A smallholding near Tregaron, Wales, has been transformed into a private nature reserve and glamping site, offering a model of integrated conservation, food production, and tourism.
The 25-acre property, purchased in 2021 by Steve Hounsham and Lynn Thornborrow, now includes wildflower meadows, wetlands, a growing woodland, and eco-accommodation options for visitors.
Since relocating from Yorkshire during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hounsham and Thornborrow have gradually reshaped the land.
According to a report by Cambrian News, previous owners had attempted to farm the area using conventional methods, but the land’s characteristics proved unsuitable for ploughing.
Instead, the site was found to be a habitat for native orchids, including the endangered Lesser Butterfly Orchid.
The couple has worked to enhance this natural value, increasing the Heath Spotted-orchid population by 69 percent over three years. In 2024, 2,270 flowering heads were recorded.
To support biodiversity and climate resilience, the couple began planting 3,500 broadleaf trees in 2021, aiming to establish a six-acre woodland. They also started restoring a sphagnum peatland at the south end of the site.
Sphagnum mosses are known for their ability to store more carbon than trees and are effective at mitigating flood risks. Boardwalks now traverse the bog and other parts of the reserve, allowing guests to explore without damaging sensitive habitats.
The site operates with three guest accommodations: a meadow yurt, a converted van in an orchard, and a self-contained annexe of a Welsh cottage.
Glamping guests are encouraged to explore the nature reserve, walk the trail from “sunrise corner” to “sunset bench,” and enjoy organic produce from the on-site vegetable garden.
Wood for fires is sourced sustainably from trees felled as part of the peatland restoration. Guests are also welcomed with homemade baked goods and offered local preserves through an on-site tuck shop.
“We combine farming, food production, nature conservation and tourism,” said Hounsham, a former press officer for an environmental group. “This might sound like a tall order, but it can be done.”
The couple say they use the income from glamping to support their conservation activities. The meadows are managed not only for aesthetics but also for hay production, which is sold to a horse training centre.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the Hounsham-Thornborrow model offers a real-world example of how small-scale accommodations can align with environmental stewardship.
By diversifying land use and adopting sustainable practices, they have created an experience that appeals to eco-conscious travelers without compromising ecological integrity.
As demand for environmentally responsible travel grows, this model may be instructive for other site owners looking to blend conservation and commerce.
“Hopefully in 20 years, it will be a paradise both for nature and people,” Hounsham added.