THIS is a wonderful time of year for many of us – a time to relax, put our feet up, spend time with family and friends, indulge in all of the fabulous food on offer and many homes will be filled with the delightful smells of festive cooking.

Many offices and shops across the country close and a peaceful serenity engulfs us. But if you have a farm to run, how different does that time look?

Teleri Fielden, the latest National Trust Llyndy Isaf scholar and former Farmers’ Union of Wales marketing and membership manager, has been enjoying her first Christmas at the 614-acre upland farm in Nant Gwynant, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia.

“It’s actually my first time in Wales for Christmas for a few years, so I’m really looking forward to being with my family and dogs, a Welsh Christmas will be very special. The only trouble is, I have to host it this time!” said Teleri before Christmas.

“But I think having family and dogs there will make it much more homely – food smells and Christmas lights and a mess!

“It’s quite a big house for one person and a dog, so it’ll be nice to fill it. Saying that I’ll probably be looking forward to having it all to myself again by the time Christmas is over!”

The farm extends from the shores of the beautiful Llyn Dinas up to the summit of Moel y Dyniewyd and includes a mix of heath, bog and woodland habitats rich in wildlife.

In addition to managing a flock of Welsh Mountain ewes and a herd of Welsh Black cattle, the farm takes part in the Glastir Agri-Environment scheme and includes several Sites of Scientific Special Interest with a strong emphasis on conservation farming.

Talking about her plans for the holidays, Teleri said: “I am going to make the most of the free labour and also my Dad’s height to get a load of jobs done. No, I’m joking-ish!

“My sisters all work in hospitals – I’m the odd one out being a farmer – so it’s a bit touch and go when they will be able to arrive. The NHS is a bit like farming in that respect. It never stops.

And what was on the menu on Christmas day?

Teleri’s own lamb of course.

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