National Trust Cymru and the Royal Welsh Show team up for new wellbeing garden to support nature connection

Designed by National Trust Cymru’s gardening team from nearby Dinefwr, Llanerchaeron and Powis Castle, the wellbeing garden champions biodiversity, environmentally sustainable materials and provides a relaxing space for people to spend time in nature away from the hustle and bustle. The Royal Welsh Show takes places between 22 and 25 July and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors each year.

The new 15-metre garden has been created in the shape of an oak leaf, with visitors able to follow a mown path through multi-stemmed hazels to secluded seating at the centre to be fully immersed in the green space – inspired by Wales’ Celtic rainforest. Multi-stemmed hazels and standard oaks are just some of the sights to enjoy, as well as providing space for biodiversity and wildlife. 

National Trust Cymru’s Alex Summers, who led the design creation and is Head Gardener at Llanerchaeron and Dinefwr, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have teamed up with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society to create a wellbeing garden that brings people and nature together.

We know that spending time outdoors is good for our wellbeing and we hope that visitors will enjoy taking a moment to connect with the garden and feel inspired by the new Horticulture Village at the Show.”

The new green space is located in the Show’s Horticulture Village, a dedicated area celebrating all aspects of horticulture in Wales and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s focus on inclusivity and biodiversity. 

Speaking about the new garden and the Horticulture Village, Aled Rhys Jones, the Chief Executive for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said: ‘We are delighted to partner with National Trust Cymru in the delivery of the Tawelwedd, our new Sensory Garden. 

“This comes as part of our new Horticulture Village which will be officially opened by Sue Kent on the first day of the Royal Welsh Show. We look forward to welcoming our guests to the area and exploring the Dysgubor, Marchnad Dyfwyr – The Growers Marquee, the Floral Art Marquee, Eisteddflodau, Micro Gardens and the new food and drink venue Garddfwyd.”

Visitors can find out more about the design, its creation and ideas to take home at a talk with Alex Summers on Wednesday 24 July at 1.30pm. The talk will take place on the main stage in the Horticulture Village.

Following the Show, the conservation charity in partnership with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society will be donating the plants to local community groups to continue to provide benefits for people and nature in Powys.

Along with the creation of the wellbeing garden, National Trust Cymru will also be hosting a series of daily talks focused on nature-friendly farming in Wales at its stand (887-CCA) in the Countryside Care Area of the Show.

What’s on at the stand

Monday 22 July

13:00-13:25
In conversation with National Trust Cymru
Journalist Sian Lloyd speaks to National Trust Cymru’s Helen Pye about how the conservation charity is working with farmers to support nature, its role in the rural economy and explore the future of farming policy in Wales.

13:30-13:55
In conversation with Castell Howell
How do we produce good food with minimal environmental impact? Journalist Sian Lloyd is joined by Edward Morgan, ESG Manager for Castell Howell, to explore supply chain sustainability and the work of Wales’ leading independent food service wholesaler. 

14:00-14:25
A day in the life of a nature-friendly farmer
Peter Smithies, farmer and National Trust Cymru tenant shares his experiences of farming in Pembrokeshire, and how he has integrated the environment into his farm’s business model. 

14:30-16:00
Drop-in to meet our tenant farmers from Trehill Farm, Pembrokeshire
Drop by the stand to hear from Peter and Gina Smithies who farm at Trehill Farm in Pembrokeshire.

Tuesday 23 July

10:00-10:30
In conversation with the Sustainable Food Trust
National Trust Cymru’s Assistant Director Jonathan Hughes in conversation with Sustainable Food Trust’s Adele Jones on the charity’s work to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable food and farming system. 

10:30-12:00
Drop-in to meet Gower grazier, Emma Douglas
Drop by the stand to hear from Emma who farms National Trust Cymru land on Gower.

12:00-12:30
A day in the life of a nature-friendly farmer
Emma Douglas, farmer and National Trust Cymru grazier shares her experiences of farming on Gower, and how she integrated the environment into her farm's business model.

Wednesday 24 July

10:00-12:00
Drop-in to meet our Parc Farm tenant farmer
Drop by the stand to chat to Dan Jones who farms at Parc Farm on the Great Orme in Llandudno.

13:00-13:25
In conversation with Wales Nature Friendly Farming Network
National Trust Cymru’s Assistant Director Jonathan Hughes speaks to Tony Davies, Co-Chair of Wales Nature Friendly Farming Network, about his experiences of building a successful farming business in partnership with nature.

13:30-13:55
Space to Grow
Head to the Horticulture Village to hear from National Trust Cymru Head Gardener Alex Summers on creating a wellbeing garden for the Royal Welsh Show and a space to grow at Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion.

14:00-16:00
Drop-in to meet our Maesmoi tenant farmers
Drop by the stand to hear from Dewi and Val Edwards who farm at Maesmoi in Pumpsaint, Carmarthenshire.

Thursday 25 July

11:00-11:30
Farming tenancies with National Trust Cymru
Senior Estates Manager Gethin Evans shares more about National Trust Cymru’s tenancy process for farm lettings – how to apply, what to consider and how the charity works with tenants to support nature-friendly farming.