Charles backs kids and countryside campaign

Prince Charles is backing a campaign to help "concrete children" learn more about the countryside.

He warned that growing numbers of youngsters were alarmingly ignorant of Britain's rural areas and had no idea where their food came from.

"One of the more alarming aspects of recent times is that there appears to have been a growing disconnection of young people from the land," he said.

"This has many consequences, not least that too many children have no idea where their food comes from or how it is grown. We need to change this.

"The way we produce food matters, and we need to explain that the choices people make when they buy food have a direct effect on the social and environmental future of the countryside.

"I am one of those people who feels that what can make the most difference to children is having the chance to grow food themselves."

He added: "The experience of eating food which they have grown can have the most profound effect on young people, quite literally bringing food to life."

Prince Charles's comments came as a survey found one in five youngsters never visits the countryside.

They were also less willing to help prepare food at home and more likely to admit they do not know where fruit and vegetables are grown.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman, who led the research, said: "The more contact children have with the countryside, the better their understanding and awareness of the food chain.

"Recent studies have shown that hands-on contact can influence food choices - for example seeing vegetables in the earth makes children far more likely to eat them on the plate.

"We also know that giving children green fingers can make them keen thinkers.

"Many studies illustrate how time spent in outdoor, natural environments like school gardens or the countryside helps boost concentration, improve behaviour and generate academic success.

"The evidence is compelling: if we succeed in making children passionate about their food, the social and physical rewards could be enormous."

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