Where the Wild Things Are

Are you and your family fans of all creatures, great and small? If so, the good news is that you don't need to go far to see them – there are some amazing locations near you including well known sites like national parks, nature reserves, RSPB reserves, zoos and WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) reserves. These all offer a fun and exciting way for the whole family to get up close and personal with animals in a safe environment. Yattar Yattar took a road trip in search of the best local places to watch the wilds go by... Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory Bardsey Bird Observatory, in Gwynedd is the only fully accredited observatory in Wales, and is one of a growing network of bird observatories in the British Isles. From early spring onwards, the island is a mecca for birdwatchers who, erm, flock to observe chiffchaffs, willow warblers, blackcaps and garden warblers, as well as marvel at the sight of 32,000 shearwaters coming ashore to lay and incubate their eggs. At this time of year, the island is ablaze with plants and flowers attracting a stunning selection of butterflies – small tortoiseshell, common blue and painted ladies forming a kaleidoscope of colour to delight the entire family. The observatory celebrates its 60th birthday this year so, if you want to be involved in the celebrations, visit the website at www.bbfo.org.uk Blue Planet Aquarium The Blue Planet Aquarium is a marine and freshwater aquarium located by the Cheshire Oaks retail and leisure complex, near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. Home to over 100 living displays including Europe’s largest collection of sharks, there is something here to impress even the most cynical of underwater explorers! Clownfish, seahorses, rays, otters, diving ducks, poisonous frogs, venomous spiders, snakes... you name ‘em, they’re more than likely to have’em and, what’s more, there is also an ‘aquatheatre’ featuring daily shows. Here you can gaze in wonder at the spectacular view of life in the depths around the reef whilst the presenter explains the fascinating creatures you see swimming by – including the divers who will be joining in the presentation! Visit www.blueplanetaquarium.com Gigrin Farm You’re not likely to get closer to a greater number of raptors than at Gigrin Farm, in Powys. This feeding and rehabilitation centre for red kites, with their familiar fork-tailed silhouette and five-foot wingspan, is based at a family-run sheep farm in Rhayader and is central to the red kite success story in Wales. After years of persecution, red kites had disappeared from almost the whole of the UK, apart from Mid-Wales, in the nineteenth century. Thanks to changing attitudes and intensive conservation efforts, like those of the Powell family who run this scheme, they are becoming a familiar sight again. Visit the farm at 3pm to see tranquility transform in to a frenzy of talons and beaks as these gorgeous creatures congregate for their dinner – sometimes you can see up to 400 of these majestic birds, squabbling over the best cuts of meat! Go to www.gigrin.co.uk to learn more. Tatton Park A Royal Charter brought deer to Tatton Park in 1290... and they’re still there! The 400-strong herd of red and fallow deer roam freely over the Cheshire park’s 1000 acres and rare breed St Kilda and Soay sheep have been a feature here since 1887 and the 1930s respectively. Whilst you are there, make sure to visit Tatton Park’s farm which provides a picture of rural life where time has ‘stood still’ since the 1930s and traditional breeds are still resident. Go to www.tattonpark.org.uk for more information. Berwyn Mountain Llamas An unusual alternative to walking the dog, walking with llamas is an increasingly popular pastime. Suitable for people of varying ages and fitness levels, they are low-impact trekking companions (the animals cannot be ridden, as their backbones are not strong enough to bear the weight of a human) who, contrary to popular belief, are not bad-tempered spitters but calm and gentle creatures who will happily accompany you across the lower slopes of the Berwyn Mountains. Owner, Carol Jerman, tells us, ‘The llamas are intelligent and responsive animals, always looking and listening. They definitely don't just plod along on the end of the lead! This is such a relaxing activity – on most treks, the only noise to be heard is the wind in the trees, the rush of the river across the valley and the singing of the birds... pure bliss!’ You can find out more at www.berwynmountainllamas.co.uk Chester Zoo Chester Zoo is home to over 11,000 animals, across more than 400 different species and boasts 110 acres of award-winning enclosures and gardens to explore. Today, they’re not only the UK’s most popular zoo, and one of the top 15 in the world, but also a highly respected centre for global conservation and research, and passionate campaigners for wildlife. Chester Zoo's Director General, Dr Mark Pilgrim says, ‘We had a host of new arrivals last year due to our breeding successes. Newborns included elephant and rhino calves, giant otter pups, orang-utans and other species, all of which have been important for conservation and a big draw for visitors.’ The zoo continues to build on its success and in early summer, it will begin work on its new £30 million Islands experience. Visit their website at www.chesterzoo.org Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre Nestled amongst 50 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Countryside Park is a definite must for all horse fans. Home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud, prize-winning Shires have been bred here for over 40 years and they form the pièce de résistance of the centre. Alongside these majestic beasts is a veritable menagerie of other creatures, which includes otters, polecats, red foxes, deer, birds of prey and game birds. For more information about the centre and park, including the exhibition centre and nature trail, visit www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk Cheshire Falconry Centre Cheshire Falconry, a national birds of prey centre, is one of the leading falconry centres in the United Kingdom. With their professional falconers you can soar with eagles, fly with falcons and hoot with owls. Here you can learn about the natural behaviours of these powerful birds and get involved in handling and flying them under direct and expert supervision. Visit www.cheshirefalconry.com The Animalarium Borth Animalarium is a small zoo with a big heart in mid-Wales. A refuge for unwanted zoo animals and exotic pets, the dedicated staff pride themselves on educating the public about responsible animal ownership. There is plenty to do at this animal haven – meerkat encounters, crocodile feeding, reptile handling, you even delight in the performing macaw show! All of these activities include a talk about the animals and a question and answer session, which is included in the admission price. Go to www.animalarium.co.uk to learn more! Pili Palas Nature World If you’re a bug lover, Pili Palas could be just the place for you! At Pili Palas Nature World, you’ll have the chance to meet not only bugs, but also butterflies, snakes and lizards. You’ll even get a chance to get up close and personal (if you dare) to some of the animals in the popular animal handling sessions. Many of the animals at Pili Palas are unwanted exotic pets that have grown too big for their original owners. The knowledgeable staff aim to educate visitors on keeping exotic animals as pets. At Pili Palas, you can also get a glimpse at some local wildlife. There are new nature trails and bird hides that have been set up for this season, and a wildlife pond that after being installed last year, is coming into its own and attracting plenty of local insects and animals. Visit www.pilipalas.co.uk for more information. North Wales Wildlife Trust The NWWT, the body that aims to conserve north Wales’ wildlife whilst increasing understanding turns 50 this year and to celebrate they are holding a 24 hour sponsored Bird Race on their reserves on Saturday, May 18th. Everybody is welcome to participate in this quest to record as many birds as possible, either in teams or individually, and it promises to be a fun day! If you cannot make it, you are more than welcome to attend the re-cap and social get-together on Sunday 19th. For more information about this worthy event, visit www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk Welsh Mountain Zoo High above Colwyn Bay is the Welsh Mountain Zoo, a conservation zoo with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery. Here you can spend a day learning about many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world including snow leopards, chimpanzees, red pandas and Sumatran tigers. Exhibitions include the penguin parade, chimp encounter, bear falls, condor haven and the children’s farm plus much more. If you book in advance, you could even take part in the zoo’s animal encounter scheme, where for just £70 for one person or £95 for two you can meet and feed some of the animals. Visit www.welshmountainzoo.org for more information. Anglesey Sea Zoo Anglesey Sea Zoo is the largest aquarium in Wales and is home to over 150 native species. The zoo places great importance on conservation and has developed a captive breeding and release programme to help our native species survive. You can see conservation in action when you visit their lobster hatchery and seahorse nursery. You can also get close to marine life with daily talks and feeds with the zoo’s biologists. Visit www.anglseyseazoo.co.uk.

