Radnorshire Wildlife Trust has announced the success of the Pentwyn Appeal having successfully raised the £1.5 million needed to secure the Pentwyn Farm site. 

"Wilder Pentwyn Farm was a big step for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.  We took a risk and tried something new; our conviction in the idea and the need for a site that aims to show leadership around changes that can be made for nature and climate on farmland in Wales, while starting conversations around extensive management, the next phase of diversification, local economy and supply and what we mean when we think about productive land has been proven.  We’ve built so many new relationships and been overwhelmed with the support and interest we have received for the farm.  Thank you to everyone that has donated or supported us.”  said James Hitchcock, CEO for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

The £1.5 million loan was generously provided by philanthropic lenders led by Julia Davies of 'We Have The Power,' and operating as part of the Funding Nature project, enabling Radnorshire Wildlife Trust to secure the site  The trust's ambition was to pay off the loan within 2 years.

“I am extremely impressed with the speed with which RWT have paid back the loans to us lenders, enabling us to roll on those funds to help catalyse other projects.  The Funding Nature project has now helped restore over 5000 acres to nature and people and more site acquisitions are in progress. Both society and our natural world are facing multiple crises caused by our failure to understand the true value of wildlife.   Wildlife isn’t just nice to have – it is vital to the survival of all life on earth, including our own.” Said Julia Davis. “So to me it’s just plain self-interest and responsible parenting to invest in nature’s recovery and that’s why I use part of my wealth to fund nature through the Funding Nature project.”

The future interaction and intersection of farming, food and the environment is central to Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s ambition with the site, an ambition that’s been laid out in their 30 year vision that aims to transform the landscape into a thriving oasis teeming with wildlife, bringing hope for a better world for both nature and people.

“RWT has justified my faith in them many times over in the care and professionalism they have applied to planning and managing the recovery of nature on the site in a manner that takes account of the proud heritage of the Welsh farming community and ensuring that food is still produced on the land alongside making space for wildlife to thrive. “ continues Julia Davis of ‘We have the power’

The recent sale of the farmhouse on the land played a pivotal role in securing the final amounts needed to complete the Pentwyn Appeal. Work on-site has already commenced, featuring tenants Lisa and John Sture, who are aiming to establish a market garden on part of the site, along with the Wilder Pentwyn Project funded by the National Lottery that began work in 2023.

CEO James Hitchcock stated "Now the loan is repaid, we can focus our full efforts on delivering the vision and turning that into a reality.  We have work planned for this winter, which kickstarts habitat creation, building on the extensive grazing we now have in place from ponies, pigs and cattle. 

Any additional funds raised from here will be reinvested into further restoration and habitat creation on-site. We already have around £60,000 for habitat works, including continuous cover forestry and phased removal of conifer, pond and pool creation, large woody debris management and wildflower seed introduction.  Anything else we raise from here further secures short-term habitat improvements to create a lasting impact on the landscape that contributes to our overarching vision,"

The completion of the appeal is a landmark achievement for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust as one of the smaller trusts in the UK.  The trust is excited about the opportunities the Farm purchase opens up for other similarly funded projects in Wales.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust invites individuals passionate about wildlife conservation to become members. Membership, starting at just £30 a year, is crucial for supporting ongoing initiatives and the realisation of ambitious projects like Pentwyn. As one of the smallest Trusts in the UK, membership to RWT really does go far in making practical benefits for wildlife happen.