A regional publisher has thrown its weight behind a new year-long campaign from the Prince’s Countryside Fund to raise awareness of and help tackle the problems facing rural communities.

Archant Life is highlighting the campaign by including a contribution from The Prince of Wales in all of its country magazines.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund gives grants to projects that support the people who care for the countryside.

Prince Charles writes that 2013 was a particularly tough year for farmers and rural communities with the weather causing untold suffering and financial struggle.

Prince Charles has contributed to a launch feature in all of Archant Life’s titles.

“The impact of this will be felt for many months to come, which is why it is now so important that we scale up the Fund’s work,” he wrote.

“The Countryside Fund receives the vast majority of its funding through cause-related marketing from enlightened companies which recognise the importance to their businesses of supporting our countryside.

“So I am delighted that Archant Life is joining their ranks, helping to raise awareness and much-needed funds over the course of the next year.

“What I believe is particularly special about the Fund is that it is dedicated to supporting the people who live and work in the countryside.”

The Prince added that the fund focuses on forward-looking projects that help to tackle the key issues facing rural areas through solutions and existing organisations that are known to work.

“The impact we are beginning to make through this approach is wonderful to see – from training apprentice hill farmers to supporting village pubs and bus services,” he added.

“I do hope that you enjoy reading about the inspiring stories in the Archant Life magazines.”

Archant Life managing director Tim Thurston added: “At Archant Life, we believe that this partnership with the PCF and the stories we will tell our readers over the coming months will bring home the true value of the countryside and its people.

“We will bring alive the rural communities and celebrate the work done on our behalf every day for the future glory and benefit of our countryside.”