Giving thanks for food and fellowship

At Pandy Farm autumn is a time for slowing down, stepping back from the relentless rhythm of the growing season and savouring the fruits (and veg!) of our labours. It is also a time to relish the exquisite beauty that autumn has to offer.

This season, that reflection feels especially tender as we remember our dear friend Rik, whose connections with Pandy Farm run deep. We hold him close in our hearts and in the life of this land.

In this newsletter, you'll find updates on new arrivals at the farm, upcoming events, reflections from Confest plus more news and updates.

The Initiation with Kestrel Morton

Wednesday 3rd December, 6pm

We invite you to join us for this special event next week.

Stories are spells - What happens when the hourglass of our life shatters into a thousand shards? How can we pick up the pieces when the shape of the world is forgotten?

In this extraordinary performance, old gods roam the streets of Bristol plotting revenge upon an aging empire, while mad prophets proclaim the end is nigh. The hammer of misfortune breaks open a head filled with story, releasing deep myth to correct a timeline in crisis.

Kestrel Morton tells the true and unbelievable tale of their journey from mental breakdown, eviction, and homelessness into the underworld and beyond - a perception-altering experience of psychosis that reveals the power of story to both harm and heal our relationship with reality.

Kestrel Morton is a queer, non-binary storyteller based in South Wales, usually found bewitching audiences with spider-web tales spun from the echoes of the wild. They blur reality with myth and draw the otherworld close, weaving narratives that linger long after the final word is spoken.

Join us for an evening that promises to transform, challenge, and enchant - where personal crisis becomes universal mythology, and the broken pieces of one life reveal patterns we all carry within us.

Food is available to order at ticket checkout or bring cash on the night.

Parti Pandy will follow with local musical performances from 7.30pm until late (no ticket required).

Buy Tickets for ‘The Initiation’ here: https://buytickets.at/menterpandy/1952279

Food Security Confest - Reflections

Our Confest event took place at the dramatic tail end of Storm Amy. Despite the wild weather, over 50 people attended the sold-out conference to discuss "What is Local Food Security and Why Does it Matter?"

The day began with a delightful presentation by Nathan Richards, a farmer and vegetable producer from Troed y Rhiw farm in Ceredigion. Nathan shared his passion for local food production and the power of local food markets to connect growers and producers with their communities.

The workshop that followed was facilitated by John Bray from Discover Outdoors in Sheffield. Participants were invited to strategise a plan for supporting their community through various food shock scenarios (check out Professor Tim Lang's work if you're unfamiliar with the concept of food shocks). The conversations were stimulating, and many shared how the workshop was both insightful and empowering in addressing the challenges we face.

The day concluded with an intimate exploration led by Steve Niner on the role of magic and intention in our relationship with the land, followed by a shared meal of Pandy Farm produce prepared by our on-farm chef, Ness. That so many local people attended to discuss the important issue of local food security is heartwarming indeed.

We look forward to the next Confest in spring 2026!

What’s happening across Wales?

Last week a member of the Pandy Farm team attended the Real Food and Farming Wales Conference in Bridgend. It was an opportunity to tune in to some of the major Welsh government policies and connect with some fabulous grassroots projects happening across Wales.

One of the most exciting innovations is Cegin y Bobol. This inspiring team run transformational food education programmes developed and delivered by some of Wales' finest cooks, growers, and food experts.

What’s so exciting is that Cegin y Bobl takes a holistic approach to food that goes far beyond simply teaching cooking skills. They recognise that food sits at the intersection of so many challenges we face today - from diet-related diseases and the mental health impacts of isolation and anxiety, to the urgent crises in farming, biodiversity loss, and the cost of living.

What makes Cegin y Bobl special is their understanding that food education can be truly transformative. By connecting people with local growers, teaching practical cooking skills, and fostering a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from, they're empowering communities across Wales to make healthier choices while supporting local food systems.

This is the kind of grassroots innovation that gives us real hope for a healthier, more connected future in Wales.

Global Food News - Ultra-Processed Foods: A Wake-Up Call for Our Health

Three major research papers, reported in the news last week, have shown that ultra-processed foods (UPF) harm every major organ system in our bodies. This is yet another shocking report about UPF, which are pushed onto us by massive corporations using highly sophisticated marketing techniques. Last year’s False Economy of Big Food report showed shocking figures of the economic cost of national diets that are high in UPFs.

The new health statistics are sobering: in the UK and US, over half our average diet is now UPF. For some people, particularly younger individuals and those in disadvantaged areas, it can be as high as 80%.

The research, published in the Lancet, linked 104 long-term studies and found that high UPF consumption is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and early death.

And it’s not just human health that is suffering. The production of UPFs also has negative impacts on the health of our beautiful planet - it is all connected.

The good news? Change is happening. Brazil's school food programme has successfully eliminated most UPF, with plans to make 90% of school meals fresh or minimally processed by 2026. The UK government and the Welsh Assembly are also making positive moves towards healthier eating policies.

The message is clear: reducing UPF and returning to fresh, whole foods isn't just about individual choice - it's about protecting our health. Small changes, like choosing whole fruits and vegetables that are in season and locally grown, can make a real difference.

Harvest Hampers Update

Our veg box scheme is slowly growing and we’ve had fantastic feedback from customers. One customer last week said “I’ve never known veg like it” (thanks for the fantastic feedback, Lucy!).

Your final opportunity to pick up a harvest hamper this year will be Monday 22nd December. We will send out a list of what’s on offer a few days beforehand so keep an eye out so you can enjoy a Christmas dinner of Pandy Farm produce.

If you’re not on the notifications list click the button below to join the produce availability WhatsApp group.

A huge thanks to all the volunteers this year!

We had a beautiful day at our Community Volunteer Day a few weeks ago. Despite the challenging road conditions after overnight flooding, those who made it were rewarded with sunshine and a wonderful day on the farm.

The day began with Ali leading a tour of the farm, followed by some gentle co-working in the soft fruits patch. We finished with a delicious meal prepared by our on-farm chef, Ness.

As a community-led farm, we're deeply grateful to everyone who has volunteered with us this year. Your help goes beyond just getting work done - knowing that our extended community cares about local food security lifts our spirits in the challenging work of primary food production.

Want to get involved? Join our volunteer WhatsApp group for weekly updates on farm activities by clicking the button below.

Winter Closing Dates

The farm will be closed from 23th December until early February 2026.

Gallery Selection

Here’s a few shots taken over the last few months on the farm..