Fferm Moelyci, Lôn Felin Hen, Tregarth, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4BB.
Moelyci : Urgent Appeal Moelyci was the first place in the UK where a community came together and bought a whole hill-farm and mountain. Together our 750 members have made the farm a place where people have a real connection to the land. Through 10 remarkable years of hard work we have quietly made our own history, establishing a centre for nature conservation and providing opportunities for land-based learning, training and employment. Over those 10 years Moelyci has: Created jobs, established allotments, set up a market garden, supported crafts, heritage and wildlife projects Attracted 750 shareholding members – people like you Cared for the land and wildlife of the farm, turning it into a more diverse landscape rich in wildlife Taken special care of the rare wildlife and habitats of the ffridd and mountain land, including species which are nationally threatened Provided paid work placements for almost 100 local long-term unemployed people Established a range of projects which provides income, volunteering and training opportunities for large numbers of people every year. Been a social hub and melting pot for ideas and projects. Developed plans for a green burial site Almost completed the first phase of refurbishing one of the barns as our education centre and community meeting space Moelyci needs the help, today, of people like you who care about wildlife, the countryside and rural communities.
The Problem At a time when funds are stretched and councils and central organisations are slashing budgets and centralising operations, small, independent operations like Moelyci are left struggling to survive. Our reserves are badly stretched, and we urgently need capital to finish off the first phase of the community barn re-building project. This will give us a great new resource, generating hard cash income through field study activities, courses, events and hire fees. These problems are far from unusual at the moment for businesses, charities and social enterprises, and we have been saddened to learn that other important conservation organisations are also struggling, at a time when we absolutely need those independent voices. 01248 602793 office@moelyci.org www.moelyci.org
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