An Introduction to Penlanlas
The 74 hectares (182 acres) of Penlanlas Farm lie a short distance to the south of Aberystwyth in North Ceredigion. The farm lies on high ground above the Afon Ystwyth River, its rolling pastures rising to an elevation of 117 metres. The Farm consists of 50 hectares of grazing, 9 hectares of woodland, wetland and streamside corridors, and 4 hectares of soft fruits. Some 11 hectares has been utilised for the creation of a Golf Course. The livestock on the farm consists of summer grazing welsh black cattle, and winter grazing welsh ewes.
A Year in the Life of Penlanlas
January
The year begins with preparing the polytunnels and planting strawberries to produce an early crop, from mid May to mid June.
February
Managing the strawberry crop.
March
Soft Fruits and potatoes are planted outdoors. Planting up new hedgerows with blackthorn, haythorn and hazel. Fencing done by contraction.
How the site is managed
Grazing has been reduced and fertiliser application ceased on the majority of the land to encourage and develop a more herb rich flora. Improved pasture is being converted to semi-improved acid hay meadow through taking a late hay crop each year. Stock will be excluded from woodland to encourage natural regeneration to take place
A History of Penlanlas
Penlanlas Farm is situated four miles south of Aberystwyth, overlooking the Ystwyth Valley. The total land area is 182 acres and comprises of woodland on the lower steeper slopes and pasture on the remaining. Penlanlas has been in the Lloyd family for the past sixty years and was typical of the mixed livestock farms in the area. In the 1980’s it was decided to diversify into Pick Your Own soft fruit, growing a range of fruit to include strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, black, white and red currants.
Tir Gofal Environmental Scheme
In order to enhance wildlife habitat and amenity value on the farm Penlanlas Farm has joined the Tir Gofal Environmental Scheme with the following key objectives in mind:
Unimproved / Semi-Improved Grasslands
Allowing these grasslands to develop a more herb rich flora of native plants.
Pasture Conversion
Improved pasture to be converted to semi-improved acid hay meadow, and pasture.
Wildlife Cover Crop
To create a winter food source for wildlife; Bittern Kale, Quinoa, Linseed and Wheat. Mature hedgerow cover is present nearby for wildlife using the crop as a food source. Provides nest sites as well as feeding areas for birds such as Partridge, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Tree Sparrow. Provides cover for Brown Hare.Provides an educational and recreational resource, by showing the public the wildlife and the benefits and mechanisms of farming for wildlife through agri-environment schemes.
Permissive/Educational Access
A path with disabled access to the Penbanc Viewpoint. Permissive path allows access to areas of the wildlife cover crop. Access area around the small lake and adjacent areas of interest.
Read more about permissive & educational access here at Penlanlas
Habitats on Penlanlas
Within Wales there is a wide range of different habitats. It is important to conserve this resource, and Penlanlas is making great efforts towards this by following the environmental objectives as recommended by Tir Gofal. Some typical habitats on Penlanlas:
Broadleaved Woodland, Reed Beds, Ferns and Swamps, Orchards…
Traditional Field Boundaries
Penlanlas is restoring 2160 metres of hedgerow as part of the Tir Gofal scheme.
Hedgerows are important habitats in their own right. They are especially important for butterflies and moths, farmland birds, bats and dormice and are essential refuge for a great many woodland and farmland plants and animals. Hedgerows may also act as wildlife corridors for many species, including reptiles and amphibians, allowing dispersal and movement between other habitats and providing valuable foraging areas.
Read more about Traditional Field Boundaries here at Penlanlas
Countryside Code
All Students and staff should wash their hands after any contact with animals using soap and hot water. Young children should be supervised and helped to ensure their hands are thoroughly cleaned. Be prepared for changes in the weather by bringing the appropriate clothing and footwear for wet and windy weather. Remember to use sun block when out in the sun…
