Growing Together, Learning Together
- heather5904
- Jul 22, 2024
- 4 min read
Checking in with Hwb Dysgu'r Tir: A Year On
I decided to catch up with Caz and the team on the Hwb Dysgu'r Tir project to see how things are progressing a year after it was first dreamt up. Originally dreamt up by Neil, who has since moved on to less windy pastures, the rest of the original team remains. Neil still pops in occasionally as a freelancer from his own wonderful land design initiative, Patch of The Planet.
For those of you who haven't made it up to our land learning centre yet, Hwb is a beautiful little piece of land, nestled right up in the highest settlement in Pembrokeshire - Tegryn. The project focuses on two main things: demonstrating different land skills and methods, and offering workshops to promote and upskill land skills. Over the past year, the team and volunteers have developed the site following a design created by Caz, alongside Dina and Neil Kingsnorth from Patch of the Planet. All three of these superstars are skilled permaculture designers, turning the land into a great example of what a place like this can be when based on permaculture principles.
The Demonstration Site
Hwb showcases different methods of growing food and demonstrates what can be done with thoughtful land design. Visitors are welcome to see firsthand how these techniques work and try them out before applying them at home. The land’s high altitude and exposure make it a unique and challenging place to grow, offering a realistic view of what works in less-than-ideal conditions.
An arts garden, designed by Dina, will be ready soon. It has plants like willow and dye plants for natural pigments and paints, which also boost biodiversity. Keep an eye out for courses in our Art and Sustainability Centre in Hermon, Y Stiwdio. We've already held a willow weaving course that included a site walk to learn about harvesting materials. Emma, who manages Y Stiwdio and books the fabulous courses there, is very much involved in the vision, creating the perfect crossover between these two CARE projects - Hwb and Y Stiwdio.
Community Agriculture: Growing Together
Community food growing is a key part of the demo site, something we identified as crucial for building a resilient community. Growing food together offers more than just produce; it provides a slower pace, an opportunity to connect with others, and is essential, especially with rising food prices. Volunteers helped set up our demo site, and the food grown here is available for local people to help themselves. With the rising cost of vegetables, more people are interested in growing their own food, and our site demonstrates that it’s possible for everyone to get involved. If you want to influence what is grown and done at Hwb, get involved—it will be shaped by those who participate! Hwb hopes to collaborate more with the Community Meals team, using community-grown veggies for community-cooked feasts and the community-stacked freezer.
Land Learning Centre
Pembrokeshire, is filled with skilled people and seems to has a strong culture of people doing things differently, with many pioneering characters around. The land learning centre connects these people through skill sharing and workshops. As well as inviting tutors and experts in from further afield! It’s a great opportunity to learn and share skills, whether you’re experienced or just starting. On a recent team-building day, we identified skill sharing, growing food and strengthening community networks as key to building resilient communities.
Being outside is great for mental health and community connection. Every Tuesday, there’s an open afternoon where a regular group comes along to get their hands in the soil. This has been a real asset to the project, keeping things moving and bringing people together.
The more, the merrier! If you would like to join in, come along!
Meet the Team
Caz, Project Coordinator: A permaculture designer, smallholder, shepherd, and part-time teacher. Beccy, Project Coordinator: Oversees the education process, ensuring high standards and finding the best teachers for the workshops. Sophie, Born and raised locally, farmer's daughter with a long hill farming heritage on the Preselis, bringing with her a deep understanding of the cultural landscape and rural life. Emma, Focuses on arts and crafts in our land design and education programs.
Visit Us: We Are Having an Open Day!
Come visit us in Tegryn, opposite the primary school and Canolfan Clydau. See what we’re growing, learning, and creating together. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, community projects, or just want to get involved, there’s something for everyone here.
Join us for the Hwb Summer Event on 27th July for a FREE day of fun and learning
Craft Workshop: Creative sessions with Emma.
Self-Guided Nature Treasure Hunt: Family-friendly fun.
Clwb Hwb Green Gym: Why lift weights when you can wheelbarrow with Caz!?
Gardener’s Panel: Insights from gardening experts.
Storytelling: Captivating stories from Sophie Jenkins.
Preseli Voices Choir: Enjoy the Hermon choir; you might be so inspired that you end up joining the Hermon choir
Games: Guess the seed
Food: Delicious Mexican wraps for lunch (£10 each). Free for volunteers who come at 10 am to help.
Take a look at the courses Hwb Dysgu'r Tir have coming up!
Wow! Seeing Hwb Dysgu'r Tir thrive as a hub for land skills, food, and creativity is truly inspiring. It brings to mind the Gosaikunda Trek, where every step feels lighter with teamwork and shared encouragement. The Summer Event sounds like the perfect celebration of that same spirit of connection and community.
What a fantastic update! Seeing Hwb Dysgu'r Tir grow into a space connecting people through land skills, food, and creativity is truly inspiring. It reminds me of the Annapurna Short Trek—where every step is easier with teamwork and shared support. The Summer Event sounds like a perfect way to celebrate that same sense of community and connection.
What a wonderful update! It’s inspiring to see how Hwb Dysgu'r Tir is growing into a space that connects people through land skills, food, and creativity. The spirit of community here reminds me of the teamwork and shared strength needed on the Annapurna Base Camp trek, where people support each other step by step. The Summer Event sounds like a beautiful way to bring everyone together and celebrate that same sense of connection.
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