Lammas Earth Centre, Tir Y Gafel, Maes Melangell, Glandwr, Whitland, Pembrokeshire SA34 0YD
Details
Accessibility
Note that guided tour routes do include steep paths and areas of rough terrain – please contact us if you have specific mobility needs.
https://lammas.org.uk/en/?s=Accessibility
"We live in a rural setting and although some of our site is wheelchair accessible there are also parts which may be more difficult. If you have specific
accessibility needs please feel free to get in contact before the tour so we can discuss how to meet them "Brief description
https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/about
https://www.facebook.com/lammasearthcentre/?locale=en_GB
Retreat centre "The Lammas Earth Centre promotes powerful transformation and healing in a permaculture landscape"
https://lammas.org.uk/en/gallery/
2026: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lammas_Ecovillage
"Lammas Ecovillage (Welsh: Tir-y-Gafel) is a low-impact, off-grid ecovillage in Glandwr, near Crymych in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, comprising nine households and a community hub on a 76 acres (31 ha) site. Buildings are constructed of natural materials and energy obtained from renewable sources. Planning permission took some years to obtain, but has established a replicable template for similar future developments in Wales.
The project was the first ecovillage in the UK to attain prospective planning permission, and this was achieved in 2009 after a three-year planning campaign culminating in a public hearing.[1] The project had applied under an innovative local planning policy designed to support low-impact development. The policy required residents to live a sustainable lifestyle and substantially support themselves from land-based livelihood.[2]
The ecovillage is centered on a Community Hub, from which courses, conferences and open days are run.[3] It was constructed using local timber, straw bale insulation and locally sourced aggregate as well as incorporating various green technologies (such as a masonry stove, passive solar heating and a wood-fired kitchen). Funding for the Community Hub came from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.[4]
The project has been designed as a replicable template - with each household purchasing a 1000-year agricultural lease from the organisation which provides them with autonomy and security.[5] Each household has access to approximately 7 acres (2.8 ha) of land from which they derive food, fuel and income. One resident utilises permaculture techniques for managing the land,[5] and electricity is generated by solar panels and a micro hydro turbine.[6][7]
The nine smallholdings demonstrate a range of natural building techniques though there have been challenges over compliance with building regulations which led to some of the residents being taken to court by Pembrokeshire County Council.[6] These issues have since been resolved.[8][9]
The site is listed by RCAHMW and featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs, Series 17, Episode 6 in 2016.[10]
Since Lammas, the Welsh Government introduced a national low-impact policy, "One Planet Development", which creates a framework for land-based smallholdings and ecovillage projects to be established in Wales.[11]
One house, built at a cost of £27,000 over several years, was destroyed by fire in January 2018, with a total re-build estimate of £500,000. The house was not insured as construction had not been completed.[12]"
Address
Maes Melangell, Tir Y Gafel, Glandwr, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, SA34 0YD
+ Lammas Earth Centre, Tir Y Gafel, Maes Melangell, Glandwr, Whitland, Pembrokeshire SA34 0YD
Phone
2026: 07745 291025
Website
https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/about
https://www.facebook.com/lammasearthcentre/?locale=en_GB
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13917832
https://naturalbuildingblog.com/lammas-ecovillage-in-wales/
https://lammas.org.uk/en/welcome-to-lammas/
Directions
https://lammas.org.uk/en/ecovillage/visiting/
2026: "From South Pembrokeshire (A40). Take the A478 North from Narberth towards Cardigan. About 4 miles after Glandy-Cross turn right (signposted) to Glandwr. At the village crossroads turn left. Approximately 400 yards after the bridge, the Lammas entrance is on the left.
From North Pembrokeshire (Cardigan), take the A478 South towards Tenby. About 2 miles after Crymych, turn left (signposted) to Glandwr. At the village crossroads turn left. Approximately 400 yards after the bridge, the Lammas entrance is on the left.
For SATNAV: SA34 0YD (though this only takes you to the local area)"
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
https://lammas.org.uk/en/ecovillage/visiting/
2026: "Public Guided Tours:
This year guided tours are on the first and third Saturday of each month (May – September), starting at 11am at the Community Hub, and each tour will take an in-depth look at one of the eco-smallholding plots here. Tours generally last approximately 90 minutes, and do include a fair bit of walking. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
Tours are offered by residents on a donation basis – and as a suggestion, £10 per adult makes the tours viable for us. Any pets must be kept on a lead at all times, and children must be supervised. There is no need to pre-book these guided tours – simply turn up on Saturday morning with good footwear, outdoor clothing and an open mind.
Note that guided tour routes do include steep paths and areas of rough terrain – please contact us if you have specific mobility needs.
Any visits to Lammas at other times need to be arranged in advance.
One-off Private Tours:
In addition to the Saturday public tours, a number of plots are happy to offer private tours by arrangement. To give an idea of cost – the fee for a 90 minute private tour is in the region of £70. Please contact us if interested"
Transport
https://lammas.org.uk/en/ecovillage/visiting/
2026: "Unfortunately there are not good public transport links to the ecovillage.
There is a bus service (no 223) that runs Glandwr to/from Carmarthen on Wednesday afternoons.
There are buses (no 430) 4 times daily running from Narberth to/from Cardigan along the A478. The closest bus stop is Pentre Galar – about a mile walk from us.
The closest train station is Clunderwen – about 20 minutes drive away from us. There’s a regular train service from Swansea.
The closest taxi service is Home James (01239 611003)"
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Amenities
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.