Charity farm in Somerset gets royal seal of approval
The Queen has officially opened a new Jamie’s Farm site near Bath, praising the charity’s work with young people who are experiencing challenges at school
Last updated 10th Jul 2025
Queen Camilla has visited the opening of Lower Shockerwick Farm, near Bath, which will be run as an educational centre by Jamie's Farm.
The farm is the seventh site operated by the charity which offers young people who are experiencing challenges at school different opportunities. The 11–16 participants are typically asked to hand over their phones, disconnect from technology, and get involved in daily life on the farm.
Since Jamie's Farm was established in 2009, it has welcomed more than 16,000 young people to their six existing sites.
During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the kitchen, gardens and orchards where children were taking part in cooking and outdoor activities. She met pupils, staff and volunteers - and joined in baking lemon curd cupcakes with two 11-year-olds, Mantaj and Mia.
The Queen also helped water plants with other children before unveiling a stone plaque to mark the farm’s opening.
“It’s really thanks to everybody here that this has happened at this really wonderful ancient farm,” she said. “I look forward to seeing it in a year’s time with all the children.”
Before leaving, Camilla handed over a basket of cuttings and seeds from her private garden near Lacock in Wiltshire -including mint, rosemary and blackcurrant- saying she hoped to see them “thriving” on a future visit.
Co-founder Jamie Feilden said:
“We are honoured that you are here to officially open Lower Shockerwick Farm. We really appreciate your support, interest and advocacy for the work that we do.”