NORTH Somerset's Hazel Manor and the Yeo Valley Organic Garden were treated to a visit by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh yesterday (Wednesday, April 17).

During the visit, Paul Hooper, Chairman of The Trails Trust, explained plans for opening up the Somerset countryside and how the Environment Land Management (ELMS) programme is supporting farmers in areas of outstanding beauty, including the Mendips.

Work includes improving biodiversity and replanting, as well as creating a multi-user path for visitors.

Weston Mercury: Her Royal Highness with The Trails Trust.Her Royal Highness with The Trails Trust. (Image: Yeo Valley)

Tim Mead from Yeo Valley also outlined some of the organic farming projects being undertaken across Yeo Valley's own farms, such as mob grazing and agroforestry.

Tim said: “It was a pleasure to show Her Royal Highness first-hand the incredible work that has been undertaken by Yeo Valley in collaboration with Langford Estates.

"The projects highlight our continued ambitions to support regenerative organic farming practices to produce natural healthy food that nurtures and nourishes people and planet.”

Before she concluded her visit, Her Royal Highness, who was accompanied by The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, was shown around the Yeo Valley Organic Garden and met head gardener Sarah Mead and Yeo Valley co-founder Mary Mead OBE.