The end of June and a walk around the fields finds them teaming with life. Butterflies hoverflies and bees are busy in the Buttercup patches. Spiders jump away from exploring finger tips on the damp earth. Ladybirds and other beetles can be found roaming about in clumps of flowering nettles. Then suddenly I see a large aerobatic flyer darting about over the gently swaying purple grasses: the Golden-ringed Dragonfly! (Photos of this impressive insect can be found on the British Dragonfly Society website…)

This past week I've been cutting or pulling Docks. Thankfully there aren't too many. These deep rooted weeds bring up nutrients from beneath the topsoil and are a source of magnesium. I like to see a few but they must be cut before they set seed in the fields. Thistles too are topped several times during the summer again to prevent them spreading their seed.

Small clover plants indicate some success with the over-seeding done in March although patience is needed to see the full effects.

·      Exciting and tasty salad?
·      Blueberries and Raspberries?
·      Apple juice?
·      Chicken and Duck Eggs?
·      Cut flowers?
·      Lamb and Goat meat?
·      Craft and Farming workshops?

We look forward to hearing from you...

It's been a great day at the Food Festival in Newcastle Emlyn. We were pleased to see many varied local producers and their tasty produce! As well as a good turn out from the public. Thanks to all those who took and read one of our leaflets, welcome to our website. 

Here are some links to a few of the local producers we liked today...

Wild Boar Burgers from Harmony Herd
Organic Cheese from Caws Cenarth
Organic Milk Drinks from Daioni
Goats Cheese from Cothi Valley Goats
Coffee from Cafe Tuk Tuk
Welsh Honey from Elin Lawri James - [email protected]

Plus a few more but we forgot to get their details. Thanks for all the possitive encouragement.

04.06
The day we got our polytunnel planning application sent off and the day I decided to buy an old case 885 tractor! The same day our washing machine arrived. Sometimes at least things happen in threes.

05.06
Results of the soil sample test arrived today. After looking at it I have to admit I need to research it to understand the analysis. Once I really understand what the report means on a practical level I can make the adjustments. I must now begin an investigation into what can be grown on the soils of Penralltwen.

The summer seems to be settled although these days we can't be sure about the weather. Blue skies and warm sunshine has coloured the land in shades of green with constellations of red yellow blue and white flowers.

We have arrived at Penralltwen. For us (Al, Lucy and Oscar) this will be our home and our livelihood. There is plenty of potential here and so much work to do. Watch this space!