Wilder Pentwyn Farm

Wilder Pentwyn Farm, nestled within the wild landscapes in Radnorshire, adjacent to expansive common and open hill land is developing into a vibrant sanctuary for nature. Imagine a landscape teeming with wildlife, where the calls of threatened birds fill the air and natural processes shape the land. Radnorshire Wildlife Trust envisions transforming Pentwyn into a thriving, nature-rich farm that produces high-welfare, low-input food produce for local markets, supporting rural incomes, while also fostering biodiversity and driving climate change mitigation.

The vision for Pentwyn is bold and far-reaching, with a 30-year plan to restore habitats and promote biodiversity. Over the next five years, the project will focus on community involvement, sustainable food production, and showcasing innovative land management practices. Grazing animals will play a crucial role in maintaining the landscape, while a variety of habitats, from species-rich pastures to wetlands, will support diverse wildlife. Public access and engagement are key components, inviting people to connect with nature and learn about the importance of ecological restoration and sustainable farming in the uplands of Wales.

NATURE BASED ENTERPRISES

Wilder Pentwyn Farm aims to integrate the community in various ways into its nature-based enterprises. This will include low-input, high-quality food production with grazing animals, as well as small-scale fruit and market gardening, offering produce to the local supply chain whenever possible. Permission for a Greener Camping Club campsite has also been obtained and is expected to open in early 2025. 

Community engagement is a key focus, with public access encouraged, educational opportunities offered, and local volunteers involved in the farm’s activities. The Wildlife Trust are currently running farm cluster focussed around the site. This will not only support the local economy but also build a stronger connection between people and nature, as well as inspiring other Wildlife Trusts in Wales to adopt similar practices. 

KICK STARTING REWILDING 

Natural processes will be kick started on site with several interventions. Extensive grazing has been introduced to the site using cattle, ponies, and potentially pigs to help create a mosaic of habitats 

Some habitat creation is part of the strategy, including construction of wetlands, wild flower seed reintroduction and some small scale tree planting. As well as enhancements to the river corridor. We will also consider feasibility studies around water vole reintroduction and look at species such as white stork and even tree frog in the future. 

Reintroduction of some rare Radnorshire and mid Wales flora is being carried out in early 2025, including species such as Wood bitter-vetch, Globeflower, Melancholy Thistle, Brecon dandelion, Spreading bellflower and Deptford pink. In addition to declining lichen species such as Tree lungwort