Williams, Prince of Wales visited Groundwells and has learned the challenges of facing farming and agriculture sector.

The Prince of Wales toured an urban farm during his visit to the West Midlands, meeting staff involved in its work to provide mental health support and holiday activities to young people.

William spent more than half an hour chatting to children and parents at Woodgate Valley Urban Farm in Bartley Green, Birmingham, as he toured enclosures holding animals including chickens and greyface Dartmoor sheep.

During a guided tour of the facilities, William was also given the chance to stroke a guinea pig named Snowflake, as he talked to a 10-year-old girl whose family has been helped by the farm William told staff that being at the farm was “amazing” as he went on to chat with two boys who have also been helped by the work of the registered charity, which relies on donations to feed and care for its animals, and run community activities.

After being told that the farm’s ginger-coloured Tamworth pig, three-year-old Hetty, liked to eat jam sandwiches, the prince remarked to laughter: “The pig likes jam? Who knew?”

Speaking after the visit, farm trustee Sue Hawkeswood, 46, said the prince had been really interested in the farm’s work to support children with mental health difficulties, and help them gain a new sense of purpose.

Ms Hawkeswood, who is also a project manager at the site, told reporters: “That’s our whole aim here. We’re not an education facility, we are green care, so it’s all about mental health and well-being, improving self-esteem, teaching resilience and opening up conversations using animals.