North Wales farms recognised for nature-positive efforts
14th August 2023
Two farming estates in North Wales have been praised for their efforts to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, paving the way towards a more sustainable, greener future, by rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths.
Rural affairs and North Wales Minister Lesley Griffiths with Lord Newborough at the Rhug Estate.
On a recent visit to the Rhug Estate near Corwen, the minister met with proprietor Lord Newborough and his team and heard about their pioneering low-carbon project to measure and monitor the business’ carbon footprint and implement mitigation strategies, with the aim of reaching net zero across all business operations.
The estate operates a diverse business model, which embraces sustainable organic farming as well as renewable energy, retail, wholesale and most recently, skincare.
Through the adoption of sustainable practices over the last twenty years since the farm went organic, a considerable amount of carbon has been sequestrated into the ground, making it a carbon-positive estate.
This accomplishment has been greatly assisted by the green energy projects launched on the farm, including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal, and there are also EV chargers on the estate.
Data is continuously being collected to advise carbon management on the farm, and the team has ambitious plans to further improve the estate’s carbon savings and green energy projects.
The minister also visited the Ysbyty Ifan estate in Conwy Valley to learn about the work of 11 innovative farmers and how they have improved the area’s ecosystem resilience, especially that of the Migneint SAC (Special Areas of Conservation).
Speaking to the minister, the farmers explained how collaborative working has been vital in helping meet their goals to improve land and water management and deliver multiple ecosystem services for now and future generations.
Commenting on her visit, Ms Griffiths said: “It has been great to visit and hear about the important work taking place at the Rhug Estate and in Ysbyty Ifan to decarbonise their farms and support our environment.
“As a Government, we will continue to work with and support farmers and land managers to meet the challenges of the climate and nature emergencies.”
The minister emphasised the importance of farmers working together across geographic and sectoral boundaries and said collaboration is going to be key if Wales is to achieve its climate targets.