These Boots Were Made For Walking!

Attracted by the fresh and bracing air, gorgeous scenery, diverse landscapes and wide-open space, thousands of walkers flock to north Wales every year to rediscover the natural beauty on their doorsteps. A hiker’s paradise, once here they can enjoy gentle hill strolls or challenging mountain walks, depending on their fitness level or mood. The best thing about this relaxing pastime is that you don’t need years of training – anyone can do it! Also, there’s very little specialist equipment required and it’s the perfect way for you and your family to keep fit and share a wonderful experience. Sometimes, however, it can be a little hard to know where to start – especially as almost everywhere in Wales is only a stone’s throw away from a truly spectacular walk. Yattar Yattar packs its rucksack, notepad and pen and takes a walk on the wild side... Snowdonia Snowdonia, the very first National Park in Wales, was designated in 1951. At 838 square miles it’s the biggest in Wales, encompassing an impressive 1480 miles of public footpaths, 164 miles of public bridleways as well as 46 miles of other public rights of way. This vast and mountainous area takes its name from its highest peak, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), which, at 3,560ft, is the highest mountain in Wales and England. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see the robust mountains of Snowdonia, Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Pembrokeshire and Ireland. Snowdonia is an excellent place to come walking as it has a network of walks for people of all abilities. Whether you want the challenge of ascending Snowdon or prefer a more leisurely walk, you’re guaranteed breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes. We decided to concentrate on moderately easy walks, suitable for all: Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Distance: 3 miles (4.8km) Grade: Moderate Start / Finish: Ogwen Warden Centre, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda. Cwm Idwal is a perfect hanging valley and a fine place to study geology and nature. During the last ice age, a small glacier would have been slowly scouring its way over the cliffs at the head of the cwm before joining up with the massive glacier which used to fill the U-shaped valley of Nant Ffrancon. When the glaciers finally retreated from Snowdonia 11,500 years ago, they eroded and deposited material in their path in mounds called moraines, which are in evidence around the floor of the cwm. This is a haven for nature lovers as well as ramblers and is the most southerly British place to observe plants common during the cold glacial periods. Arctic-alpine plants such as the delicate-looking moss campion and bold saxifrages grow in the cracks and crevices of the north facing slopes. Cynfal Falls, Llan Ffestiniog Distance: 3 miles (5km) Grade: Moderate Start / Finish: Car park in the centre of Llan Ffestiniog This is a round trip walk through some of Snowdonia's most dramatic landscapes. Here you can experience the waterfall of Rhaeadr Cynfal, south of Llan Ffestiniog that is hidden away in the wooded valley of the Afon Cynfal river, and the spectacular gorge within the Ceunant Cynfal National Nature Reserve. There are fantastic views of the mountains and the sea and peaceful woodland areas along the route. This is a dramatic walk best experienced after rain has filled the cataracts. Take extra care when walking on the slippery stone steps and bridge across the river. Precipice Walk, Llanfachreth Distance: 3 miles (5km) Grade: Moderate Start / Finish: Saith Groesffordd car park, Llanfachreth One of the finest short walks in north Wales, the Precipice Walk is a famous attraction of Dolgellau. It follows a balcony route with spectacular views of valley, mountain and estuary and passes through a variety of habitats including deciduous woodland, a conifer plantation, meadows and lakes. As you start high there is very little ascent, and the incomparable views down the Mawddach Estuary and of Snowdonia’s main mountain ranges are spectacular. To the north are Snowdon and the Moelwynion, to the west is the Rhinog, immediately south is the long scarp of Cader Idris, while to the east lies the Aran and Arenig. Gwelfor, Aberdyfi Distance: 3 miles (5km) Grade: Easy Start / Finish: Neuadd Dyfi car park, Aberdyfi This is an easy walk, fairly steep to start with, then levelling out for about 1¼ miles, where there are tremendous views from the hilltops, before descending to cross the golf course and return by the beach. The beautiful sandy beach at the end of the trail is perfect for picnics and provides another great photo opportunity. Mid Wales Elan Valley Various Walks and Trails The five man-made reservoirs in the Elan Valley, near Rhayader in mid Wales are surrounded by swathes of land, perfect for the enthusiastic walker. 72 square miles of upland splendour are at your disposal with the impressive views being one of its main attractions. The breathtaking landscape overlooking Craig Goch reservoir and the hills of the Cambrian Mountains sees hoards of walkers, of all ages and abilities, returning time after time. The rounded hills, dissected by steep valleys, are alive with a range wildlife including red kites, badgers and frogs – if you’re very lucky, you may even spot a polecat! The Elan Valley Trail is a surfaced path that follows the route of the old Elan Valley Railway. It is used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. North Wales Moel Famau Distance: Various Trails Grade: Moderate At 1818ft, Moel Famau (Mother Mountain) is the highest hill within the Clwydian Range on the border between Denbighshire and Flintshire. From here, you can see Cader Idris and Snowdon, the wind farms in the Irish Sea, Liverpool, Manchester and huge swathes of the North West of England. The main path to the top of Moel Famau is approximately a mile and a half to the summit. It is steep in places but well surfaced. The Jubilee Tower at the top was constructed in 1810 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III – its square tower and spire were wrecked by a violent gale some 50 years later and lay in ruins until 1970. Below, and to the west lies the much older site of Moel y Gaer (Bald Hill of the Fortress) and home to an iron-age hill-fort. Anglesey Holyhead Mountain Distance: 5 Miles Grade: Easy/Moderate Rugged, rocky and beautiful, Holyhead Mountain, at 722ft, provides the basis for an excellent coastal walk in Anglesey. Although relatively short in length, this walk combines a superb section of coastal walking and some modest but rough mountain terrain. The route offers superb views of the South Stack lighthouse and imposing cliffs and provides the chance to marvel at the many seabirds and the gorgeous flora. The view from the summit is stunning, taking in much of Anglesey and it is from there that you will come upon the stone ramparts of Caer y Twr Iron Age fort situated among the rocky outcrops. Stay Safe! Plan your route carefully before you set off and make sure to choose a route which best matches your fitness level and experience. Tell somebody where you are going and at what time you expect to be back. Remember to let them know if you change your plans at all. Dress appropriately – your boots should have a suitable tread and support your ankles. Invest in a good pair of walking socks to keep your feet dry and protect from rubbing. Welsh weather is unpredictable so ensure you have a waterproof and windproof jacket and over trousers (not jeans). A hat and gloves are also a good idea. Take a small rucksack so that you can pack extra layers as well as your provisions. A well-packed rucksack should contain a hot drink, plenty of water and high-energy food as well as a first-aid kit, a torch and a whistle. A map and compass is essential but make sure you know how to use them before you go. Take your mobile phone but don’t rely on it – you’re not guaranteed a signal. Finally, check the weather forecast before you set off, and if the weather deteriorates, turn back immediately. The Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk provides accurate and reliable forecasts.

Top of the Crops!

