In 1993, as Prince Charles, the Duke of Wales, His Royal Highness was welcomed to the Trust’s Visitor Centre, Tyland Barn, Maidstone to cut the ribbon for the barn’s official opening. After welcoming visitors and declaring Tyland Barn open, he chatted with staff and guests and assisted as some children excitedly took part in pond dipping activities. 

His work with the Prince’s Trust has also seen him visit Kent Wildlife Trust sites and on the 27th May 1992, he enjoyed a tour of Oare Nature Reserve near Faversham. 

His Royal Highness was also behind the creation of Coronation Meadows, after he read about the alarming loss of wildflower meadows. As a result, and to celebrate his mother’s coronation, he began a movement to protect and restore these precious habitats. Kent Wildlife Trust manages the county’s Coronation Meadow which is in Marden. 

Dubbed one of the greatest conservationists of our time by the press, King Charles is also a patron of The Wildlife Trusts and is known to often speak out for nature. The monarch opened Cop21 in Glasgow where he said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how devastating a global cross border threat can be. Climate change and biodiversity loss are no different. In fact, they pose an even greater existential threat to the extent that we have to put ourselves on what might be called a war like footing.” 

The King’s dedication to conservation has been widely reported, organically farming his own estates since 1990 and planting miles of hedgerows. He has always been an advocate for the environment, seemingly ahead of his time, and gave his first speech about the dangers of plastic pollution at age 21.  

A series of National Nature Reserves have been announced to celebrate the Coronation.

His commitment to joining together as part of the Big Help Out volunteering project further links to our mission to engage 25% of Kent taking meaningful action for nature. 

As Prince of Wales, His Majesty has expressed a deep love and commitment to the country’s wildlife and natural places. He has often spoken of his love for wildlife and the importance of getting closer to nature to promote good health. 

We hope that people will be inspired by the King’s love for the great outdoors and take an interest in the natural world by visiting, volunteering or sponsoring our reserves and learning about what they can do to protect these precious sites and support more wildlife in their gardens and communities. 

If you would be interested in volunteering with Kent Wildlife Trust, please visit our website.