IN ROYAL CONVERSATION

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall met with local homeless charity, St Petrocs, during a visit to Cornwall last month.

The Duke and Duchess spoke with current and past residents, staff members, and the chair of trustees to discuss the work and impact of St Petrocs across the county. Both William and Kate were visibly engaged through the 15 minute conversation and experienced record-breaking heatwaves and droughts last summer, in addition to an incredibly mild start to autumn and sudden cold snaps this winter. These extreme conditions may have affected the seagrass meadows on site, but it’s an unknown as to what those short-term and long-term impacts will be. That’s why our research is so important.” were especially interested to hear the personal experiences of residents.

Newly-purchased testing equipment, funded by Seasalt Cornwall, is now helping scientists to understand how water quality is affecting the seagrass populations onsite. It is believed to be the first time these tests have been carried out at this location.

Seagrass is a flowering marine plant that captures carbon from the environment up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making it an important resource in the fight against climate change.

Henry Meacock, chief executive, said: “It is a privilege for St Petrocs to have been included in the visit. The Duke and Duchess have stated that their priorities for their charitable work include homelessness, mental health and the environment, all of which are issues central to our charity. I believe the meeting will help us increase awareness of the issue of homelessness and will lead to action to address some of the current challenges our clients and residents face.”