Leaders from two counties have jointly written to The King.
They have highlighted cross-border efforts to build a stronger, greener future through the Marches Forward Partnership, which spans parts of the English and Welsh border.
Councillor Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, and Councillor Heather Kidd, leader of Shropshire Council, sent the letter in May, referencing The King's address to the US Congress.
They noted The King's call to recognise nature as essential to long-term prosperity and security.
Cllr Berriman said: "The King's message about recognising nature’s own economy strongly reflects what we are trying to do.
"By treating our natural assets as part of our economic foundation, the Capital of Rural Britain approach shows how rural areas can lead the way in delivering sustainable growth and long-term resilience."
Writing on behalf of the Marches Forward Partnership—a collaboration between Powys, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, and Shropshire councils—the leaders said The King's message closely matched their shared goals.
They outlined their vision to brand the region as the "Capital of Rural Britain," placing rural needs, natural resources, and infrastructure at the centre of economic decision-making.
The letter emphasised the region’s "rural capital," such as land, water, food systems, and energy—describing these as crucial to national food security, water resilience, and critical services.
Cllr Kidd said: "His Majesty’s words were a powerful reminder that we cannot separate the health of our environment from the strength of our economy.
"In this region, we see first-hand how flooding, water pressures and changes to our landscape affect people’s lives and our local economy.
"The Capital of Rural Britain is about responding to that challenge in a practical way.
"Bringing together nature and infrastructure means we can protect what we have while building a more secure and resilient future for our communities."
The letter acknowledged the region’s growing challenges, including flooding, water stress, and ecological decline, and their impact on communities, supply chains, and economic growth.
The leaders called for integrated, place-based approaches that protect and restore natural systems while supporting sustainable growth.
The Marches Forward Partnership is already testing new approaches through initiatives such as the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme, which explores how natural and engineered solutions can be embedded into long-term planning and investment decisions.
In their letter, Cllr Berriman and Cllr Kidd said they hoped their collaborative approach would resonate with The King's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
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