The #Prince’s #Countryside #Fund has commissioned academic researchers at the University of #Exeter to undertake a study on the social benefit, functions of, and prospects for, #livestock auction marts in the UK. The Fund would like to hear from auctioneers, livestock owners and any other stakeholders who use auction marts as they research the unique contribution these businesses make to the UK’s #rural communities. People have until 28 February to share their views at www.pr

In June, The #Prince’s Countryside Fund has awarded half a million pounds of grant funding to 26 grassroots, community led projects across the UK, which will benefit people living and working in rural areas. The Prince’s Countryside Fund awards #grants to local organisations, and since 2010 has distributed over £10 million. The Fund’s mission is to help ensure a vibrant #rural economy with a thriving and resilient #farming sector at its heart, and its grant programme is a maj