THE High Sheriff of Cornwall paid a visit to the Bude area recently.

Mr Geraint Richards, High Sheriff of Cornwall, was accompanied by Mrs Fiona Hargreaves, deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall.

Mr Richards, who is head forester for the Duchy of Cornwall and to His Majesty the King, spent the day meeting local councils, trusts, and volunteers, learning more about the history, heritage and environmental work being undertaken across the area.

The visit began at Virworthy Wharf with the Bude Canal Trust, where the High Sheriff met trustees and volunteers to hear about the efforts to conserve this section of the canal. He was particularly interested to learn about the wellbeing benefits that volunteering brings.

From there, he visited Grushill Woods and Stratton battlefield, which are managed by Bude-Stratton Town Council. Steve Hayes, facilities manager, explained the historic significance of the site and the story of the Civil War battle of 1643.

The Parish Church of St Swithin in Launcells hosted the High Sheriff for lunch, kindly provided by the parochial church council. He was welcomed by members of Launcells Parish Council, including chairman Mr Andrew Hargreaves, as well as the mayor of Bude-Stratton, Cllr Mike Dawe, and his wife. The High Sheriff also learned about the church’s environmental initiatives and signed the visitors’ book.

Mr Richards later visited Binhamy Castle to meet representatives of the Binhamy Castle Trust and to hear about their work preserving both the historic site and its surroundings.

The day concluded with a walk along the Hele Valley Trail in Marhamchurch, joined by members of Marhamchurch and Poundstock parish councils. The councillors shared the positive news that funding is now secured to purchase the site, ensuring public access to the trail for the future.

The visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase the dedication of those protecting our area’s environment, heritage and community assets.