HRH Prince William Pruning Apple Trees, Dodging Sheep, and Shining Light on Farmers Mental Wellbeing
On a chilly, rain-swept January 15, 2026, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, stepped into the heart of rural Herefordshire for a meaningful day at Bridge End Farm, a 190-acre family operation near Much Cowarne and Bromyard. As patron of the charity We Are Farming Minds—which he has supported since March 2025—the future king dedicated the visit to raising awareness about the mental health struggles that many in agriculture face, especially during the quiet, challenging winter months often called one of the industry’s toughest periods.
The farm is lovingly run by third-generation farmer John Bowler, now 35, who unexpectedly took over the land at just 19 after losing his father. He now shares the responsibilities with his wife, Laura, who has been a steadfast partner in both life and work. The couple has leaned on the charity’s resources during difficult times, and their story formed the emotional core of the prince’s engagement.
Prince William arrived ready to get involved, dressed in practical waterproofs and boots suited to the muddy, drizzly conditions. The day began with warm hospitality: a welcoming cup of tea shared in the barn, setting a relaxed and genuine tone. John greeted the prince with good-natured humor, joking about needing help with pruning so he could sneak off on holiday—prompting easy laughter all around.
From there, the group moved to the orchard, where William picked up secateurs and got stuck into pruning apple trees. The task proved more demanding than it looked, especially when dealing with tangled high branches. At one point, as a stubborn limb finally snapped free, the prince quipped about having a “lumberjack moment,” drawing smiles from everyone watching.
The hands-on work continued in the sheep pen, where William scattered feed and found himself surrounded by an enthusiastic flock eager for their meal. The ewes swarmed around him in a chaotic but joyful mob, creating one of the day’s most lighthearted moments amid the wet weather.
Beyond the practical tasks, the visit centered on open, heartfelt discussions about mental health. Prince William sat down with John and Laura Bowler, along with Sam Stables, the founder of We Are Farming Minds (who established the organization with his wife Emily after his own near-tragic experience). They spoke candidly about the isolation, uncertainty, and heavy pressures farmers endure—from volatile weather and rising costs to recent policy changes like inheritance tax reforms that have intensified anxiety for many.
John shared how he reached a breaking point before finally seeking help through the charity’s helpline, which offers free 24/7 support, counseling, stigma-busting workshops, community events, and even transport assistance. Laura described the daily emotional weight and how the charity’s guidance has made a real difference, helping them move forward together. Sam noted that helpline calls have more than doubled in the past year, underscoring the growing need.
The prince listened with genuine empathy, reflecting on the “vicious circle” many farmers face and questioning whether society places too many demands on them without sufficient support. He emphasized that caring for mental well-being is just as vital as tending the land itself. The royal visitor also took time to meet John’s grandmother, Betty (often called Berry), who is approaching her 92nd birthday, offering her warm personal wishes that brought a special touch of kindness to the family. As the afternoon drew to a close, the conversations continued in a more informal setting at a nearby pub, where the group—joined by other local farmers—reflected on ongoing challenges and the power of community support.
Prince William’s presence turned what could have been an ordinary winter day into something uplifting and affirming. For John and Laura, it reinforced that their hard work and struggles are seen and valued. Sam Stables described the prince as “genuine,” “decent,” and deeply passionate about the cause—qualities that made the day even more impactful.
In an industry where silence and stoicism have long been the norm, this visit served as a powerful reminder: reaching out is a sign of strength, and no one should face the demands of farming alone. Through shared stories, shared labor, and shared hope, Prince William helped plant seeds of encouragement that will continue to grow long after he left the farm.
We Are Farming Minds
We Are Farming Minds Taking the bull by the horns to tackle mental health in the Herefordshire farming community, stands as a beacon of hope in the heart of Herefordshire’s farming community, born from the courageous journey of founders Sam and Emily Stables. After Sam faced his own profound mental health struggles—including a near-tragic suicide attempt—the couple transformed personal pain into purposeful action. In 2020, they launched this registered charity with a clear, powerful mission: to shatter the long-standing stigma around mental health in agriculture, raise vital awareness, and remind every farmer that they are never truly alone.
Through a compassionate 24/7 confidential support line (0808 802 0070 or text 07786 203130), fully funded counselling, stigma-busting training for families, vets, and rural professionals, community social events, and even practical transport assistance, the charity offers tangible, farmer-focused help amid isolation, relentless pressures, unpredictable weather, and economic uncertainty. With calls surging more than double in recent years and backed by the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, We Are Farming Minds is proving that reaching out is a sign of strength—cultivating resilience, connection, and renewal in one of Britain’s most vital yet vulnerable communities.
Charity founder Sam Stables said calls had more than doubled in 12 months as farmers faced issues with inheritance tax and rising costs. He said farmers were at “breaking point”, adding: “We are seeing unprecedented calls to our support line from farmers who are struggling. “The farming industry is in crisis and having the support of the prince is incredible.”
Speaking of his royal patron, he added:
“He’s incredibly empathetic, he worries about people and is a genuine, decent person, so everything he does to help us is immense and massively appreciated.”
