Brynwichell Farm, owned and operated by Ollie Evans, is a modern working farm in West Wales. This means they have diversified their farm’s activities. They’re also hedging their bets, creating patches of woodlands and shelterbelts and later developing wild ponds. Ollie knows that repairing the land is another way of increasing the yield without pumping artifice into the ground or livestock.
One morning, Ollie looked across the road from his farm and saw a Protect Earth flag indicating another project we were planting with Ollie’s neighbours. A light went off, and soon after, Ollie messaged us about working with us to bring greater biodiversity to his farm.
We caught up with Ollie to discuss Brynwichell Farm, his journey from practising agricultural solicitor to farm owner, and how the environment fits into his vision.
Exploring Ollie Evans’ Vision for Biodiversity and Sustainability in Mid-Wales Agriculture
Project at a glance
Where: West Wales
When: Feb 2024
What planted: 900 trees and hedges planted
How many days to complete planting: 2
tCO2e after 50 years: 306
Number of acres under direct Protect Earth management: 0
Acres of wildflower meadows sown: 0
Acres of ancient woodland restoration: 0
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}Meet our landowner, Ollie Evans, an agricultural solicitor and livestock farmer with a serious commitment to redeveloping the natural beauty of Mid-Wales. Nestled within 59 acres of farmland, 2.5 acres have been dedicated to establishing woodlands - a mixture of trees and shelterbelts. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Protect Earth, saw the planting of 900 trees, promising to sequester 306 tonnes of carbon squared over the next 50 years.
But what drives this commitment to biodiversity? For Ollie, it’s about balancing agricultural productivity and ecological harmony. “Farming is at an interesting crossroads,” he explains. “Increasing farm biodiversity is crucial while maintaining food production.”
Through shelter belts and woodland expanses, Ollie aims to provide sanctuary for both livestock and wildlife in the rugged landscape of Mid-Wales.
The partnership with Protect Earth proved seamless, with invaluable support from knowledgeable experts like Steve Wiltshire. “Steve Wiltshire’s knowledge regarding the trees and the landscape in which they are being planted was fantastic and all the volunteers were friendly and got well stuck in.” Ollie continues.
Yet, this tree-planting project is just the beginning.
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“Farming is at an interesting crossroads at the moment where increasing farm biodiversity is important whilst still maintaining food production.” Ollie - owner and farmer at Brynwichell [/caption]
Looking ahead, Ollie envisions a tapestry of environmental initiatives taking place on Brynwichell. Plans include expanding hedgerows, enhancing conservation efforts in SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), and revitalising ponds to support aquatic ecosystems.
In our catch-up with Ollie, we had to bring up how he first encountered Protect Earth - peering across the road at his neighbour’s project and asking about collaborative plans. This could be the development of another Pontbren-style development. Collaborative efforts with neighbouring farms envision a mosaic of natural habitats. Despite challenges in grant eligibility, discussions are underway to weave together aspirations for ecological resilience, economic sustainability, and contributions to natural sciences. Protect Earth will be watching this space and encourage you to as well!
To sum up
As stewards of the land, this collective endeavour embodies a shared commitment to safeguarding biodiversity in the UK. Through Ollie’s openness to collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Brynwichell is paving the way for a greener, more vibrant future.
“We are hoping that this tree planting project helps to benefit both our livestock… but also helps to provide nature with a safe place to thrive amongst the new areas of woodland.”— Ollie - owner and farmer at Brynwichell
Don’t have the space in your garden for woodlands or hedges? No problem! You can still make a huge difference. Join us in fostering biodiversity and creating lush, green habitats across the UK by buying a tree or hedge today.