FROM drought-stricken hillsides and silent hydro turbines to booming retail sales and international interest, it has been a year of extremes for one of Wales’ best-known organic farm estates.
The 12,500-acre Rhug Estate, near Corwen in Denbighshire, endured a prolonged dry summer which placed enormous pressure on livestock, water supplies and renewable energy production.
While sunshine boosted solar generation and wind energy remained steady, hydroelectric production almost ground to a halt as water levels fell dramatically.
But the estate’s award-winning farm shop, electric vehicle charging facilities and luxury skincare brand Rhug Wild Beauty enjoyed a successful trading period.
Estate owner Lord Newborough said: “We’ve had a remarkable year in many ways, with some highs and lows.
“Everyone enjoys the sunshine, myself included, but when you’re farming on this scale, a long, dry summer brings enormous challenges.
“Our springs and boreholes were under pressure, rivers were incredibly low and our shepherds spent much of the summer travelling across the hills looking for suitable grazing and water for the sheep.
“There was also the constant threat of fire on the dry hillsides, while wildlife suffered too, particularly birds on the Berwyn, where a lack of water affected their development.
“It was a difficult period and we’re now looking ahead to winter and making sure we have sufficient feed for the livestock.”
It was a very different story elsewhere at Rhug, where the farm shop welcomed visitors travelling to and from the coast and across the country, with ice cream among the summer’s biggest sellers.
Demand for EV charging also reached record levels, while Rhug Wild Beauty attracted further attention following its appearance on ITV’s Inside The Langham, highlighting its relationship with the hotel’s Chuan Body and Spa.
Events including Burghley Horse Trials and social media coverage from farmer and television personality Gareth Wyn Jones and his team brought Rhug to more potential customers.
Lord Newborough also visited London to meet leading chefs and explore opportunities to supply more restaurants with the estate’s organic meat.
He said: “While the weather made life difficult on the farming side, we’ve seen tremendous support for our other businesses.
“The farm shop has been exceptionally busy, our EV chargers have never been more popular and Rhug Wild Beauty continues to attract attention from further afield.”
Plans for the coming months include a redesigned website, an expanded presence in London and further international opportunities for Rhug Wild Beauty.
The estate is also investing in its farming operation, including strengthening the shepherding team.
Lord Newborough added: “Farming has always been about hard work, resilience and sometimes a little luck, but most importantly it’s about people.
“We have a fantastic team here and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has visited, supported our businesses or followed our journey.”
For more information, visit www.rhug.co.uk and www.rhugwildbeauty.com.