On 16th September, RAF St Mawgan proudly welcomed two distinguished guests, Geraint Richards MVO OBE FICFor, Head Forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and to His Majesty the King, and current High Sheriff of Cornwall, alongside Rupert Hanbury-Tenison, respected local landowner and advocate for rural development.
The visitors engaged in a series of briefings and discussions with personnel from Station Headquarters, the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape, Training Organisation (DSTO), and the People & Families Support Team. The visit aimed to deepen understanding of RAF St Mawgan’s vital role within Defence and its continuing impact within the local community.
The day offered a compelling glimpse into the Station’s diverse contributions to the area including youth and veteran outreach programmes. A visit to the poignant Area of Reflection, a tribute dedicated to all who have lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, reinforced the importance of continued Remembrance.
The visit also enabled discussion about the many pioneering environmental initiatives being developed such as the net zero, environmentally friendly accommodation buildings, the beehives kept on Station and the Platinum Orchard, which was planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative in 2022 to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and now stands as a symbol of RAF St Mawgan’s commitment to sustainability.
A highlight of the visit included a demonstration of DSTO’s specialist training, so immersive that one camouflaged participant remained completely undetected until he finally revealed his position! The experience underscored the sophistication and realism of the Station’s survival training protocols.
The visit concluded with promising discussions around future collaboration, including potential for the use of new pockets of land ideally suited to replicating the austere environments needed to support essential training activities. This gesture reflects the growing synergy between Defence operations and community stakeholders in Cornwall.
RAF St Mawgan Station Commander, Wing Commander Helen Simpson, remarked, RAF St Mawgan continues to serve not only as a strategic asset to national Defence but also as a beacon of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Geraint Richards said of his day, My visit to RAF St Mawgan was so interesting and inspiring. We can be proud, in Cornwall, of the significant national and international role that RAF St Mawgan plays, as well as providing so much positive outreach to the local communities here. I would like to thank all those serving at RAF St Mawgan for their dedication, and I look forward to further collaboration in the future.
