December 2024
Weathering the Storm and Looking Ahead
As the year drew to a close, December brought challenges, accomplishments, and a hopeful glance toward the future. The standout event this month was undoubtedly Storm Darragh, which swept through South West Wales with ferocity, delivering strong winds and torrential rain. It triggered a rare ‘Red Alert’ for the region and left us without power or phone signal for five days.
The storm wreaked havoc across the land. A towering long-needled pine crashed across the driveway, requiring the chainsaw to clear it, while fallen trees damaged fences and toppled two gates, ripping them completely off their supports. One of our buildings bore the brunt of the winds as its corrugated roof was torn off, exposing the interior and damaging the adjacent chicken run. The polytunnel wasn’t spared either, suffering large holes as panels were ripped apart. Unfortunately, the extended power outage also meant that food in our freezers couldn’t be saved, despite our best efforts to keep them sealed.
Despite the turbulence, we remain grateful that everyone stayed safe and that the damage, while significant, is all repairable. This storm has been the strongest we've experienced since moving here 14 years ago—a reminder of nature's power and our resilience in its face.
Winter Chores and Progress
Beyond repairing the storm's aftermath, we carried on with our winter tasks. The polytunnel was pressure-washed, and the plastic covers for vegetable beds, which had been scattered by the winds, were securely refastened. We also completed pruning the last of the orchard trees that hadn’t been tackled during our Orchard Pruning Retreat in November.
The office received a thorough declutter and reorganisation, transforming it into a far more practical and inviting space. It’s amazing how refreshing a workspace can feel with a bit of care and attention—a perfect way to usher in new energy for the New Year.
Sadness on New Year’s Eve
Unfortunately, December ended on a distressing note. On New Year’s Eve, we had to confront a group of armed men and a pack of dogs illegally hunting on our land. This deeply saddened us, as we are dedicated to creating a safe haven for wildlife and fostering a nature reserve where ecosystems can thrive undisturbed. Their actions caused a significant disruption to the balance we work so hard to maintain, and it’s a stark reminder of the challenges that come with protecting this beautiful land.
Exciting News for 2025
On a brighter note, Stuart has partnered with a company specialising in geodesic buildings and is thrilled to be offering these structures to others. His January is already off to a busy start with the construction of a 7-meter geodesic dome for the Unearthed Festival in Pembrokeshire. These versatile and sustainable designs are sure to make a wonderful addition to any space.
Family time was also a key focus this December, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and exchange handmade gifts. The Winter Solstice has passed, bringing the promise of longer days and the turning of seasons—a hopeful symbol as we prepare for the New Year.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With 2025 on the horizon, we’re excited for all that’s to come! More volunteers from around the world will join us, and we have an incredible lineup of events in the works. Look out for our January Newsletter, where we’ll share our full calendar of events for the year.
One special event already confirmed is our Herbal Immersion Retreat, a three-night experience running from the 29th August to the 1st of September, 2025. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the image below for an early glimpse!
As always, thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to sharing 2025 with you.
Until next time,
Warm wishes from all of us at Plas Y Maes 🌱