WELCOME

Welcome to our Gardening Club Rhydlewis and District Gardening Club has been around since the time of Adam and Eve. In fact, it is believed that one of our members planted and tended the very apple tree that gave rise to the pair being expelled from the garden!!

Whether this urban myth is true or not, the club is here to encourage, improve and extend the members' knowledge of all branches of horticulture. It is open to everyone and new members are all always welcome to come along.

Our activities during the year include a varied programme of talks and social events, summer garden visits, a plant sale, social gatherings/bbq and an annual open show in August.


Tuesday 5 November 2013

Visit to the Permaculture Trust.

On the 29th October, a bitterly cold but actually sunny and dry afternoon saw us travel in convoy through Drefach Felidre to the Permaculture Trust where Philip, Michelle and their two small children live and work the soil for total self-sufficiently.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FARM

A 20 acre farm, at Bach y Gwyddel, straddling the hamlets of Cwmpengraig and Penboyr, has been farmed organically for 35 years. Set on a hillside, it looks out south and west with stunning views 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, ponds, sheep, bees, a multi-purpose wooden pole barn, retreat and camping areas, rainwater catchment for the fruit & vegetable gardens & allotments, compost toilets and solar showers. Bats, badgers and buzzards find a home here in this very peaceful rural setting.

  • The aims of the trust; 
  • To maintain one or more areas of land in Dyfed as a holistic permaculture system, aiming at self sufficiency in basic foods, fuel, water and energy: and recycling wastes.
  • To research and record the process of designing and implementing this system, offering students of organic growing, green design, sustainable living, alternative technology, country crafts and skills and other allied disciplines the opportunity to put theory into practice.
  • To offer educational courses, work placement activities and recreational events as a way of integrating work, study and play.
  • To establish close working relationships with the local community, including welcoming visitors, learning and using the welsh language, and sharing information and resources
  • To provide space for, and to conserve, an ever increasing diversity and complexity of wildlife on the site: devoting some areas entirely to wilderness and incorporating wildlife needs into designs
  • To carry out the above objects with a commitment to co-operation, a respect for all life, and a willingness to take decisions in a spirit of simplicity, truth and love.

  • HOW THE TRUST WORKS
The Trust has had a home at Bach Y Gwyddel since January 1995. It is owned by it’s members, overseen by 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 yellow rattle seed (a pioneer wildflower species that suppresses grass) to support the development of new wildflower meadows; hosts educational visits & courses that empower people to live & work in a more sustainable way through learning & practising new skills; as well as providing space for local people to grow food & set up small livelihoods.

MAKING ENDS MEET

The Trust is a not-for-profit enterprise registered with Environment Wales and a Permaculture Association member. The Farm derives a small income from produce (such as wildflower seed, hay, trees and cuttings), letting space for allotments and bee keeping, as well as educational visits/courses (such as woodland crafts), recreational events (such as LETS fairs and parties), camping and retreats. Other income comes from membership fees, donations and grants (which in the past have included Society for Environmental Improvement, Environment Wales, Coed Cymru, Carmarthen County Council and the National Assembly). It currently receives a 10 yr Tir Gofal grant for sustainable Land Management (through the National Assembly).

GETTING INVOLVED
Get involved with activities here by joining either the Farming & Conservation Group or the Education Group (or even set up a new group to help implement our future plans)

  • Take part in an Education Visit Day or Course
  • Camp or come on Retreat
  • Hold your own Event or Course here
  • Rent Organic Allotment space
  • Buy willow cuttings
  • Stay for up to week, doing volunteer work in exchange for food and boa

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