There will be a chance to visit three local projects devoted to sustainability and development of their gardens and holdings in an environmentally sensitive way on Saturday (August 18) in Jameston and Manorbier Newton.

“Modern farming methods, the use of agrichemicals and pesticides can take a toll on wildlife and native flora,” said Steve Lewis who is behind the open day.

“Bio-diverse areas, with wildlife corridors wherever possible can provide vital lifelines to plants, insects, invertebrates, birds and mammals- everyone can do a little, you are invited to see how it is being done here,” he continued.

The ‘Natural Habitats’ project was started in 2014. A purposely created area of diverse habitats of approx 3 acres, each providing a safe unpolluted environment for a wide range of birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants.

It is visited by herons, owls and moorhens and has a huge range of wild flowers and bee friendly plants.

‘Willow Farm’, granted OPD status in 2017 is a One Planet Development, part of a policy introduced by the Welsh Government in 2011 promoting sustainability and enabling people to work on their own land, creating an affordable and sustainable way of life.

The five year plan is the cultivation of willow and plants for the gourmet market and the use of innovative methods of permaculture; working with nature rather than against it.

Energy generation, water and waste management is all done on-site, the holding is 100 per cent ‘off-grid’. This will all create measurable environmental benefits and an increase in biodiversity.

‘Manorbier Lavender’ is a new agricultural enterprise of 6 acres. The land is one of Manorbier Newton’s ancient strip fields.

In 2017, 1800 lavender plants were planted in the clay over limestone soil. After the exceptional winter and hot dry summer the crop has been harvested and there is now freshly dried lavender for sale.

The next plan is to take cuttings and grow plants on for more field planting in 2019.

A small orchard will be planted in autumn/winter 2018 alongside continuing to develop vegetable growing and management of the land for wildlife.

The land is managed sustainably, an acre of wetland is dedicated as a nature reserve

The open day takes place between 2 and 6 pm. With parking limited, walking visitors are encouraged.

Refreshments will be available at ‘Wildlife Corridors’ courtesy of St Florence Church. All donations made on the day will go towards the ‘Save St Florence Church’ fund.