Pontbren: growing cooperation

The Pontbren farmers first came together as a group of three in 1997, with the remainder joining in 2001. The land they farm covers around 1000 hectares in the catchment of Pontbren Stream near Llanfair Caereinion in the rolling countryside of the old county of Montgomeryshire (now Powys). Their families have occupied the land for generations, and Welsh is the first language of most of the adults and all the children.

Traditional Sheep Breeds

From the start the group wished to return to farming in a more traditional way, based on extensively reared native breeds of sheep. Their changes are also restoring the landscape to the way it used to be, as the farmers plant woodland, shelter belts and hedgerows. Water management is being made more sustainable by restoring and re-establishing the traditional farm ponds and wetlands.

 

Copyright Pontbren Group 2007

Naturally, the Pontbren farmers are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, and they produce top quality meat. Daily checks ensure that animal health and welfare are closely monitored. All the farms are "farm assured" to the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock Standard.