Pembrokeshire Coast path

Last week in Wales, while walking parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast , I took along a 2008 edition “coast to coast” a free newspaper published by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It has the bus timetables and other very useful information for anyone walking parts or the whole of the coastal trail. Reading it one evening, I came across an article  discussing how agriculture on the path had changed over the time the Park has been in existence. It made some disturbing reading.

Twenty five years ago the path went through 33 dairy farms and 31 potato farms. Today the figure is 4 of each. Other statistical information presented included the fact that on average, in 1950 the sale of one fat lamb would provide a week’s wages. Now it takes the sale of six fat lambs to provide the same income in real terms.

I would not be at all surprised if this picture was repeated throughout the UK and Europe. Farming practices have always been subject to change and another statistic highlights this – in 1980 just 0.3% of the farms were organic, while today some 7% are.

Why do you feel farming has changed in Pembrokeshire? Do you feel that it has changed for the better?

The article suggests that we as consumers or visitors top the area can help support small family farms by:

• buying locally grown produce
• buying from farmers’ markets
• returning to stay in Pembrokeshire
• Supporting local farm enterprise

Do you have any tips to add to the above list?

Reference “coast to coast” published by the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority. Copies of the 2009 edition can be found in most Tourist Offices in Pembrokeshire.