Prince of Wales visits Bainbridge, North Yorkshire

William told people gathered to meet him on Tuesday (May 5) that “there’s nothing a Yorkshire community can’t get over, that’s what I’ve been told a lot”.

During the royal visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Prince toured the River Bain Hydro, seeing it in action, meeting the community members who own and maintain the site, as well as learning about its eco credentials and how it could be replicated in other locations across the UK.

The River Bain Hydro plant, which sits at the heart of Bainbridge, is a community-owned hydroelectric power station which powers about 38 homes, or half of the village, and is expected to save more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 40-year life.

The Prince of Wales during a visit to the River Bain Hydro plant, a community-owned hydroelectric power station, in the village of Bainbridge in North Yorkshire, to highlight rural communities and sustainability. The plant powers around 30 homes locally (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

The site began generating environmentally sustainable electrical energy in 2011 and generates an average of 224 kWh per day over the course of a year, with excess electricity being sold off to the National Grid.

Part-funded with a start-up grant from the National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, the plant provides benefits to local roads and bridges because of the lower numbers of oil tankers delivering supplies in the area.

The site is next to the River Bain, which is the shortest river in England at only two miles long.

During the visit, William met with director of the Hydro project, Tom Fairey, David Hill, deputy lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Deborah Millwood, who is involved in the Hydro project, and Gary Smith, CEO of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

After the visit, Mr Fairey and Mrs Millwood said that it was a “huge honour” to have a royal visit to the Hydro site, while also recognising the achievements of the project since its launch in 2011.

Following his tour around the Hydro site, he called into Hammonds Butchers in Bainbridge to chat to the staff in there, and then met with members of the community on the village green.

The Prince of Wales speaks to butchers during a visit to the the village of Bainbridge in North Yorkshire, to view the River Bain Hydro plant, a community-owned hydroelectric power station, to highlight rural communities and sustainability. The plant (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

It was here where the prince paid tribute to North Yorkshire and its communities, calling the landscapes “a beautiful part of the world” during a discussion with villagers, while also admitting that he had seen “great community spirit up here” during his visit.

He then told the group gathered that “there’s nothing a Yorkshire community can’t get over, that’s what I’ve been told a lot”.

One of those who was lucky enough to meet the Prince of Wales was Yvonne Peacock, the councillor for the Upper Dales division at North Yorkshire Council.

After meeting the prince while accepting an MBE previously, this is the second occasion their paths have crossed.

The Prince of Wales during a visit to the the village of Bainbridge in North Yorkshire, to view the River Bain Hydro plant, a community-owned hydroelectric power station, to highlight rural communities and sustainability. The plant powers around 30 homes (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“I never thought we’d ever see a royal family member in Bainbridge, but it’s a testament to the community around here for its work and resilience,” said Cllr Peacock, who was one of the founding directors of the Hydro project.

“There’s been ups and downs in the Hydro project, but I’m glad that it’s going from strength to strength now.

“It’s a beautiful village and wonderful place here in Bainbridge.”

The Prince of Wales meeting well wishers during a visit to the River Bain Hydro plant, a community-owned hydroelectric power station, in the village of Bainbridge in North Yorkshire, to highlight rural communities and sustainability. The plant powers (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

The visit was used as a chance for the prince to spotlight rural communities and sustainability, meeting farmers and residents to understand the opportunities and challenges facing rural areas today, as well as hearing about the people who “preserve the character of some of the country’s most treasured landscapes for future generations”.

Earlier in the day, the Prince of Wales spent time with farmers from across Swaledale at a farm, learning about their experiences on multi-generational farms and exploring both the opportunities and challenges shaping modern farming.

The prince joined a conversation with a group of young farmers, exploring farm diversification as well as nature conservation and nature-friendly farming.

In response to the modern challenges facing the farming community, many farmers are increasingly seeking to diversify their income to build long‑term financial resilience.

Some of those that were in conversation with the royal have adopted a range of approaches, including converting traditional stone outbuildings into holiday accommodation, campsites, and participating in long-term agri‑environment schemes.

Parts of Swaledale and the surrounding uplands are designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, recognising their internationally important habitats and bird populations.

These protected landscapes, together with the area’s distinctive scenery, attract significant numbers of visitors, particularly during the summer months.

Before briefly touring some of the land in the Yorkshire Dales, the prince met the partners and children of the farmers, hearing first‑hand about their experiences of living and growing up within farming families, and how family life, work and the landscape are closely linked in rural communities.