A Towy Valley couple are experimenting on the viability of growing walnuts in Wales.

On a one-hectare south-facing slope overlooking the River Towy, Martyn Williams and Alison Harwood have planted walnut and sweet chestnut trees.

These varieties have been carefully selected to thrive at the Old Castle Farm, Llangain.

As the UK's climate heats, nut farming is becoming more economically viable.

Yet there's uncertainty about how well suited this enterprise is to the weather conditions in west Wales or the free-draining and slightly acidic loam soils at Old Castle Farm.

To investigate, Martyn and Alison have received funding from the Farming Connect ‘Try Out Fund,’ an initiative providing financial support for farmers to experiment with new farming methods.

The couple has planted 20 walnut trees and 20 sweet chestnut trees, all chosen for their matching growth characteristics to the local region.

To ensure the trees' well-being, Martyn and Alison are also researching alternative mulching methods, like using wool or shells from a local beach, to balance soil temperature and retain moisture and the area is being kept weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.

Despite the promise nut farming shows, Martyn says that growing food from trees is something Wales lags behind in as compared to other European regions.

Climate change and plans to alter Welsh farming policy demand the exploration of distinct food production approaches.

Appreciative of the funding obtained, Martyn said: "It has given us a bit of a free rein, taking the pressure off trialling an enterprise that might or might not be viable.’’

He is fully aware of the fact that it could be up to five years before any significant yield, but for Martyn, tree planting is not just about potential profit.

He sees it as creating a long-standing legacy for future generations.

"I love planting trees, they could be around for hundreds of years, long after we have gone.

"I get that farmers need to produce food to feed us but this will be our legacy,’’ shared Martyn.

The couple's pioneering efforts towards nut farming in Wales are undoubtedly a testament to their extraordinary vision for sustainable food production and legacy-building.