On the 20th of May, we hosted our first in-person Innovation Lab at Holden Farm Dairy. This beautiful location was a great setting for incredibly interesting conversations that focused well-being and food. The day was spent exploring how we can shape a rural Wales full of vibrant opportunities to grow, cook, and eat together in ways that support well-being and community. The team would like to thank everyone who joined us and took part and for their valuable reflections on where we are and where we want to be in the future – your insights and ideas will help us to prepare for the next stage of exploring specific innovations together in workshop 2.
Highlights of the day included:
- A thoughtful ‘Chat and Chop’ session with Polly from Cegin y Bobl—thank you for bringing people together through food and conversation.
- An inspiring farm walk with Beccy, our host and farmer, who shared her deep connection to the land and animals, how a musician inspired the sowing of ancient grains, and how Welsh cheese is making global connections while providing local food.
- Expert facilitation and scene setting by James Lewis from Cardiff University.
This is just the beginning. We’re excited about the journey ahead as we continue to co-create innovations for Rural Wales, with guidance from the Innovation Lab Team at Centre for Alternative Technology. As one participant wrote:
‘It was truly inspirational, thought provoking and I came away with a feeling that today was the start of a very exciting journey! Thank you for the incredible work that you are doing, I am already looking forward to the next workshop very much.’
If there are organisations or people, from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire or Pembrokeshire are interested, or if you are aware of anyone that would be interested in taking part, let us know!