The National Trust has agreed to run an amazing new farming scholarship in Wales, which will see a number of young people given the opportunity to run a £1million site for a year. Every year a young agriculturalist will be given the keys to the Llyndy Isaf farm, which is based on the shores of Llyn Dinas near Beddgelert, to live and manage for 12 months to handle all the day to day decisions and tasks on site.
The 600 acre farm in Snowdonia was saved by a £1 million fundraising appeal by the National Trust, which was supported by Welsh Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys and supported by Catherine Zeta Jones. The farm will now be used to encourage the next generation of welsh farmers to hone their skills at this amazing site for 12 months and learn everything there is to know about the workings of this type of business.
The farm area itself is home to many threatened wildlife species, like kingfishers and otters, and is rated as the best place in Wales to see an amazing array of woodland birds. The farm will now be looked after by the National Trust in partnership with the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.
General Manager for Snowdonia and Llyn, Trystan Edwards, said –
This is a fantastic opportunity for a young farmer to be allowed to run a farm. With the Trust’s team behind them to offer guidance and support the scholarship winner will have 12 months to make all the day-to-day decisions to successfully manage this iconic upland farm. This initiative will ensure that the successful candidate can build their confidence and develop their skills in stock management, business, and practical management through formal and informal training as well as work experience. Llyndy Isaf is the perfect place to learn about conservation farming and to highlight the many ways upland farmers can work with the many thousands who come to Wales to discover and enjoy the landscape.
More than 20,000 people donated to save this site, raising the £1 million needed in a staggering 8 months! It just goes to show how important a site the Llyndy Isaf farm is, not only for the people, but also for the amazing wildlife that call this area home. Good luck to all the young farmers who will get a chance to run this amazing site and the chance to take on board the day to day lessons of running such a prestigious farm.
If you would like to learn more about the amazing work of the National Trust, or would like to purchase a membership card to visit their UK wide sites, check out our dedicated charity page for more information.
