Our Farms Project Final Update
Key results:
- Successful tea plant establishment in Wales is a possibility under the right growing conditions
- Geospatial mapping helped identify suitable locations on farm for planting
- Project has gone on to secure further funding for bigger trials and product innovation
Background:
Cleobury Farm, a Welsh hill farm based in North Powys, used land geospatial analysis and soil analysis to identify suitable areas of the farm for tea production, as a diversification opportunity for the business. Farmer, Mandy Lloyd, wanted to improve profitability within the business by growing a novel crop to sell as a high-value product. A sustainable approach to diversification, working with the environment, and producing a crop linked to human health and wellbeing was important to the farmer.
Purpose of the work:
- To conduct a geospatial mapping review to identify areas on the farm suitable to trial tea production
- To understand the requirements for healthy plant establishment and monitor the tea plants during the first season
- To explore potential routes to market for the crop
Figure.1 Camellia sinensis
What we did:
Based on a pre-project trial, the farmer sourced tea plants from a Scottish supplier, choosing the variety Camellia sinensis (Figure1). Native to East Asia, this woody evergreen, perennial shrub can be found growing in the Himalayas and in other high-altitude conditions. Although they thrive in full sun, the plants can survive in temperatures as low as -10 degrees, and prefer acidic, well-draining soil.
This project used innovative mapping technology to identify production areas with optimal conditions for crop production. By integrating geospatial data such as climate, soil characteristics, topography, and water availability, this analysis helped identify areas where a crop is most likely to thrive and produce an optimal yield.
Following a period of acclimatisation, planting out took place in May - June 2024. 450 plants were planted out across 2 acres. Based on the geospatial analysis, two sites were chosen in different areas of the farm (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Plot 1
Outcomes:
- Establishment in the first season went well. There were minimal losses, and any plants that failed were replaced.
- Irrigation is key for healthy plant establishment. After initially watering in by hand, which became impractical on such scale, the farmer installed permanent irrigation pipes to keep the plants watered during dry periods.
- Rabbits were a problem with the young plants, as was wind damage. The farmer installed mesh fencing around the plots to increase the plants’ chance of survival (Figure 3)
- From observing the two plots through the initial season, it became apparent the second plot was too exposed, and the soil condition was too poor. This plot was discontinued in February 2025.
- The plants go dormant over the Winter period, with growth resuming once the soil has warmed up. The farmer was pleased to see the plants survive the 2024 Winter period with fresh, new growth starting in the Spring.
- Even though a crop isn’t harvested until year 3, this year a small amount of tea leaves was sent for analysis as part of an innovative healthcare programme. Based on the success of the Try Out Fund, the farmer has gone on to secure further funding to expand the project and work with additional partners for future tea-based product development.
Figure 3 fencing was installed for protection from rabbits and to act as a wind barrier
How to apply on your farm:
- Explore different plant varieties and suppliers on a very small scale before investing in large amounts of plants.
- Do a detailed soil analysis to find the right growing conditions for the plants
- Irrigation is key for plant establishment. Factor in the cost of a suitable irrigation set up from the beginning
- Fencing may be needed to protect crop from rabbits, deer etc
- The Welsh and UK tea market is a growing sector. Explore different market opportunities early on to ensure you’re investing in the right plants for the intended purpose.