Cwmbiga Farm – a paradise in the forest

Susan and Peter Bayliss became only the 8^th owners of Cwmbiga Farm in 800 years when they bought the farm and 60 acres of land in the heart of the Hafren Forest 6 years ago. Recently completed renovation of the farmhouse and outbuildings has been set against the aim of creating an eco-friendly holiday retreat based on the use of energy from renewable resources, water conservation and the recycling of all compostable waste. They now offer bed and breakfast in the farmhouse and self catering accommodation in two super insulated cottages. The recent addition to the farmhouse of the oak framed conservatory further enhances the facilities available and provides guests with a room for breakfast and evening meals where they are closely connected to the outside environment. Where possible, Susan and Peter serve locally sourced food. The delicious bacon and sausages served at breakfast, for example, come from Neuadd Fach near Llandinam (see www.baconry.co.uk).

Located in the heart of the Hafren Forest, Cwmbiga Farm is a haven for wildlife and in summer the air is alive with the sound of countless swallows, which nest in the farm buildings, as they wheel around feeding. Over 50 bird species have been recorded there, perhaps not surprising given that the farm provides habitats different to the coniferous forest which prevails in the surrounding area. The large pond in the garden is teeming with life and is linked to the marshy land by the River Biga, providing a multitude of discrete habitats for the abundant wildlife.

Cwmbiga Farm’s location in the heart of the forest on the slopes of Pumlumon makes it an attractive place to stay for walkers and cyclists with the provision of drying and bike repair facilities. Susan and Peter have also seen an increase in the number of holidays being taken by riders who want to spend time in the countryside with their horses through Your Horse Adventures Ltd (www.yourhorseadventures.co.uk) and are able to offer both stabling and overnight grazing space for the animals.

A key driver behind the renovation was the creation of sustainable and low impact accommodation with the ultimate aim of being carbon neutral and their efforts to date have been recognised by the Green Tourism Business Scheme’s (GTBS) Gold Award. Cwmbiga is also in the running for the GTBS’s Gold Star award, given to the very best of the businesses given a Gold Award. Space and water heating at Cwmbiga is provided by a log burning boiler fuelled with logs from their own trees or those provided by the Forestry Commission from the local forest. Further hot water and heating is provided by the large array of solar thermal panels, one of the largest private arrays in Wales. On the day we visited in late March these were providing large quantities of piping hot water – perhaps a prompt to us all to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels? Peter also runs courses at Cwmbiga in renewable energy technologies and provides a consultancy service for those interested in implementing such technologies in domestic or business premises.

What next? Once the renovation is fully complete, Susan and Peter intend to acquire hens, goats and pigs to provide some of the meat and eggs served to guests, and to start growing their own vegetables, to the same end. They are also considering opening the conservatory as a tearoom and showcase for local crafts.