Investing in Young People

The Duchy of Lancaster continues to support young people studying courses in regenerative agriculture, land management and traditional construction skills with bursaries and workplace placement opportunities.

This year, recipients of awards at Harper Adams University included 2021-22 placement student Annie Round who will be completing her studies in Rural Enterprise and Land Management this summer and second-year agriculture student Matthew Butterfield, whose particular interest lies in organic dairy farming.  Annie was previously the winner of the 2021-22 scholarship and 12-month work placement offered by the Duchy of Lancaster, joining the team responsible for the management of our rural estates in Lancashire and Cheshire.

At Myerscough College in Lancashire, we are supporting Ecology and Conservation degree course student Megan Swift and at Moulton College in Northamptonshire, scholarship awards have been made to two outstanding students of stonemasonry: second-year student Lucy Newlyn and final year student, Jenna Sharp. Lucy recently completed a work experience placement at Exeter Cathedral and also represented the College at a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords which showcased the work being done by Further Education Colleges to bridge the skills gap in the UK.

Commenting on the bursary programme, Estates Director and Bursaries Lead, Laura Airton, said: “It is really important that we invest time and effort in encouraging the next generation of farmers and rural land managers across the UK.  They are the future of UK agriculture and will be the drivers of tomorrow’s rural economy. We want to make sure that they understand the vital importance of looking after the land so that it is managed sustainably for all.

“We are also greatly encouraged to see the growing numbers of students who are choosing to pursue a career in traditional construction skills. The passing on of this expert craftsmanship from generation to generation is something we are very keen to support.”

The Duchy of Lancaster invests over £30,000 each year in bursary and scholarship awards. It offers an annual 12-month work placement through Harper Adams University and supports the Regional Heritage Centre based at University of Lancaster.