David Tyler Trust International Projects

Saturday 4 June 2016

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre Managed by Shared Earth Trust

 
The Shared Earth Trust was set up 1987 to manage the 40 acre site that is now the Denmark Farm Conservation Centre a facility devoted to reconnecting people with nature and promoting biodiversity through educational activities in the local communities around Ceredigion, Wales. Four years ago the Shared Earth Trust decided to develop some accommodation at Denmark Farm in the form of an ‘Ecolodge’ with a view to generating income towards covering the core costs associated with the Shared Earth Trust. The Ecolodge has recently received the ‘Green Key’ tourism award for being one of the country’s most environmentally sustainable destinations.
 

The project funded by the DavidTyler Trust an audio box at a strategically important interpretation point on the farm, situated on part of the boardwalk accessible to all, including wheelchair users. It is adjacent to a small pond used for pond-dipping activities with a view out over the landscape beyond. It is a key point for highlighting the existing biodiversity and the management practices at Denmark Farm that have encouraged a range of habitats in contrast to the monoculture of the surrounding farmland. The ‘U Turn Round’ audio box is powered by individuals winding a handle, no external power source is required, which is in keeping with the sustainability message at Denmark Farm. The wind-up audio box will contain eight messages (four in English and  four in Welsh) about the diversity of habitats and the wildlife that these habitats support.