Prince Charles plants tree

May 14, 2010, 12:03 GMT

Britain's Prince Charles planted a tree to mark his second day in Northern Ireland.

The prince - who visited County Down's Mount Stewart House and Barnwell Farm yesterday (13.05.10) - helped plant a tree to mark his trip before sampling the local lavender flavoured ice-cream as he toured the 18th Century House.

The environmental enthusiast met National Trust staff and volunteers, including spade maker Colin Dawson who assisted him in planting the Japanese Katsura tree on the grounds to mark the occasion.

Prince Charles - who has admitted in the past to talking to plants - was also welcomed by National Trust regional chairman Roy Bailie, who is a patron of the charity, at a reception with around 80 guests.

He was then given a handcrafted wooden bowl made from Mount Stewart yew.

The prince later visited the award-winning Barnwell Farm in the Ards Peninsula, where he toured the farmland, taking a special interest in the rough grass margins habitat and restored coppiced hedge.

At the farm the royal met representatives from the National Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, and planted a holly tree.

Yesterday (13.05.10) Charles met MP Ian Paisley Jnr, chairman of the assembly's agricultural committee.

Afterwards, Mr. Paisley said: "I was delighted to talk with the Prince of Wales about issues affecting agriculture and rural development in this part of the Kingdom.