It was agri-environmental schemes such as Tir Gofal and, more recently, Tir Cynnal which helped to convince Beryl and Dafydd Roberts to convert their sheep and beef farm on the slopes above Conwy to organic status. “Our thoughts were already turning towards less intensive farming and we had been working with the Countryside Council for Wales on making improvements to the land when Tir Gofal came along and it was just the push we needed,” explains Dafydd.

pesticides and fertilisers, introducing large areas of clover ley to feed the land, when Tir Gofal was launched in 1999. Managed by the Countryside Council for Wales, this whole-farm scheme was designed to encourage farming practices which protect and enhance the landscapes and wildlife of Wales. Dafydd and Beryl did not need much convincing and they were soon reducing the numbers of Welsh mountain sheep and Welsh Black and Charolais cross beef cattle on their farm and undertaking extensive hedgerow renovations. Less intensive farming and an improving farm environment provided the couple with two major benefits, one of which was the awarding of the Soil Association’s organic status in 2001. “Also, we realised that we could now offer wonderful, healthy surroundings close to the attractions of Conwy and Snowdonia, and we had farm buildings which were no longer needed,” says Beryl. The couple set about converting some of these agricultural buildings into self-catering holiday accommodation and they now offer five well-appointed properties including the former granary, farmhouses and converted barns.