January 2025
New Year, Wild Weather & Exciting Plans for 2025
January arrived with a force, bringing wild winds, relentless rain, and plunging temperatures to Plas y Maes. The landscape continues to shift under nature’s powerful hand, with storms reshaping the land and demanding resilience from both people and place. Fallen branches, sodden paths, and even the occasional uprooted tree kept us on our toes, but despite the challenges, work carried on.
Between the downpours, we tackled essential winter tasks. The driveway received a much-needed power wash, clearing away layers of mud and weeds, while plastic covers were secured once more over the vegetable and mandala beds to suppress unwanted growth during the colder months. Inside the polytunnel, the vines were pruned again, leaves and debris were cleared, and the floors were scrubbed clean of moss.
One of the highlights this month was checking in on the 300 coniferous trees we planted six years ago. It was incredibly rewarding to see them standing strong, some now towering at 12 feet tall. These trees are not only providing much-needed shelter but are also helping to shape the future landscape of Plas y Maes, creating vital habitats for wildlife and reinforcing our commitment to rewilding and conservation.
The land itself is always evolving, and this month we worked to refine access through it. More strimming was completed, and a new track was cleared to open up a fresh pathway. However, not all projects ran smoothly—a determined little mouse found its way into our stored seed envelopes, making itself quite at home while enjoying a feast of carefully collected seeds. Lesson learned: glass jars are the way forward! Despite this, Heather successfully gathered white borage and courgette seeds and potted up some Good King Henry plants, which will be ready for planting in the mandala come spring.
One of the biggest projects this month was the construction of a geodesic dome. Stuart dedicated hours to crafting and assembling the intricate wooden triangles, a labor-intensive process requiring patience and precision. The dome was raised with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom will be working together at a festival later in the year. Battling through wind, rain, and icy conditions, they managed to erect the structure—a true display of teamwork and perseverance. Now painted and standing strong, it only awaits the final addition of a waterproof entrance.
Over at Iachusol Enaid (Healing Soul),
Plans are unfolding for a potential Dome Sauna Building Workshop later this year, offering a hands-on experience in crafting a truly unique and functional space.
Alongside this, we are preparing to host an inspiring lineup of retreats, from Yoga Wellness to Trail Running and Somatic Trauma Healing. Keep an eye on our events page as more dates are announced.
As the days slowly lengthen, bringing the promise of spring, we look ahead with anticipation to all that 2025 has in store. Whether through new builds, growing retreats, or simply reconnecting with the land, we are reminded that even in the depths of winter, there is always movement, change, and the opportunity for new beginnings.
Thank you for being part of the journey—we can’t wait to share the year ahead with you at Plas y Maes!
Stay warm and connected,
Until next time,
Warm wishes from all of us at Plas Y Maes 🌱
For those interested in Stuart’s handcrafted work or geodesic domes, visit his website at www.branchoutwales.co.uk for more information.