Think back to breakfast. Cornflakes, milk, tea, sugar, maybe some fruit? Okay, now tell me where it all came from – and no, I’m not talking about Asda! 100 years ago, nearly everything we ate came from within 20 miles of our homes. Now you would be hard pressed to find more than a handful of locally produced foods in your supermarket. Our fare is travelling further than ever before and we have become familiar with seeing produce from around the world on shop shelves. Some of us may never have been as far as China, but the apple in your fruit bowl may well have. You will find food from all over the world on sale in shops, even when those foods are grown and in season here in the UK. Family farms, local abattoirs, processing plants, local food distribution systems and small, community-based shops are slowly disappearing, leading to fewer jobs, less variety in our food, long journeys for animals going to slaughter, and the gradual loss of local definition. Our current global food supply system depends upon retail giants flying fresh foods around the world, (your typical Sunday dinner could travel around 49,000 miles before reaching your plate) taking money from our local communities – the money we spend boosts the profits of large companies who buy as cheaply as they can on the global market. Supporting local food is good for you, your environment and your community, but this does not mean forsaking your morning cuppa and cereal – simply buying a few more items of local food is a great start. Granted, it may not be the easiest or most convenient of tasks, especially with a friendly, well-stocked supermarket beckoning from every high street – but the recent horsemeat scandal has prompted many to realise that the only food we can really trust is local or home-grown produce – food with full traceability. There are numerous opportunities to buy direct, be it from farmers’ markets, farm shops (the fastest growing retail channels), box schemes (having fresh fruit and vegetables delivered straight to your door), online, food festivals and, of course, from the farm gate itself. Support the economy When you choose local produce, you will be supporting your local economy. In times of austerity, we must do all we can to help agricultural businesses, as they are often a key part. The humble British farmer represents excellent value for fresh and delicious produce. Shop locally at a farm shop or a farmers’ market and you will see, and taste, the difference between local and mass-produced supermarket food that has often travelled thousands of miles and does not benefit the UK farmer. We have lost nearly half of all our family farms in the UK in the last 40 years. By shopping locally and supporting your local economy, you can help reverse this decline. Reduce food miles and waste Whether it is asparagus from Peru or olive oil from Italy, you are likely to have consumed something today that logged more than 1,000 miles from the farm to your fork. Food distribution by road freight is the fastest growing transport sector and is a major contributor to air pollution – apparently, it takes 68 calories of air fuel to transport one calorie of carrot into the UK! When buying direct and local, food miles are vastly reduced which is good for the environment. Local produce generally has a minimal amount of packaging, which cuts down on the use of valuable natural resources. Buying locally produced food eliminates the need for all that fuel-guzzling transportation. Tourism Local food production ensures that local land is put to good use and maintained to a high standard. This increases environmental quality and attracts more visitors to the countryside. By buying locally sourced produce, everyone, not just farmers and landowners, can contribute to ensuring that a well-managed countryside benefits wildlife and the environment. Buying locally grown food means that you are doing something proactive to preserve our working landscape. Health benefits Locally grown foods do not have to endure the harshness of long-haul shipping, so they are allowed to properly mature before they are picked. This extra time allows the fruit and vegetables to develop their full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. When foods are harvested before they are ready, they may display outward signs of ripening but they are unlikely to have the same nutritive value as if they had been allowed to fully ripen naturally. In addition, produce purchased directly from a local source will last longer as it has not spent time in a processing plant or on a shipment trunk. During the long haul from farm to fork, fresh fruits and vegetables are exposed to lots of heat, light and chemicals, which can degrade nutrients, especially the delicate ones like vitamin C and B. Eating locally has a positive impact on our health. We are eating the freshest, in-season ingredients, packed with nutrients. We are also avoiding most processed food (as often it is produced with ingredients that come from a range of different countries). This means we are reducing our intake of salt, sugar and harmful additives. Taste Whilst supermarkets offer a bewildering and tempting array of foodstuffs, it is worth remembering that many of these delicacies have been produced with consistency and high volume in mind, rather than palatability. Relieved of the onus to deliver large volumes of consistent produce, farmers can select varieties for flavour. The number of days it takes for the produce to make it from the vine to your shopping basket is vastly reduced too – there can be over a week’s delay between production and consumption within large establishments and this can cause a 50 percent decrease in an item’s nutritional value and overall taste. Trust Buying food today is complicated; do you know what pesticides were used on the produce? Has the corn been genetically modified? Was that chicken free range or did it spend its formative years shut up in a dark shed? Does that lasagne really contain the beef advertised on the box? People