THE Prince of Wales visited Kirkharle Courtyard and Kielder Salmon Centre and Hatchery as part of his visit to Tynedale on Wednesday.

He visited Kirkharle, the birthplace of Lancelot “Capability” Brown, where he met with local businesses.

The future king viewed the Capability Brown landscape garden area, which includes the installation of wooden edging round the lake and excavation at both ends to give the illusion of a river flowing through the landscape.

The heir to the throne also toured a number of onsite workshop units including a cabinet-maker, stained glass manufacturer and an artist’s studio.

He then attended a reception for beneficiaries and supporters of the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services group who are marking their 25th anniversary.

UTASS has developed and evolved to address the needs of those living in sometimes difficult and unpredictable circumstances in rural isolation.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund has supported UTASS since 2010 through their grants programme, to help train farmers in dealing with paperwork and legislation, training opportunities for young people.

To wrap up his day of visits, the patron of Salmon and Trout Conservation UK was given exclusive access to the new £100,000 Kielder Salmon visitor centre which is due to open to the public later this month.

The three-month refurbishment has created a more interactive experience for visitors and allows them to get up close with the salmon and other species the centre aims to protect.

The Environment Agency’s Richard Bond, who has been Manager of Kielder Salmon Centre since 1995, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be able to show the Prince of Wales around our conservation centre which aims to protect this incredible iconic fish.

“He was interested to hear about the improvements to the River Tyne, which has gone from a heavily polluted industrial river to one of the best salmon rivers in the country.”