5th March 2026

• HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cornwall, planted three oak trees today at Gear Farm, Cornwall
• The trees, donated by the Duchy of Cornwall, are the first trees to have been planted on the farm following the aftermath of Storm Goretti
• The planting formed part of a wider St Piran’s Day visit to Cornwall, during which the Duke spent time at the Gear Farm Pasty Company, an award-winning family-run farm and bakery

HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cornwall planted three oak trees today at Gear Farm in St Martin, near Helston, Cornwall.

Donated by the Duchy of Cornwall, the oak trees mark the first new planting on the farm since Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption across the area last month. The planting, which formed part of a St. Piran’s Day visit for the Duke, represents a positive step forward for the farm, with the young trees forming part of a new woodland area being established on the site. Oak trees are long-lived native species known for their strength and resilience, making them a fitting choice as the farm looks to the future.

Gear Farm is home to the award-winning, family-run Gear Farm Pasty Company, a much-loved local business producing traditional Cornish pasties. All ingredients are organic and homegrown, with the land having been certified organic for more than 30 years.

Storm Goretti caused significant disruption across the region, with the farm experiencing prolonged power and water outages and being temporarily cut off when fallen trees blocked narrow rural roads. Despite these challenges, the owners, the Webb family, were able to continue baking thanks to a recently installed generator, helping to support local residents who were without essential services for several days.

In addition to the tree planting, The Duke also met members of the Webb family and local residents who worked together to clear roads, check on neighbours and maintain access for those requiring daily care. He toured the bakery to see pasty production in progress, met staff, took part in pasty making, and visited the farm’s vegetable stall, which sells produce grown on-site with zero food miles.

“These Duchy oak trees have been donated as part of our wider commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening Cornwall’s landscapes. Woodlands play a vital role in protecting soil, encouraging biodiversity and improving resilience to increasingly unpredictable weather. Following Storm Goretti, this planting marks a positive step as the farm looks ahead.”

The Duchy of Cornwall is committed to working with farmers and local communities across the region to support resilient landscapes and thriving local communities. Following Storm Goretti, the Duchy has been supporting local communities by progressing assessments and prioritising essential repairs, with support from surveyors and forestry specialists.