Social Farms & Gardens, a UK wide charity supporting communities to farm, garden and grow together, announces the appointment of HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, as their new Royal Patron. The charity believes in the power of nature-based activities and community and their 3,000+ members bring nature into people’s lives every day, through projects and partnerships, which work with communities for people and the planet.
Social Farms & Gardens has a long-standing relationship with the Royal Family and are very pleased to see that continue with the appointment of HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh as their new Royal Patron, succeeding His Majesty The King, who was Patron of Social Farms & Gardens as Prince of Wales, from 2001 until his accession in 2022.
The Duchess visited Surrey Docks Farm on April 29th to mark the new patronage. Surrey Docks Farm, a long-standing member of Social Farms & Gardens, is a working city farm and charity that enables the whole community to learn about farming, food production and the natural environment. They run a range of educational projects targeted to engage those who would benefit most and are supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who attend on a weekly basis.
More and more people, authorities and agencies are recognising the multiple benefits the work of Social Farms & Gardens and its members are delivering in areas such as; health and wellbeing, climate mitigation, nature gains, social cohesion and sustainable local food production and much more.
Marking the announcement of the new patronage, Social Farms & Gardens CEO, Gary Mitchell said:
“I thank Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh for visiting us and I very much look forward to working with her in the future to showcase the importance of the work we do, and the benefits our members bring to their communities and wider society. The work of Social Farms & Gardens aligns with a number of The Duchess’s areas of interest and it was a pleasure to give her a glimpse of the diverse and important work our members do.”
Gemma Hooper, who manages Surrey Docks Farm said:
“How wonderful to have been asked to host this Royal visit for Social Farms & Gardens. We have been Members for many years and always appreciate the support we receive. It has been our pleasure to showcase the fantastic community and educational work that goes on at our Farm, particularly as we celebrate our 50th year. We would welcome The Duchess back anytime!”
Her Royal Highness joined the staff and volunteers of Surrey Docks Farm as they tended to tomatoes, handled chickens and meet the new-born goats and lambs.