DECEMBER 2006 – DIARY
HOUSES
The refurbishment works to Tai Uchaf Farmhouse are continuing at a good pace. We have now drawn together draft letting particulars, and we are looking to rent the property out in February 2007. Viewings will be starting in the New Year. The work is being undertaken by Clive Evans and his building team is quite outstanding, and will present a stunning property when it is completed.
We also have a further four properties to rent in February, all 3 bed roomed detached properties in a rural setting two of which have already been rented out.
Tai Uchaf
FARMS
Our farming tenants have enjoyed a good summer period with noticeable increases in the commodity price of beef, and we hope that these prices will remain firm and lamb prices will recover further for next year’s crop of lambs.
COMMERCIAL PREMISES
We have had an exceptionally high level of demand for boat and caravan storage this autumn, however there is always room for one or two more!
A5 ROAD SCHEME
The scheme is now confirmed to be going ahead in Mach 2007 replacing the Creamery Bridge close to our farm shop. A small part of the Creamery industrial site that we own will be demolished commencing in January, consequently we are having to re-house a number of our tenants in alternative accommodation. The scheme will take approximately twelve months to construct and we will see at the end of the scheme hopefully improved visibility and safer roads.
CONSERVATION
We are planning ahead to re-plant the Coed Cadnor woodland following its felling this summer. We will be replacing the softwood timber with a range of native hard wood deciduous trees which we hope will develop into, firstly a good wildlife haven, and secondly an attractive addition to our rural landscape on the Estate with prominent hillside position and thirdly we also hope a good sporting wood.
This time of year when the leaves come off the trees, we undertake a roadside tree survey of all overhanging trees for the safety of the public on rights of way and highways. It is a shame that we have to fell timber sometime more aggressively than we would like, however in these litigious days it is becoming increasingly more important.
HEATHER TRUST
We have been pleased to play host to the Heather Trust a number of times this year, and we have invited them back the first week in December for an open day on the Gwerclas Moor, to demonstrate good heather management practice for the benefit of both agriculture, grouse shooting, rural leisure and conservation of our (SSSI) Site of Special Scientific Environment on the hill. This project has been well supported by the authorities, such as Countryside Council for Wales, Denbighshire County Council, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, and the Farming Unions.
LEISURE
The Estate is pleased to be continuing the development of our leisure facilities. The planned launch of the 1st March 2007 is still on track, and a number of operators are now joining with us to put on a good spread of rural pursuits across the Estate. This month we are focusing on developing orienteering and mountain biking in a structured and enjoyable fashion for next years launch.
Lord Newborough's overall update
The Farm
The Shop