Pembrokeshire coast ancient smallholding

We own an ancient Pembrokeshire longhouse, on the Strumble Peninsula not far from Fishguard and the Irish Ferry port. We are a smallholding of about 7 acres, with a further 20…

We own an ancient Pembrokeshire longhouse, on the Strumble Peninsula not far from Fishguard and the Irish Ferry port. We are a smallholding of about 7 acres, with a further 20 acres of ancient woodland a few miles along the coast. We manage all our land sustainably, and our main activities are forestry, poultry for eggs and beehives, garden and ground maintenance, and water and power maintenance. We are self-sufficient in water from our ancient spring, and nearly self-sufficient in power from our solar installations - but they all need maintenance. We have diversified into farm tourism, welcoming visitors from all over the world for 20 years. Our paying guests stay at the far end of the farmhouse, in a beautiful self-contained set of rooms called the Cwtsh. Busy with visitors from spring to autumn, the Cwtsh is often quiet from October to March, which is then the busy season for care, repair and maintenance, felling and logging, garden and border maintenance, general preparation for the next season. That's when we welcome volunteers to enjoy a free stay in the Cwtsh in exchange for practical help with all the diverse work involved in maintaining this very special place. At all times of the year, the best way to enjoy Ffynnon Clun and the amazing Pembrokeshire coast is actively. The difference in winter is you can enjoy it for it free, as you help us prepare a great welcome for our next season's paying guests.

Every year is different, so here's a snapshot of the likely top issues for winter 2026-7: After the drought of 2026, we must renovate and improve the water supply. The spring…

Every year is different, so here's a snapshot of the likely top issues for winter 2026-7: After the drought of 2026, we must renovate and improve the water supply. The spring chamber, pump house and pond system need cleaning, checking, testing. The pond and streams need clearing of overgrown vegetation. Our firewood ran low this year (we have three log stoves on the smallholding). We need several felling sessions in our wood, to harvest, stack, deliver and log down supplies ready to season for 2027/8. The Cwtsh is due refreshing with limewash paints, friendly but puzzling to use. Applies like water, seems transparent, but dries to a brilliant white, which allows the stone walls to breathe. We treated some timbers for woodworm this year, but must watch for more outbreaks. Probably need to shift some furniture. Solar panels on the field and the barn need cleaning. Fences need repair. Website needs a complete update. The barn loft needs a clear-out and some carpentry. It doesn't stop!