With all the wet weather of late it was maybe not the best of ideas to go for a walk on the edge of Snowdonia in North Wales but nonetheless it was a lovely walk. I went to visit Aber Falls at Abergwyngregyn which is nestled in the Aber Valley. There are two car parks at Aber Falls both costing £2 to park for the whole day so not a bad price if you want a morning/afternoon trip out. The path leading from the car park to the water fall is pretty much graveled all the way so it's suitable for parents and pushchairs or for those in a wheel chair. It's only about 2 miles from the car park to the water fall so not too bad really. The path takes you past a couple of picnic spots, wild ponies and an old fashioned coal oven.
As a result of all the rain we've been experiencing in England and Wales the river was high and the water fall was epic! You didn't have to stand too close to the bottom of the waterfall to become absolutely soaked from the spray. The water was powerful and the noise was amazing. I walked as far as I could into the spray before my face could take anymore of the water pounding against it. I could stand watching waterfalls all day. This is a popular attraction with tourists to North Wales and I can understand why. It's beautiful.
It may seem like a crazy idea going to West Wales in the height of winter, but believe me it was the best thing I could have possibly done. The time leading up to Christmas is always hectic so there is nothing better than getting away form it all. I went to New Quay on the Welsh Coast and stayed at a Bed and Breakfast called The Hungry Trout. Friendly staff, massive breakfast and warm rooms. All you need for a Welsh retreat. New Quay thrives on tourism throughout the summer so going in winter the place looks quite different to the post card pictures.
The beach was quiet, half the shops were closed for the winter and the boat trips had stopped. But one thing that never closes or justs up shop is the breath taking Welsh Coastline. You can access coastal paths extremely easily and walk for miles. I must have covered a fair distance over my weekend taking me along cliffs, through fields and down to the beaches. I even took off my shoes and went in the sea for a little paddle! My feet were like two ice blocks when I came out of the sea but I was glad I did it in that weird kind of way. I also ventured to Aberaron where I treated myself to good portion of fish and chips. Lovely stuff.
The fresh sea air and good food meant the whole weekend was a success. There wasn't even that much rain which I was quite surprised at. There is something magical about waking up to the sound of the waves crashing against the beach. When ever I look out to the dark ongoing sea, I'm always inspired and reminded there is lots to see and do in this world. Diolch Cymru.
Rhys Rosser is part of the Young Farming Community in Wales and he's appearing in the BBC's Junior Apprentice. Alan Sugar is putting young people through their paces and making them complete business tasks to see if they've got what it takes to become his young apprentice. The Young Farmers Groups in Wales already do a lot to help young people with business and public speaking skills, but the YFC chairman for Wales wants to make the charity run more like a business. I met up with Nia Lloyd who told me about her vision for the future.
" We're working at the moment with the Welsh Assembly to establish an entrepreneurial competition to encourage the YFC clubs throughout Wales to look at themselves rather than just as a charity where they need to fund raise through sponsorship, to consider themselves more as a business social enterprise, so that's the idea of the project."
Social enterprises are businesses that have an environmental or social focus. The money that is made is put back into the business to develop it further. A sustainable model that can help the community. Nia has been holding meetings with experts so she can set up a Dragon's Den scenario where young farmers can pitch their business ideas. After going though an initial business workshop on June 26th, the final competition will take place at the Royal Welsh Show in July. The winning team will get to develop their business further and even meet the First Minister. An exciting time for young farmers. They can push themselves and work in groups to build creative social enterprises.
Social Enterprises have long been helping rural communities, so what inspiration can young farmers take from the social enterprises that are already up and running. Trevor Stringer is the founder of Work On Farms. A social enterprise that links unemployed and disadvantaged people with work on farms. The idea is that farms provide a different kind of workspace for people where they can build confidence and learn new skills. Many of the people involved in the scheme aren't from farming backgrounds, so it's also a good opportunity for them to experience a different way of life.
" We can offer practical skills that will help people get employment. We've been supported by the local communities and the farmers...they've adapted to whoever we have sent to the farms."
John and Ann Rees are farmers that have been involved in Trevor's project. They've had people on their farm to help with their free range egg business. John and Ann have had to be patient and learn how to cope with a wide variety of people, from those who come from abusive families to recovering drug addicts, but they said it's all been worth it.
" You can see their confidence building. One lad we had couldn't even look you in the eye when he first came, but gradually his social skills improved. If farmers have the time, they should think about getting involved."
The benefits of social enterprises are plain to see and after visiting a group of young farmers it seems they are keen to build on their business skills. Farming is evolving and the next generation of farmers will have to adapt to consumer demands and be able to manage their farm efficiently. Farming technology is always improving so young farmers need to be computer literate and have all the other expected skills of a farmer.
The average age of a farmer in Wales is over 50, so maybe Nia's vision of turning the Young Farmers Clubs into businesses, is a way of encouraging and nurturing an entrepreneurial change in farming. Maybe Rhys can inspire other young farmers to push themselves to their creative limits. Wales will be watching to see if this young farmer has got what it takes.
Today is officially the first day of spring here in the UK. Even though it’s been a harsh winter and we haven’t seen the daffodils or the snowdrops blossom quite like they should have done, one thing about this time of year hasn’t changed.
Lambing. It’s the time of year that sheep farmers are ready on call at all hours of the day and night to aid any ewes that need assistance giving birth.
I visited a farm in the Rhondda Valley that is home to over 500 sheep. Caerlan Farm is a family run holding and I spent the day with father and daughter, Geoff and Rachel Thomas to find out more about lambing.
It was great to get out and about and get a feel for what farmers go through around this time. Not that I'm an expert already but I did learn a lot more about not just the highlights of lambing but some of the more trying moments for sheep farmers.
The lambing cycle begins in autumn when the lambs are served. The gestation period for ewes is about 5 months, so as days get brighter lambing season gets nearer. Sheep could have one lamb, twins or even three. The bond between ewe and lamb is not quite as straightforward as you might think.