who eat locally find it easier to get answers. Many build relationships with farmers whom they trust. In addition, when in doubt, they can drive out to the farms and see for themselves. Local farmers are not anonymous, faceless companies and they take their responsibility to the consumer seriously – they have to, it is their livelihood at stake. Be a ‘Locavore’! Allotments Allotments are an ideal way to keep your family healthy. With hard work, enthusiasm and patience you can grow your own fruit and vegetables and enjoy some outdoor activity at the same time. The National Allotment Society (NSALG) has announced that National Allotments Week 2013 will be held between 5th and 11th August, so visit their website at www.nsalg.org.uk for more information. Veg Boxes A box scheme usually works by subscription. A customer signs up to a weekly or fortnightly delivery of fresh vegetables and/or fruit although some schemes offer next-day delivery, provided you place your order the previous morning.Some schemes offer the option of purchasing extra goods, such as dairy produce and meat. To find a scheme near you, search the internet as several websites provide a useful postcode finder service. A good place to start is on the Soil Association’s website at www.soilassociation.org Farm Shops Farm shops sell local produce, often grown, picked, reared or made on the farm where the shop is located. You cannot find much fresher than that! Some shops operate a pick-your-own service (PYO) which allows you to pick your produce whilst enjoying the fresh air and spending time with the family – children love this activity and, as well as being good fun, it is good for them to see how food is grown. It also encourages them to work towards that all-important target of five portions of fruit and veg a day! Farmers’ Markets Farmers’ markets are one of the oldest forms of trade, and it is estimated that there are over 700 in the UK. Many people see them as a vital stop during their weekly shopping trip as they are guaranteed a wide range of food producers in one place. From local specialities to homemade treats, shopping at these markets is a great way to support your local farmers. Grow your own One of the joys of home-grown veggies is having more varieties to choose from – and you don’t need acres of space to get started, either! Even the barest backyard or pokiest garden can become productive with a little bit of imagination. You can raise fresh, nutritious, homegrown vegetables just about anywhere, as long as you can find yourself some sturdy, simple containers. Some vegetables that are well suited for container gardening are tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and herbs. Visit www.rhs.org.uk to learn more about container gardening. Yattar Recommends Battlefield 1403 The farm shop at Battlefield 1403 has a wide range of locally sourced foods available, all with low food miles, full traceability and, of course, great taste. The shop carries a fantastic selection of produce, including everything from ready meals to cakes, many of which are made onsite using ingredients from the Albrighton Estate, of which Battlefield 1403 is part. The onsite butchery is staffed by a team of experienced butchers, who can cut any meat to order and are happy to give advice if you want it. The lamb and beef on offer in the butchery is raised right there on the Albrighton Estate farm, and on the odd occasion where they can’t quite meet demand, it is sourced from other local farmers. In the Sparrow’s Café, you can sample some of the foods available for sale. The café serves meals, snacks and cakes all freshly prepared onsite using ingredients from the shop and other local sources. If you want to see exactly what goes on at the Albrighton Estate Farm, you can go along to the Open Farm Sunday at the Battlefield 1403 farm shop on Sunday 9th June at 10:30am until 4pm. Also on show in the farm shop during the event will be a 'farming through the ages' exhibit, with some displays provided by Rea Valley tractors who are a main agent for John Deere, a major sponsor of Open Farm Sunday. There will also be exhibits of traditional and rare breed livestock provided by The Rare Breed Survival Trusts Shropshire Branch alongside Vintage machinery from a bygone age. Visit www.battlefield1403.com or call 01939 21090. Bodnant Welsh Food Centre If you want to choose from some of the best artisan food that Wales has to offer, then a visit to the Furnace Farm Shop, part of Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, could be in order. Nearly three quarters of the food sold in the shop is from Wales, half of it from North Wales. The Bodnant Estate produces its own dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream. Also produced on the estate is a variety of speciality breads and scones, and a wide variety of preserves and condiments. All the meat available from the butchery is sourced locally, including local venison and game when it is in season. If you want to enjoy Bodnant Welsh Food Centre’s food without having to cook it for yourself, you can pay a visit to the onsite Hayloft Restaurant, which uses many of the foods available in the farm shop to create spectacular dishes. There is also an onsite tea shop which serves cakes made on site. Once you’ve bought and tasted the food, you can also have the chance to see it all being made, and even pick up some tips on a visit to the Bodnant Cookery School, where you’ll be given the chance to learn some hands-on cooking skills covering everything from chocolate making to baking specialty breads. Visit www.bodnant-welshfood.co.uk or call 01492 651100. Ludlow Food Centre 80% of the food sold in the Ludlow Food Centre is sourced from Shropshire and its neighbouring counties, and most comes from within 50 miles of the food centre. The Ludlow Food Centre is part of the Oakly Park Estate, which spans around 8000 acres of Shropshire countryside. All of their beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork comes from the estate, as