Sidney Nolan Trust
Rodd Farm, near Presteigne
The 250 acres of land owned by the Sidney Nolan Trust and managed as Rodd Farm lie in the beautiful valley of the Hindwell brook, a major tributary of the river Lugg which is on the England Wales border, and has S.S.S.I. status. The land encompasses an amazing diversity of wildlife habitats from the ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland (a county designated special wildlife site) to the complex of traditional hedgerows, the riverside meadows and the large area of undisturbed scrub. Although the land already supports a rich and healthy number of natural species, the Trust is working to improve this with sensitive and appropriate management.
In 1987 Lady Nolan, director of the Sidney Nolan Trust, began the process of converting the farm to organic management. The farm has been certified as organic with the Soil Association since 1992. This reflects an overriding concern to farm in a manner that will protect and enhance the very special wildlife of the land. The farming must contribute to the development of vibrant and abundant natural wildlife communities.
For many years Rodd Farm supported a large herd of pedigree Welsh Black cattle and a flock of continental cross early lambing ewes. Recently, due to the vast changes in the farmingin the UKand the implications of a charitable trust owning a commercial farm, the Sidney Nolan Trust has had to look to develop imaginative relationships with others to secure an harmonious and viable future for the land. The Trusthas, however,been able to maintain a nucleus herd of Welsh Blacks and Lleyn cross sheep the progeny of which are sold through Graig Farm.
In addition to caring for the wildlife of the land, the Sidney Nolan Trust aims to play an active role in the debate concerning the future of modern farming. Through seminars and farm walks, often in cooperation with the Soil Association, the Trust acts to promote awareness of conservation issues and the role of organic farming as beneficial to natural animal and plant populations.
