope House Hospice, and humanitarian appeals for Ukraine.
More than 1,500 school children enjoyed trips to the 12-500 acre site – which includes a farm shop, drive thru, retail operation, sustainable meat processing plant and Wild Beauty collection – in 2023 alone, along with learners and representatives from colleges, universities, agricultural institutions, business groups and more.
With the Charity Commission having now approved the formation of Rhug Charitable Trust, Estate owner Lord Newborough and his 100-strong team have big plans going forward.
“The aim of the charitable trust was to support charities and organisations in our community and across the country,” he said.
“But also, to advance education across a number of curriculum areas, share knowledge about healthy eating and nature-friendly land management and to open up facilities for recreation, particularly to those who might not have access to the benefits of being in the countryside, whatever their age or background.”
Lord Newborough added: “I am very proud to say the Estate has worked closely with schools, colleges, universities, and community groups for many, many years – it’s an important part of our philosophy of educating and informing people about what we do.
“And after several months of hard work I am delighted that we now have a charitable arm to the Estate.
“The funding we can access will enable us to expand our work, giving many more people the chance to experience the countryside, learn about nature-friendly land management and healthy eating, which are so important to us.
“We are excited to see how this develops and already have lots of ideas in the pipeline, so watch this space.”
