Land & Environment

Vegetable field

Biodynamic preparations

LAND

There is a stong awareness of how much damage has already been done to the Earth, how fragile parts of it have become for supporting life and how crucial it is to halt and redeem this current phase of exploitation and devastation.

As custodians of Trigonos’ 18 acres of land we work with a keen sense of responsibility for its future: as well as being a source of nourishment and inspiration we recognize the possibility of activating that sense of responsibility in others by demonstrating a holistic approach to land management.

The garden, grounds and the greater landscape are all conducive to quiet reflection, inspiration and appreciation of the Natural World.

ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

It is clear that Nature's reponse to care and respect is shown by the increasing diversity of wildlife poulations. Having substantially reduced grazing levels since our arrival in 1996 it is noticeable, for example, that more wildflowers and native grasses attract more butterflies, insects and moths and, consequently, a greater number and variety of birds.

Two acres are given over to cropping vegetables and fruit; a second field is dedicated to conservation and biodiversity, encouraging the regeneration of native species; and the third currently houses some beehives and awaits time, finance and manpower to allow further sustainable developments.

There is a large walled garden through which the stream flows on it's way down to the lake.The stream, woodlands and fields are seen as integral to the vitality of the horticultural project, and we work to maintain and enrich their vigour and diversity. Given the spectacular location with very diverse potentials we are excited by the prospect of increasing biodiversity and wildlife populations - a good variety of which are already present.

The land provides for many of our needs: food for the table, flowers for visitors’ rooms, logs for the fire, and willow, slate and stone for fencing and other uses.

THE FOOD WE GROW

Why we grow food - Trigonos has always believed that local, small-scale production of food contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of the community, and directly addresses certain issues of sustainability. Seasonal food is freshly picked, produce is offered at peak quality with flavour and nutrition at their best and food miles are kept to a minimum. (Food Policy)

How we grow it - Our crops are grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and according to organic or biodynamic methods although we are not registered as such. We are members of the Wholesome Food Association (WFA) which promotes organic principles and local food.

What we grow - We grow a wide variety of salads, vegetables and fruit in the open field and in unheated polytunnels.

Food for visitors - Mealtimes and the good food served are a highlight at Trigonos and greatly add to the sense of wellbeing and general nourishment experienced by our visitors. In a world where many of us are divorced from the land, visitors appreciate seeing where their food has come from and how it has been grown:- land and table are reconnected.

Food for local people - Farm shop
We have a small farm shop beside the vegetable field which is used by local people and by visiting groups.

Biodynamic - The aim of biodynamic farming and gardening is to revitalise nature, grow nourishing food and advance the physical and spiritual health of humanity. Each biodynamic farm or garden is conceived of as an organism with its own individual qualities and diversity of life. Reliance on home produced compost, manures and animal feeds is a key objective and external inputs are kept to a minimum.

The 18 acres of Trigonos land include meadows, woodlands, a walled garden and a stream running down to the lake (Llyn Nantlle Uchaf).

There are many are areas for outdoor work sessions, for relaxation and play, and secluded places for quietness and reflection.

See picasaweb for more pictures of Trigonos (this may take some time to download).

See Blue Horizons for more pictures of the landscape (this may take some time to download).

See Nantlle.com for more information about Nantlle and the Nantlle Valley (Dyffryn Nantlle).

Ysgol Waunfwar build a willow tunnel at Antur Waunfawr

The willow tunnel the following year

Willow fence in the Lloyd George Museum garden

^Back to Top
 

The willow is harvested during the winter months before the sap rises and is used at Trigonos or sold on to local schools, community groups, landowners and gardeners. Amongst its many uses are hurdles, fences, garden ornaments and craft work, live willow sculptures and arcades.

Willow is a versatile and natural material, and a renewable and sustainable resource, that supports wildlife during it's growing period and during its life as a natural garden feature.

(Photographs of Ysgol Waunfawr and Criccieth Soroptimists, courtesy Anna Williams, North Wales Wildlife Trust)

WWOOF volunteer learning mechanics

Weeding

Workers and volunteers take a rest

Whether clearing brambles or weeding cabbages, all aspects of land work are labour intensive. Help from volunteers is vital to our success and we would be hard pressed to sustain our current levels of productivity without their valuable time and energy. Arrangements are of a reciprocal nature and it is not possible to evaluate the longer term benefits for our helpers. We hope that the seeds sown within them at Trigonos will flourish as do those they have planted in the land.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

Sometimes peope who live nearby offer us a few days, weeks or even years' help with our work. This provides useful activity for those who are at an interim period in their lives, or who are no longer in the "work-place".

An important development over recent years has been the number of local young people who have come to Trigonos on work experience. This is arranged in partnership with the careers service, local schools and agencies working with people who are at risk or have a disability.

WWOOFers

We offer horticultural work experience via WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). Volunteers from around the world offer their labour in return for board and lodging, valuable experience of organic gardening and an opportunity to travel on a limited budget. Many WWOOFers come from abroad, bringing with them something of their own land and culture. This is always a refreshing aspect of working with volunteers.

Read comments from our happy WWOOFers below.

Are you a registered WWOOFer wanting to check dates for a visit? Email us.

FOREIGN STUDENTS

We also take students from abroad. They come to improve their English and broaden their work and cultural experience, living and working in another country. Horizon International places several students from schools in Germany with us each year. Other students come to see a not-for-profit business in action, or to look at sustainability issues in the UK.

WWOOFer Comments

August 2010

We really enjoyed working in the garden and learning how to drive the tractor. It's been an absolutely fantastic WWOOF experience all around and we can't say enough about it. We wish we could stay longer.

June 2009

Thankyou so much for a wonderful couple of weeks. Trigonos is a truly inspirational place and all the people I have met here have been so friendly..you have made my stay here really special, for me it has been the best WWOOF ever!

March/April 2008
I’ve had a terrific time at Trigonos! The immense amount of donkey muck won’t be forgotten and I hope that the strawberries, savoy, carrots, lettuce or whatever you intend to plant on those beds may grow very, very well . . . So many people have told you before but I must say: Trigonos is heaven for vegetarians. The food is incredibly delicious.

August 2007
It’s the second time for me at this wonderful place. Thank you for all your kindness, the peaceful environment, the delicious food and everything. I’ll be back soon . . .

December 2006
The accommodation was first class. Very warm and comfortable and extremely private—it was a real joy trudging back from a day’s hard slog to slide down into the bath. The food was fantastic . . . Spent a lot of time in the library of an evening with a warm fire and plenty of great books to keep me busy.

September 2006
Trigonos has been a wonderful experience this week, a week which is gone too soon yet stretched to include so much. It’s great to work in gardens where the food feeds directly people staying here and the local community . . . You’ve created a magical place, thank you for sharing it with WWOOFERs and for being so welcoming.

August 2006
Thanks so much for a lovely time! I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to WWOOF here. Lovely people, relaxed and friendly atmosphere and breathtaking views…..what more can you ask for?