Ludlow students have surprise meeting with Prince of Wales

The young people are all taking part in a new employability programme called Get into Woodlands, run in partnership by The Princes Trust, Ludlow College and The Duchy of Cornwall.

The Duchy has hosted six Get into Woodlands programmes, providing the venue of Aconbury Woods in Hereford, and staff.

The programme helps unemployed young people gain skills, qualifications and experience in forestry and is led by the Duchy’s head forester, Geraint Richards.

The three week course includes a combination of classroom and practical activities including hazel coppicing, green woodworking, tree planting and harvesting.

After completing the course, the young people will be supported by The Prince’s Trust to help them move into work, education or further training.

They were surprised with a meeting with the founder of the charity, Prince Charles.

Oliver Pagett, 25, from Worcester, has been unemployed for over 12 months. He took part in the Get into Woodlands programme as he'd like to secure a forestry apprenticeship.

He said: "The programme has been great, I’ve really learnt a lot about the industry. It was a pleasure to meet The Prince of Wales as without him this opportunity wouldn’t be available to me."

Paul Beesley, interim director for The Prince’s Trust in Central England, said, “This charity would not exist without the determination of HRH The Prince of Wales to get the initial projects off the ground, over 40 years ago.

"Today he remains involved in guiding our strategy, motivating our partners and supporters and, above all, inspiring our young people.”

Head forester at the Duchy Estate, Geraint Richards, said, “This year’s participants have shown great enthusiasm for the forestry skills they are learning and we are hopeful that many will find fulfilling careers in the rural sector.

"The programme was very much His Royal Highness’ idea and it was wonderful to witness, in Aconbury Wood, his enthusiasm for it and his engagement with the young people.”

Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track.

Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity has supported 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion for over 40 years.