does a selection of game and vegetables. As well as selling food, the food centre produces a huge variety of delights – around half of the food they sell is made onsite. When visiting Ludlow Food Centre, you can even watch the food being made by artisan producers. There is a range of cheese made onsite, including Ludlow Blue, the only Shropshire Blue made in Shropshire which is given its unique orange colour using organic carrot juice, and the enigmatically named ‘Cheese with No Name’, a mould-ripened mild, soft and creamy textured cheese. Other goodies made onsite include marmalades and jams, breads, and a variety of smoked and cured meats from the butchery. Visitors to the food centre can now also enjoy local and seasonal food in the new café restaurant, Ludlow Kitchen. Visit www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk or call 01584 856000. Llechwedd Meats Llechwedd meats in Gaerwen, Anglesey was established over 20 years ago and specialises in Welsh beef, lamb and pork. They also supply locally produced sausages, bacon and gammon to customers across North Wales. Call 01248 422073 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Harlech Foodservice Harlech Foodservice can provide a frankly huge selection of food to both private and trade customers. Amongst their staggering range, is a selection of local goodies, including Welsh ice cream, and perhaps most notably, a range of British meat. Bwydlyn, the Harlech Foodservice’s butchers, offer an exceptional range of fresh meat to suit every customer’s needs. They specialise in 21 day matured prime British beef. A portion of their beef is sourced from Wales and is available on request. Tasty Welsh lamb is also available throughout the year. For delivery, a minimum order of £40 applies, but if you can collect your order, you can get as little or as much as you like. Visit www.harlech.co.uk for more information and to see the Harlech Foodservice brochures. Call their sales team on 01766 810810. Bellis Brothers Bellis Brothers’ Pick Your Own has been growing strawberries since Charles Bellis planted his first strawberry plant ‘Black Prince’ in 1860. They now have strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, loganberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, rhubarb, peas and beans all available when in season. From mid-June onwards, you can pick your own, though it’s recommended that you call before going there to check availability. In the farm shop, Bellis Brothers sells everything from the daily essentials such as free range eggs, milk, freshly baked bread and a wide range of speciality cheeses, to something a little bit special like local beers, home cooked frozen meals, local welsh lamb, pies, pates and cakes. All their meat suppliers are well known to Bellis Brothers, and they now ask for certification of origin of all our meat products. Fruit and vegetables are grown on the working farm and come from field to shop in five minutes, on a daily basis and with zero food miles. Depending on the season they grow their own onions, potatoes, cauliflowers, cabbages, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, courgettes, marrows, squash and pumpkins. Bellis Brothers also has a gift shop and a large 140 cover restaurant, where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the Welsh countryside as you relax and enjoy the home-cooked menu. Visit www.bellisbrothers.co.uk or call 01829 270302. You can contact the restaurant direct on 01829 272031. Cheerbrook Farm Shop Cheerbrook in Nantwich is home to a multi award-winning farm shop, butchery, delicatessen, kitchen and café offering the finest local produce from Cheshire and surrounding counties. The delicatessen offers a variety of foods produced onsite, including two types of roast ham, pastrami and the famous Cheerbrook feast (turkey breast stuffed with pork, lemon and thyme sausage meat wrapped around a pork tenderloin). They also cream their own range of ready meals, all made using the same local ingredients on offer in the shop. Described as the jewel in their crown, the butchery at Cheerbrook stocks a wide variety of locally sourced, free-range meat. They work closely with their suppliers, so know that the animals are taken care of according to the highest standards of care and welfare. This higher standard of living for the animals ultimately means that the meat tastes better. Thanks to their passion for food and knowledge of animal husbandry, Cheerbrook has developed the skills of ‘seam’ butchery, taking each muscle and utilising it to its maximum potential, removing sinews and connective tissue that traditional butchery leave behind and providing you with a quality, waste free meat. Visit www.cheerbrook.co.uk or call 01270 666431. Clear Black Wine Clear Black Wine believe that wine is for everyone and are passionate about helping people find the right wine for the right occasion. Clear Black Wine work with local food suppliers to help match wines to local artisan cheese, Welsh pate and are even working with an artisan chocolatier. ‘It’s all about good quality wine and good quality food and marrying them up,’ says Clear Black Wine owner, Peter Minshull. To truly get the best from your wine of choice, Clear Black Wine have specialised glasswear designed to enhance the taste available for sale, and they are happy to offer advice about what wine to choose for any occasion or to match any dish. They also hold regular wine tasting sessions and will even hold wine tastings in people’s homes or businesses if requested. If spirits are more your drink of choice, then you’ll be pleased to learn that Clear Black Wine also stock a great range of malt whiskeys and an impressive gin selection, including Hunters Premium gin, which is distilled in Cheshire. They also stock plenty of real ales to tickle your taste buds, all of which are produced in the UK. Visit www.clearblackwine.com or call 01978 852237. You can also follow them on Twitter @Wine_Mad or find them on Facebook by searching for Clear Black Wine.

