Why Caz would be an effective mentor
- Caz, who is originally from Hertfordshire, has lived in Wales more than 20 years. She and her husband Mike now own a 150 acre smallholding where she puts into practice her considerable academic and practical skills in beekeeping, woodland management and restorative land management practices.
- In 2006, the couple purchased a 100-acre block of forestry to establish a workers’ cooperative near Amroth. Grant funding helped the group set up a forest school for the local community, teaching primary school children and adults a range of woodland-based skills. They worked with charity groups, provided corporate team-building experiences, attracted numerous volunteers and offered apprenticeships. The project closed in 2014 enabling the couple to add to their investment through the purchase of a neighbouring smallholding, providing a home for their young family and achieving their vision of establishing a nature sanctuary.
- Passionate about connecting people with nature and increasing biodiversity, Caz’ key focus is on woodland planning and management, sustainable and regenerative farming, permaculture and beekeeping. The couple’s income derives mainly from beekeeping and honey. They also sell large spruce and pine to the building trade and biomass industries.
- In 2016, having learned her skills from a local beekeeper, Caz purchased a small number of beehives, located in a newly planted heritage orchard. Soon operating on a commercial scale and registered with the Bee Farmers Association, Spiritwood currently has around 80 hives. These produce enough honey each year for direct sales from the farm gate and as well as supplying many local retailers. The couple handle all their own marketing largely through www.spiritwoodwales.co.uk and social media channels.
- The couple’s vision of ‘restore and reconnect’ has resulted in them restoring important habitats on the land and one of their longer-term goals is to invite others to work alongside them to grow food and establish other farm based micro-enterprises.
Current farm business
- 150 acre coastal farm business where almost 50% of the forest has been converted to mixed broadleaf. The remaining woodland contains a diversified timber crop using continuous cover methods.
- New woodland areas and enhanced hedgerows with traditional laying techniques were established by accessing funding from Welsh Government
- Commercial beekeeping business.
- Currently integrating more flowering trees including lime, apple, hawthorn and cherry which provide food for the growing bee population.
- Planning to grow the honey business further through increasing the number of hives, rearing Queen Bees and increasing the product range.
- Currently planning a dedicated campsite for tourists, students and trainees.
Qualifications/achievements/ experience
- BA Environmental Studies/Third World studies (Middlesex University)
- MSc Environmental Forestry (Bangor University)
- Lantra courses including chainsaw handling, trailer towing
- Twenty years of experience as a woodland manager, adviser and owner
- Two years self employed as a farm adviser after MSc, supporting farmers with new tree planting or establishing tree nurseries
- Four years working for Trees for Life (https://treesforlife.org.uk) including practical conservation and leadership training at Findhorn Foundation
- Trained in permaculture design and non-violent (compassionate) communication
- Forest school leader Level 3
- Trained in apiculture (managing health of bees) / achieved 5 star rating for honey processing hygiene.
Top tips for business success
“Find out what makes your heart sing, life is too short to work hard for something you don’t enjoy.”
“Avoid spreading yourself too thinly – balance lifestyle, business and environmental goals equally.”