A new group is starting at the Trust called All Year Round. We will be holding gatherings for families to celebrate the seasonal festivals. Events will include crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. See below for information about the first event for Spring Equinox, being held on 24th March. A warm welcome to all!
Learn a simple method to graft your own apple trees with Philip Batten at the Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust.
Grafting your own trees allows you to produce fruit trees cheaply, or from rare or unusual stock.
This hands on workshop will cover the whole process from selecting and buying rootstock, finding suitable grafting material, the grafting process and aftercare of the trees. There will be ample opportunity to practice.
Includes one FREE apple tree per participant
Wednesday 3rd April 2013 £25
see
Training Workshops and Events for more information.
February Volunteer Workday
Despite the damp, we had a successful day continuing the laying of a hedge that we started late last year. There was plenty of interesting chat and discussion alongside the work and some delicious soup during the bring and share lunch to warm us all up!
Workdays are open to all, whether you are looking to learn new skills or would like to enjoy some social activity in the beautiful countryside of West Wales. Workdays are usually on the second Sunday of the month – see
Ways to get Involved for more information.
Helping to move some old tin found in the hedge
Hedgerow restoration on a Volunteer Workday
Would you like to join us for our regular volunteer workdays at the Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust?
The Trust has a 22 acre farm straddling the villages of Cwmpengraig and Penboyr. The farm comprises wildflower meadows and mixed grazing pasture bordered by mature hedgerows (particularly Laburnum), 3 acres of woodland, fruit and vegetable growing areas, permaculture inspired plantings and a multi-purpose wooden pole barn, compost toilets and solar showers. One of the ways that the land is managed is through our monthly workdays.
What We Do
We carry out a variety of activities on workdays. Past activities include hedge laying, fencing, coppicing, clearing and small building projects. It is a great chance for you to learn some valuable smallholding / permaculture skills in an informal setting or share those you already have, and help us develop the Trust land. Every workday includes a bring and share feast!
Workday Programme Winter to Spring 2013
Workdays are usually held on the second Sunday of every month, starting at 11am and finish around 4pm. The programme for this winter is below. The activities are subject to change, depending on weather and circumstances.
As workdays are subject to change, please contact us to let us know if you intend to come.
What You Need to Bring
Please bring a pair of work gloves and wear suitable work clothes. If you have any suitable tools, please bring those as well. And of course, bring a contribution for the shared lunch.
If you would like to come to any or all of the workdays or have further questions, please contact Michelle on 07813 464990 or email michelle_laine(at)yahoo.co.uk. I can email out directions to the farm if needed.
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.
