The farm at Castell Carreg Cennen is impressive in itself, with 65 head of Pedigree Longhorn Cattle and around 300 mainly Welsh Mountain Sheep. One of the barns is now an excellent cafe selling home cooked food such. The place was bustling with activity when I visited, with Welsh art and craft sold in the shops on site.

The combination of a working farm and a thriving family business was an excellent example of diversification in rural communities. It is run by Bernard and Margaret Llewellyn and their family.

I have to say that in any event Castell Carreg Cennen would be an attraction. Built by the Princes of Deheubarth, it has a rich history and a number of impressive features, none more so than the limestone cave connected to the castle. A rather steep set of stairs in near darkness was a challenge, but to see the limestone cave within the castle was a rare joy. There are very few castles in Wales with such a feature, with the use of the cave still not fully known.

Another thriving Welsh business is Abaca Organic in Ammanford, who specialise in making bedding with organic Welsh wool. Abaca Organic use materials created by traditional farming methods, avoiding the use of highly toxic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. I was told that the Welsh wool was natural fire retardant, with no need for chemical fireproofing – perhaps our sheep needed it to stop being burnt by the Draig Goch in years gone by?

I have Welsh wool insulation in my house already and I am looking forward to getting my organic Welsh mattress.

The business is a family run affair and based on another working farm. The family tell me that orders are going very well and they will be looking to expand due to the demand. This is testament to the hard work of the business owners, but it certainly brought home to me how Wales can forge its own localised economy based on environmental principles.

The Economic Renewal Programme launched by Ieuan Wyn Jones will be looking to refocus our attention on native Welsh businesses such as the two I have mentioned. It is clear that with the right support, rural businesses can thrive and do so in a sustainable way.

Diwedd/Ends