Nature Friendly Farming in the Elan Valley
Given that there is absolutely no mobile signal once you are in the Elan Valley, Sorcha Lewis (@sorcha_lewis) does a fabulous job of documenting all things farming and nature on her Instagram. Sorcha’s posts are full of breathtaking views, spectacular wildlife and, of course, an abundance of farm animals. Each post is accompanied with an articulate and emotive piece of writing and as you read, you can feel the depth of Sorcha’s passion for the natural world, especially her beloved Elan Valley.
We met in late September, once Sorcha had some free time following a month of surveying and sorting. She led us to the top of one of their traditional hay meadows, recently cut for its late summer mow. Talking to Sorcha, you can see where the Instagram posts come from; her knowledge and enthusiasm are inspiring.
Many topics were discussed during our conversation, a conversation that took place where all the best ones do, leaning on a field gate. As we chatted, Sorcha’s husband, Brian, was sorting their flock of Welsh Mountain Sheep, getting ready to take some to Rhayader market. We discussed the farm itself, which runs sheep and cows- along with a few ponies- and how over the years Sorcha and Brian have learnt so much from the land and how this has altered their farming practices. Sorcha is part of the Nature Friendly Farming Network’s steering group for Wales and from her visits to other farms, she recognises how although there is much to be learnt by talking with farmers from other areas, each farm is unique and understanding how things work and thrive comes from years of managing and listening to the land.
What struck me about Sorcha’s outlook was her firm belief that farming and wildlife cannot just exist together but help each other. For instance, since reducing the number of sheep the ground quality has improved. The improved soil and grass has meant that the sheep now perform better; they’ve had less issues such as foot rot and have been able to finish their lambs without feeding them cake, while the wildflowers such as yellow rattle and wild orchids have bloomed. A newly planted hedgerow has created shelter for the livestock but is also a haven for insects and moths and will even benefit the water quality of the reservoir below. One of Sorcha’s future projects is to plant trees on the hill to help combat the dominate bracken- potentially the trees may one day offer enough protection to house the cows outdoors during the winter months; their hooves and dung will act as the perfect fertiliser.
Our drive out of the valley, up past Craig Goch Dam, was serene. Up on the top of the hills it feels like you’re in a different world. The remoteness fills you with a sense of peace and as you drive past the stone gathering pens you can’t help but image the generations that have come before. The history, community, farming and wildlife that has lived together for thousands of years and with the right care, can continue to live together for thousands of more.
