Environmental plans at Sandringham revealed as private meeting rumours
swirl
Just days before Prince Harry is due to return to the UK, King Charles has
turned his attention to an important project at his beloved Sandringham
estate.
While speculation continues over whether father and son will reunite during
Harry’s trip, the King has been focused on tackling environmental concerns
closer to home. Documents show that plans are underway to restore six ponds at
Sandringham in an effort to protect endangered species, particularly great
crested newts.
The project, due to begin this autumn, will include new reedbeds designed to
support biodiversity. The ponds are expected to benefit a wide range of
wildlife including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.
Conservationists note that the UK’s great crested newt population has been in
sharp decline over the past 50 years due to habitat loss, and no ponds have
been recorded within 2km of the Norfolk estate for the last decade.
“The ponds will seek to strengthen the local biodiversity in both the
immediate future and long-term,” a submission to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
council stated. A decision on the plans is expected by September 10, just
after Harry’s visit.
The Duke of Sussex is set to attend the WellChild Awards on September 8, which
also marks the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death. While a meeting
with the King has not been confirmed, experts believe any reunion would be
kept private.
Some suggest Sandringham could provide the setting for the talks, as the
estate offers far more privacy than Clarence House, where their last meeting
was held. With the King said to be in better health despite ongoing cancer
treatment, Sandringham may well serve as the backdrop for this long-awaited
father-son meeting.
