Here is essentially a place of sanctuary for nature, and people - it's in the land itself which is nestled within an ancient sacred landscape. Within that I've been protecting and creating more habitats and biodiversity, plus growing healthy food. There are now organic vegetable, fruit, flower gardens and a rather overgrown forest garden with chickens in this area. About a thousand trees have been planted in the fields and as shelter belts, and many more allowed to grow now. A large and small pond have been dug, and there is conservation grazing by a few ponies in some pastures for late summer/autumn/early winter. I'm keen to work with nature and nurture respect for all life here.
There is a lot to do here and generally we get started around 9.30 finishing around 3.30/4 with an hour's lunch break, and 2 days off. In summer there's a lot of weeding, clearing, mowing, (and scything if you can), cutting back various things, trimming hedges, watering, composting making, harvesting and other things which arise. Then later there's more harvesting fruit and veg for winter storage, always weeding. Into autumn sowing green manures and prepping beds and compost for winter, cutting back overgrowth, especially brambles clearing areas including ditches, cutting wood, wood chopping. There's learning to be had both in whatever is being done, but also in observing how everything is done here, and I'm willing to share my experience and knowledge.
For nearly 3 years my daughter and family (partner, sons 6 & 9 years old) now live here too, though not so involved in growing. The gardens and fields remain peaceful and restoring, and there is the added playful and bright energy of children. We generally share 3 evening meals together, and eat independently the other half, so there's quietness and family life. Lunches I generally share with wwoofers, and breakfast and the remaining suppers we do independently. We eat a lot organically and the majority of veggies grown here.
Accommodation is in a small caravan on the edge of a field, beside a stream and woods. It is off grid, with a woodburner, rechargeable lamps and a gas stove for cooking. It's across the field from a standing stone radiating positive energy. Tent/s are also available for more people, in warmer weather. There is an outdoor compost loo, outdoor cold shower in summer and indoor shower limited to 3 x weekly. Wifi is available in the house for limited periods. I encourage a less virtual/screen based time here. Generally you need to be happy in your own company and in nature, as I also enjoy spending time alone especially in the evenings.
We are in a small village without shops, in a rural location. It is a beautiful area of the Pembrokeshire National Park, close to the Preseli hills, rich in sacred sites, stone circles, dolmens and standing stones (including a few here). There are many beautiful walks throughout the area. The nearest shop is the garage in Eglwyswrw about 2-3 miles away and has the nearest bus stop; buses go to Newport with beaches and shops, or to Cardigan with more shops. My daughter drives into Newport twice daily during term time and there are trips regularly to Cardigan for shopping and weekly 5 rhythms dance, and you're welcome to join on days off.
Organic methods used here: generally no dig; compost made and used, currently a new system to make fast compost with microbes and minerals being trialed; mulching; nettle and comfrey teas; flowers amongst veg; windbreak using brash + young trees/shrubs; habitats for slug predators; allowing some veg to flower and self-propagate + collecting some seeds; new trial of electroculture, and growing green manure overwinter; adding sea minerals and microbiome innoculant to soil and compost; veg available from the garden almost all year; rotted down compost loo used around fruit trees; pee and ash used on compost heap; conservation grazing in fields; communication with nature.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Bakery
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
3.2
Hectares
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8
Acres
Accommodation
