Greatwedlock Farm are hosting a consultation event on Monday (November 8).

Mr. and Mrs. Evans have engaged Atriarc Planning to seek planning permission for a new and exciting mixed-use development project, to diversify and support the current deer farm activities occurring on site.

The proposed development is seeking a Change of Use of farm buildings on site to create a new deer attraction park, educational and events building as well as a change of use of two buildings to provide a large animal and marine veterinary practice (also looking to work with local marine rescue charities to provide a new facility). A new access road, solar pv installation (on one of the barn roofs) and landscaping elements are also proposed on site.

Input will be welcomed from local residents and businesses to fully engage the community in all aspects of the planning and development process.

A consultation event will be held on November 8 from 2 pm to 6 pm at Greatwedlock Farm, Gumfreston, Pembrokeshire, SA70 8RB, where copies of the plans will be available for review.

Wayne Reynolds from Atriarc Planning and Mr Evans, will be in attendance to go through the proposals and answer any queries you may have. Visitors are invited to park in the main farmyard; site notices will be provided to guide guests to Barn 2 (proposed events building) where the event will be held. Covid-19 guidelines will be observed on site to ensure the welfare of visitors and staff.

Mr. Evans, of Greatwedlock Farm, has written the following overview:

“Our farm comprises of a 176-acre farm-holding largely laid to grass pasture, with an area of woodland found along the southern boundary of the main farm adjacent to the Ritec river. The farm is currently rearing Red Deer and Fallow Deer and is in the process of seeking Organic accreditation. The farm is also used for forage production. We initially purchased 80 deer, two stags and one buck. Following a successful breeding season, we now have over 140 Deer on the farm and this is anticipated to grow to over 200 in the coming 12 months.

“Deer and deer farming were once prevalent in Pembrokeshire. However, increased pressures on farmland saw the significant decline in the native deer population throughout the last two hundred years with greater emphasis in intensive beef, dairy and horticulture. Whilst previously a common site, there are very few places Deer are found in Pembrokeshire (or Wales) until Greatwedlock farm was established in 2020.

“To run alongside the current farm, we would like to offer a new attraction for visitors holidaying in Pembrokeshire, with a greater emphasis on wildlife, connecting guests with nature and the rural landscape.

“Pembrokeshire retains some of the most beautiful coastal and natural landscapes in the UK. With this in mind, tourism attractions can provide clear support to the local economy, as well as assist diversifying farm income streams. The local coastal and rural areas provide areas for peaceful, quiet and relaxing breaks along with the high quality blue flag beaches for water based activities.

“More and more visitors are increasingly interested in rural activities and being environmentally friendly. Along with supporting farm income, one of our key aspirations is to fulfil a gap in the market, to provide a bespoke attraction, educational and events venue. Greatwedlock farm could provide this opportunity. Visitors will be provided with an opportunity to create a connection with the rural landscape, interact with animals as well as provide guests an understanding of current Deer farm (and general farming) practices.

“Visiting the farm and seeing the Deer throughout the various seasons, would provide a year round facility, from the excitement of the rutting the season to the birth of new deer on the farm. The farm has an attractive wildlife offer with rabbits, barn owls, foxes and many species of birds seen on site throughout the year. We are also aiming to reintroduce native species such as red squirrels back on to the farm, in our summer grazing and woodland areas to further support ecological activity on site.

“With a keen interest in wildlife and ecology, running alongside the Deer Farm, we are also seeking to provide an onsite veterinary clinic, which specialises in the care and repatriation of injured wildlife and large animals. This is proposed to be housed in the old stone agricultural building and garage on the farm. The old stone agricultural building will be utilised as an animal sanctuary and treatment area for recovering wildlife and treated animals (as well as remain in use by the farm when required). The main clinic would be housed in the converted garage to support onsite activities.

“We feel this is an important aspect of our proposal as - at the moment - any badly injured seals or seal pups found around the shore-line have to be transported to either Devon or Norfolk for treatment and care. The provision of a new facility to properly care for and support animal recovery (to prevent alternative long journey times for treatment - where some may not survive) goes to the heart of our passion for supporting local wildlife.

“My wife and I are very well versed in developing tourist facilities, having developed a variety of successful 5 star David Bellamy holiday destinations, throughout England and Wales during the last 45 years. After many years of success we relocated back to Pembrokeshire where it all started in 1976.

“We are intending to remain open throughout the year. During the winter months when tourism activity reduces, we will be able to promote further opportunities for local schools and associations to visit and learn about our Deer and the farm, within the educational and events building. The mating rituals of the stags, from the end of September through to December, also provides an exciting and spectacular event (which is rarely seen), but one which could be safely viewed from the viewing platform or secure seating area.

“Long-term, environmental sustainability has also been a key driver for our proposal. The farm and proposed park would be run entirely from Solar Energy (and a battery backup) to create a Carbon neutral footprint (guided by Swansea University). Initially we aim to recruit and training upwards of 20 members of staff. All construction work will (and has been) carried out using local trades people and suppliers, to ensure that the benefits of our capital investment are retained locally.

“We would hope that Pembrokeshire County Council can support this bespoke farm diversification and tourism scheme. The environmentally friendly Carbon neutral development will provide positive economic benefit derived from job creation, as well as supporting farm biodiversity through active management of the wider lands, for the benefit of the future generations in Pembrokeshire.”

Copies of the proposed plans are available for inspection at Pembrokeshire County Council Planning Office, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TP (9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday) and Tenby Library, Greenhill Avenue Tenby Pembrokeshire SA70 7LB, from 10 am – 5 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or 10 am – 12.30 pm on Saturday. Computer facilities are also provided on site along with hard copies of the proposed plans.