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TRH visit Hackney City Farm in East London

5th May 2009

The Duchess of Cornwall proudly declared "I love Hackney" today during a visit to a city farm.

The Duchess and The Prince of Wales were presented with badges as they arrived at Hackney City Farm in east London, and The Duchess pinned hers - which said "I heart Hackney" - to her navy blue jacket.

Councillor Ian Rathbone, the Speaker of Hackney, who presented the badges, said The Prince was a keen supporter of the borough.

He gave an official borough crest badge to The Prince but presented The Duchess with the light-hearted slogan badge with the prominent heart symbol.

"I was surprised but very pleased that she wore it," he said.

The couple's visit celebrated the work of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens. The Prince is a patron of the charity.

During the visit the couple met volunteers who cared for the farm's animals and grow plants and vegetables on the site.

Among them was Wilhelmina Hornero, four, who showed the couple how to groom golden Guernsey goats.

Another young visitor was two-month-old Logan McAllister, who slept through his mother Fiona's meeting with Their Royal Highnesses.

She told them about the farm's Growing Kitchen project which has created mini allotments in green spaces on housing estates in the borough.

"Camilla said it was nice to see a borough like Hackney that is highly populated but there is a lot going on about growing and reclaiming the green space."

The Prince and Duchess were shown interactive exhibits - including a DVD player powered by riding a bike - before meeting representatives and supporters from other farm and garden projects.

The Prince gave a short speech before unveiling a carved wooden plaque commemorating the visit which he said had been a "joy".

He said he was delighted to hear about successful farm projects nationwide which were telling children where their food came from and helping them to reconnect with the soil.

His Royal Highness said he was concerned about "the speed at which we have shut down so many school farms and school gardens in this country.

"There were so many that used to have farms. I have battled to try to ensure the retention of the remaining ones but also the introduction of new ones.

"It is remarkable how you can link so much of the curriculum to the work that goes on on a farm."

Chris Pounds, who showed the couple around Hackney City Farm, told The Prince he was their "favourite person" for his environmental campaigning and wished him luck with his web campaign launched yesterday.

Their Royal Highnesses were presented with a rose bush, chilli plants, a jar of the farm's honey, flowers and a small hand-made pot made during the farm's pottery classes.