Blackthorn and Laburnum flowering at the Trust
Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust resides on a 22 acre farm straddling the villages of Cwmpengraig and Penboyr . The land once was part of the farm of Bach y Gwyddel. Formerly home to spinners, dyers and knitters early last century, it has been farmed organically now for nearly 30 years. A mixture of flat and gentle sloping land, the farm is set on a hillside, looking south and west with stunning views out across a wooded valley and up to hill pasture and scattered farms beyond. The farm comprises wildflower meadows and mixed grazing pasture bordered by mature hedgerows (particularly laburnum), 3 acres of woodland, a tree nursery, pond, sheep, fruit and vegetable growing areas, a multi-purpose wooden pole barn, compost toilets and solar showers. Bats, badgers and buzzards find a home here in this very peaceful rural setting.
BACKGROUND
In February 1995, the Trust and 2 couples bought a small hillside farm that had been farmed organically 20 years. This was the culmination of a long search after many disappointments. The farm, then 20 acres, was split into 3 parts. Each couple bought and acre of land together with one or more stone buildings in a farmyard. The remaining 18 acres (now 20) were bought by the Trust
WORKINGS OF THE TRUST
The Trust is a not for profit enterprise registered with Environment Wales and a Permaculture Association member. It is owned by its members, overseen by a group of trustees, run by a management committee; with the day-to-day workings carried our by a Farming & Conservation Group and an Education Group.
The Trust manages the land sustainably; sells wildflower seed to support the development of new wildflower meadows; hosts educational visits and courses that empower people to live and work in a more sustainable way through learning and practicing new skills; provides space for local people to grow food, graze animals and set up small livelihoods.