Wedding Belles!

We hear you’ve just got engaged! Congratulations! We also hear that you don’t know where to start with your wedding plans, but don’t panic – Yattar Yattar is here. From venues to flowers, rings to cake and almost everything in between, our A – Z guide aims to answer some of your questions and, we hope, eliminate some of the pressure and anxiety along the way!

A is for awe-inspiring!

If a traditional church service isn’t for you and you fancy something a bit more unusual, the Marriage Act of 1994 allows couples to have their civil marriage or partnership solemnised in a variety of premises. These include hotels, stately homes, football grounds and historic buildings licensed by the local authority. Bearing this in mind, Plas Isaf, a family-run wedding venue in a Grade II listed barn in Corwen, Denbighshire, could be the perfect choice to host your big day. The barn beautifully restored to its former glory with oak trusses and slate floors – and Georgian country farmhouse set in landscaped, terraced gardens, offer a stunning and unique venue guaranteed to wow your guests and leave you with lasting memories of a magical day. Owner, Liza Francis, explains, ‘Our beautiful barn is open-plan and can hold ceremonies from 20 to 180 guests, and catering for up to 350 guests in the reception. This is a very popular option, offering the beauty and romance of a formal wedding in unique and impressive surroundings. We offer exclusive use of our venue for your wedding ceremony, wedding breakfast, evening reception and accommodation.'

For further information, contact Liza or Helen on 07891501833 or 01490412486 or visit www.plas-isaf.co.uk

B is for beauty

With so many options available, finding someone you trust with your hair and makeup for your wedding day can feel like a daunting task.  Staff at the award-winning Toni & Guy salon, in Oswestry, know only too well how important it is for the bride to look and feel amazing on her wedding day and have a wealth of experience when it comes to creating a flattering and radiant look. Open since March 2004, the ever-popular salon now boasts a resident make-up artist and consultant in the capable form of Sophie Bebb. Sophie tells us, 'Most girls dream of their perfect wedding day and it’s my job to make that dream a reality. It’s important that they feel at ease and confident on this very special occasion so, with their input, I try to create an individualised look for them.’ Sophie trained at the prestigious Cassie Lomas academy, in Manchester, where she also studied fashion and editorial make-up. Other treatments available at the salon include eyebrow/eyelash tinting, manicures, pedicures, Minx Nails foil designs and threading... you can even treat yourself to a relaxing massage while you’re there! By the way, your beloved doesn’t have to miss out on the fun – he can also benefit from a pamper session with a stylish haircut or hot and cold towel shave with George in the Gents’ Lounge.

