September’s autumn gather marked a significant moment for the farm. After 32 years managing the Tynllidiart flock, Tudor Davies is stepping away, while new tenants Cynan and Mared are beginning their own chapter.
Cynan joined farmers and shepherds from across the Elan Estate to bring the flock down from the hill, before he and Mared began selecting the ewe lambs and tup lambs that will become part of their farming enterprise.
And there are always unexpected jobs along the way. When one ewe turned up having missed shearing in the summer, tenant farmer Brian Lewis put his hand-shearing skills to work.
Gathering a hill is a communal effort, with neighbouring farmers, shepherds and their dogs coming together to get the job done, a tradition and camaraderie Tudor says he’ll miss.
Images: J E Phillips
