Farm
Gilfach Wen is a working farm with a strong emphasis placed on working with nature. The farm is managed under an Countryside Council for Wales scheme called "Tir Gofal" where the focus is placed on farming in an environmentally friendly way and managing the land for bio diversity and the benefit of wildlife.
The flock of Soay sheep are a rare breed, They are the closest to the type of sheep farmed in the Iron Age, 6000 BC. They produce very lean meat similar to venison, are horned and have fleeces ranging between fawn and black. Both meat and sheepskins are available to order. The sheep have been managed to organic principles for the last 3 years, and the paperwork necessary for organic status is in progress.
The farm is a venue for Lantra accredited courses for equestrians, smallholder's and farmers who are interested in managing land and caring for animals in as natural a way as possible.
In addition to my own horses, I do from time to time take in lame horses being returned to soundness by being kept barefoot, (without horseshoes) . Separate paddocks are reserved for visiting horses.
There are 3 young cats on the farm who live in the hay barn. They like attention but can be timid and prefer to not be picked up.
Shiva, the young collie, informs me that no website talking about the animals on the farm would be complete without mentioning him. He loves to train guests on the art of throwing a ball as part of a game of fetch. He would like to convince you to throw sticks for him if there isn't a ball to hand but for his safety please don't listen to him. Meanwhile my old dog Toby is likely to hang around waiting for a fuss.
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