Phone 01691 653222 to arrange a free consultation.

 

 

 

C is for catering

'For better or worse' should not be a phrase used in connection with your caterer! Thankfully, the days when wedding guests were served uninspiring, predictable fare, i.e. melon balls or prawn cocktail, followed by chicken chasseur or salmon, with cheesecake to finish, are long gone and instead, the emphasis is very much on wedding feasts designed to reflect your individual personality and style.

Hughes Caterers based in Welshpool are approved caterers for the National Trust for a very good reason – they are experts at catering to every taste and dietary requirement, no matter how unusual or complicated. They have a wealth of experience in creating delicious wedding feasts, whether you want a small buffet or barbeque, or canapés and a full three-course meal for up to 500!

As well as the food itself, they offer a wide range of services such as advising you about menus, seating and seating plans, flower arrangements and the finest tableware and linen with their highly trained and uniformed staff providing a seamless level of service. With Hughes Caterers secured as your caterer, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, leaving you free to enjoy the day while you and your guests enjoy delicious food and beverages that are beautifully served.

Speak to Hughes Caterers on 01691 830055 to discuss your wedding, or visit their website at www.hughescaterers.co.uk

D is for dress

For many women, one of the first concerns is finding the perfect wedding dress. There are so many decisions to be made... which one? What style? Which designer? How much to spend? Wedding Bliss of Prestatyn, a gorgeous bridal boutique in Prestatyn, north Wales, may not have all the answers but they do have plenty of practical and impartial advice as well as a gorgeous array of gowns for brides and their party – there’s even a designated menswear department too! Lisa Cywinski, owner and advisor, is passionate about her business and gets almost as excited as her clients when they source the perfect outfit for their big day. She tells us, ‘We pride ourselves on the highest level of customer care, as buying the dress is one of the bride’s most important decisions for her wedding day and shouldn’t be rushed.’ Lisa is confident that the perfect dress is just waiting to be found at Wedding Bliss, adding, ‘We cater for all budgets and offer beautiful, well-tailored gowns from sizes 8 – 30.’

Call for an appointment on 01745 887037 or visit them at 98 High St, Prestatyn, LL19 9RN.

E is for entertainment

DJ or live band, dancers or karaoke — what or who you choose to entertain your guests should also complement the theme of your wedding. Also, consider your guests’ ages and backgrounds and aim for something which everybody will enjoy. 

 

 

 

F is for fairytale

Did you dream of the classic fairytale wedding, as a young girl? Well, just because you’re all grown up now doesn’t mean that you have to put such ideas aside! Set against the historical waterside backdrop of Conwy Castle, the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy is the ideal venue to host the wedding ceremony or reception you’ve always wanted. Commanding breath-taking views of the Conwy estuary, this fully licensed hotel offers a varied selection of luxury wedding packages to suit all budgets and tastes.  Options include a dedicated wedding planner, complimentary room hire, a master of ceremonies, advice on floral arrangements, entertainment and other ancillary services and a Blue Carpet welcome, to name just a few. With mouth-watering gourmet food and fine Champagne, what more could a princess possibly desire?

For a comprehensive wedding brochure, visit www.quayhotel.co.uk or call manager, Steve Ogden, on 01492 564 100 for more information.

 

H is for hen party!

Not every hen party has to include tacky ‘L’ plates, inflatable unmentionables and falling over in fairy wings. For the more sophisticated bride-to-be, a visit to Solo Qui in the company of good friends, Champagne, and cake is the perfect way to relax, unwind and prepare for the big day. Based in the beautiful grounds of Glansevern Hall, a 19^th century country house in Berriew, Welshpool, Solo Qui is a luxurious retreat and mind-spa with the emphasis firmly on you! Launched by Kay Jones and Carrie Jones, (no relation) this haven from everyday life offers a wide array of inspirational activities designed to revitalise both body and mind. Kay explains, ‘We provide brides-to-be with a day that meets all of their expectations. They might choose activities based around the wedding, for example, making invitations or cards, honing makeup and hairstyle techniques, or even creating their very own perfume. We also run activities such as murder mysteries, literature and music appreciation and male nude life drawing! In fact, the list is only limited by one’s imagination!’

Visit soloqui.co.uk or call 01686 641 974 or 01686 651 166 for more information.

J is for Jewellery

Brides should wear simple matching pieces that compliment their dress. Remember, the ring is the most important item, so other pieces of jewellery should not dominate.

 

L is for let them eat cake!

If you want to make a statement at your wedding, what better way than to proudly display your own custom-made weddings cake? Whatever design you have in mind, be it themed cupcakes, or a towering masterpiece, Sugar and Spice in Wrexham will be able to make something straight from your dreams.

Sugar and Spice offer wedding cakes made to order in a variety of styles, from the traditional to the unusual, and in any colour scheme you could possibly wish for. They can also include ornaments for the top of your cake and ribbons to complete the look.

To see more pictures of what Sugar and Spice can do, visit www.sugarandspice-wrexham.co.uk, or find them on Facebook as ‘Sugar & Spice – Wrexham’. If you’d like to visit the shop in person, you can find it on Charles Street in Wrexham town centre, and if you’d like to ask some questions ahead of time, you can always give them a call on 01978 264355. 

