Farm Walk and Nature Trails launched
A farming family who diversified in 2007 by building two self-catering lodges, has just launched their new Farm Walks and Nature Trails. Lôn Lodges, run by the Pugh family of Lôn Farm, Nantmel, Nr. Rhayader, has developed two Farm Walks and Nature Trails on their Radnorshire farm following their successful bid for the Activity and Wildlife Tourism fund offered by “Sustainable Tourism Powys”. This fund is delivered by Powys County Council, funded by the European Union Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Assembly Government. Advice and support is being offered to the tourism industry in Powys, and many local businesses are now seeing how this support can help develop innovative ideas and sustainable solutions.
A launch Open Day held recently at Lôn Lodges was attended by Laura Thomas of Sustainable Tourism Powys, as well as representatives from Visit Wales, Mid Wales Tourism, local Councillors, and everyone who contributed to the project.
Visiting guests who stay at the Lodges will now be able to safely follow a printed guide which explains all the wildlife and natural habitat along the Trails. Richard Knight, of Rhayader by Nature, provided a wealth of information on the birds, wild herbs and native trees along the routes and the leaflets have been beautifully designed and illustrated by Beth, of Beth Knight Illustrations. The Clwyd-Powys Archeological Trust has also provided information on heritage sites in the area. The guide aims to give an overall awareness package for walking guests, including information and illustrations on the farm’s sheep and cattle breeds. Access has been improved with the creation of gateways, bridges and resting places, positioned for walkers to pause and admire the natural beauty and landscape.
Speaking on behalf of Lôn Lodges, Kerena Pugh said “It has been such a worthwhile project, guests and visitors can now learn about the local wildlife, habitats and historical value of the land. The provision of a car-free activity from the doorstep is beneficial to everyone and the environment and we are working alongside other businesses in the Rhayader and Mid Wales area promoting sustainable tourism and wildlife holidays.
For farm safety reasons, the walks are available by appointment only. For more information on the Lôn Lodges Farm Trails, please contact Kerena on 07929539874 and for more information on Sustainable Tourism Powys, please contact the Powys team on 01874 612281 or visit the website http://www.tourismpowys.org