From deforestation to over-grazing to chemicals, farming has become associated with environmental degradation rather than solutions. Yet it is here – in the soil, on the moss-clad mounds, amongst the brambled borders – that a love for nature can be stirred into creation.
Nestled between the emerald crags of the Brecon Beacons, an intergenerational partnership is weaving the foundations for future-focused farming; rooted in legacy and committed to holistic restoration.
“The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow and having that connection with nature from a young age is so so important if we are going to make positive change.”
– Hana Salih, Action for Conservation youth member
Here, at The Penpont Project, farmers are transitioning away from intensive input-led farming to regenerative grazing and organic practices. They are doing so alongside young people, welcoming those onto the land who have historically been excluded. In this Regenerative Conversation, we hear from contributors to our uplifting Wales We Feed The UK story.
Penpont Estate has been in Forrest Hogg’s family for generations, amounting to a nearly 400-year relationship.
With a co-management council that includes tenant farmers, residents, the charity with Action for Conservation and a Youth Leadership Group, Forrest and his family have been collating knowledge of the past with fresh ideas for the future to inform their vision for reviving the land.
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Together, they are offering sanctuary to endangered species, empowering tenants to reap the rewards of regenerative farming, and cultivating caring young custodians.
“We’ve had children as young as two come and get involved in tree planting and elders as old as eighty-six come and help us learn about the land. ”
Hal Rhoades, Action for Conservation
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Hal emphasised the power of cross-generational learning in unfolding practices that both honour the past and help guide the future.
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With generations of knowledge behind them, the tenant farmers understand the intricacies of local land. Young custodians can learn from them while bringing new energy and focus to stagnant rhythms.
“We call [the youth leaders] our wild boar; bringing positive disruption and opening up space for new seeds to be sown and to take root. “
“It’s been a really important experience for me growing up. I’ve grown up with the project and it’s formed a lot of the basis of my adult opinions and the way I see the world now.”
Hana Salih, Action for Conservation youth member
“The forward-thinking vision amongst all of the different generations has really cemented itself within that space and in the landscape.”
Andy Pilsbury, photographer
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Andy Pilsbury spent months documenting Penpont’s custodians with a series of heartwarming photographs, perfectly capturing the essence of the project.
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“Every time I come away from Penpont, it makes me feel really positive about the future and the future for my daughter.”
“In terms of the photography, if it’s photographing tree grafting or sheep sheering or river surveys, it’s just wonderful to see the community really work together and feed off one another and have each and every voice heard. I think that’s the real strength of Penpont. “
The Youth Leadership Group, made up of 12-18-year-olds, takes part in numerous projects across Penpont Estate. Recently, they have been re-mapping the land, unearthing lost place names and tapping into hidden potential.
It’s a privilege to experience the magical partnership of old and new. Narrating these treasured tales in his poem Trwsio’r Tir (Land-mending) is Hot Poet, Ifor ap Glyn.
“If poetry can connect us with [important topics] on a more emotional level…let’s go for it!”
– Ifor ap Glyn, poet
You can hear Ifor’s full poem alongside words from the other wonderful contributors by watching the full video above. The poem is also featured with English subtitles (translated from Welsh) on our Wales story page.