M is for marquee

Marquees are a fantastic and increasingly popular venue for weddings as they provide a stunning backdrop to your special day and allow you to dance until dawn, unrestricted by hotel regulations. Brookhouse Mill, a 17^th century mill in Denbigh, is the perfect example. With over 25 years’ experience under their belts, the talented team take all the stress out of your wedding day preparations by offering the complete package of venue, catering and bar facility. Manager, Karen Hall, tells us, ‘We have our own site by the riverside, set in the farm paddock across from the mill. Alternatively we can bring this venue to your own home so you can keep that intimate wedding feel for up to 150 guests!’ Karen is also the resident wedding planner who has helped couples and their families to create fabulous weddings in the North Wales area for over ten years.

 

Visit www.brookhousemill.co.uk

 

P is for photographs

It’s vital to shop around for the perfect photographer, as your photos are a lasting record of the happiest day of your life. Make sure to ask to see their portfolio and, if possible, speak to some previous clients to ensure a ‘snap happy’ day!

 

John Quinn Photography is an established contemporary studio renowned for their high quality professional artistry in portraiture and wedding photography. With over 15 years of experience in the photographic industry, he has a passion for shooting memorable & striking images wedding images.

John only ever photographs one wedding in a day – giving you his undivided attention for as long as he is needed. It also means he can offer a bespoke service to meet your needs. Their photographic style and approach allows them to capture precious moments in an unobtrusive and relaxed manner. Creating an album of timeless and beautiful images that is unique to each couple.

They supply beautiful black Italian matted albums as well as the more contemporary Storybook or Magazine style albums. Although based in Shropshire they travel extensively to exclusively photograph your wedding.

Visit www.johnqphoto.com to find out more, or call 01691 657555 with any questions.

 

R is for rings

The rings are one of the most significant aspects of a wedding ceremony, so why not make this symbolic exchange between the bride and groom extra special with a stunning, free-flying hawk or owl as your ring bearer! The Cheshire Falconry, on Chester Road in Northwich, can make this a reality with their unique wedding package, guaranteed to ensure that your wedding day memories last a lifetime. Managing Director, Steve Birchall, says, ‘Our ring delivery really does add an extra element of magic to any wedding day. Imagine an owl or hawk carrying your wedding rings silently across the heads of your wedding party, or down the aisle to the groom. The same service is also available for civil partnerships and is proving to be very popular. ’ This awe-inspiring package  includes flying displays, hands-on handling for your guests, static bird of prey displays and the thing likely to cause the biggest lump in the throat of all – a white dove release which is the perfect end to a perfect day. 

For more information, visit www.cheshirefalconry.com or give the team a call on 01606 882223 and ask to speak with their falconry wedding advisors, Steve Birchall or Tristan Lougher. 

S is for splendour

If you want to hold your wedding in splendour, then Seiont Manor Hotel in Snowdonia could be the wedding venue for you! The 150 acres of grounds with the stunning scenery of Snowdonia as a backdrop is a great setting for snapping your wedding pictures, while the sophisticated interior is a more than adequate venue for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception.  

Seiont Manor Hotel offers a variety of wedding packages to suit most needs, whether you want a small, intimate wedding, or a more extravagant affair. Should you want the hotel all to yourself, exclusive use packages are also available.  

To find out more about the hotel and to see all the wedding packages available (as well as some last minute deals) visit www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/seiont-manor or give the hotel a call on 0845 072 7550.

T is for tan

It is a good idea to book yourself in for an all-over bronzing about two or three days before your wedding day. Fake tan is often hard to get right, but you obviously want it to be perfect on the most important day of your life, which is where the Golden Tan Salon, in Abergele steps in to the fore. This family-run business has been helping brides-to-be look fabulous for over 14 years, and specialises in spray tans, manicures and hairdressing.  They even hold tailor made ‘pamper days’, ideal for pre-hen parties. 

For a free consultation about your beauty needs, call Jennie and the team on 01745 826086 or visit the website at www.goldentanhairandbeautysalon.co.uk 

 

 

W is for wow factor!

Firmly established as one of the leading wedding venues in north Wales, Plas Maenan is a beautifully restored Edwardian mansion situated on a sunny bluff 300 feet above the Conwy Valley. With its spectacular mountain and river views and award-winning kitchen and restaurant, this privately owned house is available exclusively for you on your wedding day.  Owner, Caroline Burt, is justifiably proud of her five star property, telling us, ‘Plas Maenan has plenty of space for everyone to enjoy a wonderful wedding in their own way. We have a beamed and paneled music room with an oak block dance floor, stage area and nightclub atmosphere, a cosy bar, a separate room for the ceremony and evening buffet and a comfortable lounge where granny can order a pot of tea, away from the festivities if she wishes! Our staff are always discreet yet attentive – it almost feels as if you are hosting a wedding in your own home!’

For more information call 01492 660232 or visit www.plas-maenan-hotel.co.uk

 

Y is for young children

Ahh! Usually the cutest-looking guests at weddings but always the most demanding. (And difficult to keep entertained.) A designated children’s area with an entertainer is a great idea if your budget allows. A cheaper option is a goodie bag containing a colouring book, crayons and stickers. 

Z is for Zzzz

According to recent reports, one third of newly-weds are so tired and refreshed (for want of a better word!) following their big day that they fall straight to sleep on their wedding night. Ah well, you do have the rest of your lives...