Swapping suburbia for the good life, Emma and Rodney Bird realised their dream of running a smallholding 10 years ago when they moved to the Ceredigion countryside and started Bird Farm Alpacas.
Why Alpacas of all things? Well, with a limited acreage, alpacas are perfect for managing the land gently and naturally and have a low environmental impact. Making the farm as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible has always been a key element of Emma and Rodney’s vision. The couple live-off gird, using solar panels for electricity and a natural spring as their water source.
With consumers more aware of using ethical and sustainable sources, the gorgeous yarn they produce from their herd’s fleece is highly sought after. Emma spins and hand dyes the naturally hypoallergenic fleece, some of which is knitted or woven into hats, gloves and other winter woollies and some of which is made into skeins for other enthusiastic knitters to enjoy.
The yarn is also used in her popular spinning courses, where you can master (or at least try!) the art of using a traditional spinning wheel. In addition to working with yarn, Emma runs basket weaving sessions using willow harvested on the farm. She says:
“People really enjoy coming and learning a new skill, but I’ve also had them tell me how therapeutic they found the sessions. I’m now going down the counselling route because I can hand on heart say I’ve benefitted from the crafts I teach, and others have too. Chatting with likeminded people, doing something creative, being in nature and interacting with the animals is so restorative for everyone.”
Emma and Rodney’s partnership with Glasallt Fawr, a local care facility for adults with learning disabilities, has also tapped into the therapeutic element of what they do. Volunteers from the home regularly visit the farm to learn new skills while helping with the daily chores. The project has been so successful and inspiring that Bird Farm Alpacas is now on the path to becoming a care farm in its own right.
With lots in the pipeline, you can keep up with their latest news and course updates on the Bird Farm Alpacas Facebook page. And if you fancy treating yourself or someone else to some of their lovely products this Christmas, their online shop is definitely worth a browse.
