Organised as part of Open Farm Sunday and Wales Biodiversity Week, the event explored how Llanthony Court Farm combines traditional hill farming with landscape management, biodiversity and the visiting public.
Llanthony Court Farm’s owner Colin Passmore and his family worked with Brecon Beacon National Park Authority, and dozens of supporting partner organisations to make the day a resounding success. Activities on offer included pony trekking, sheep shearing and plant life talks.
Possibly the most popular attraction was the heavy horse and timber extraction from the wood near to the farm. Visitors admired a beautiful Ardennes horse doing the kind of work it’s ancestors were bred for – extracting timber from a conservation woodland. Dense woodland and steep slopes makes it virtually impossible to use a tractor so a heavy horse such as the Ardennes is ideal to work in such a difficult spot.
Owner of Llanthony Court Farm Colin Passmore said: “The enthusiasm of the National Park staff volunteers and neighbouring farmers who gave such interesting presentations about the countryside and farming made this a most rewarding day.”
Theresa Stubbs, co-organiser of the event said: “As it was the first time that both the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and Court Farm had been involved with Open Farm Sunday we didn’t quite know what to expect, but the day proved to be a real success. Visitors were so enthusiastic and interested to learn about the farm, and the various talks and demonstrations along the route worked really well and received some excellent feedback. The burgers were a great hit too! Events like Open Farm Sunday prove that when given the chance, people are eager to find out more about how farmers produce their food and manage this special landscape.”
Eastern Area Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Clive Williams said: “It was an informative and fun day out which lots of people really enjoyed. We’ve had some brilliant feedback – it was a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about modern and traditional farming methods in the National Park.”
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Open Farm Sunday is an annual event that gives everyone the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside. Organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) it benefits from generous cross-industry support. For more information please visit www.farmsunday.org