Visitors flock to sheep attraction

Sharon Richards' family farm is open to visitors

A farmer's wife was the runner-up for a second prestigious award after opening up the family sheep farm to tourists.

Sharon Richards was the only Welsh finalist in the Farming Ambassador of the Year competition by the National Farmers' Union.

She already holds the title of Welsh Women Farmer of the Year. The Merlin's Hill Centre at Abergwili near Carmarthen lies in the shadow of the home associated with the legend of the wizard.

"I think it's important we promote British agriculture to the public," Mrs Richards said before Thursday's final.

"We concentrate particularly on schoolchildren because they are the consumers of the future,"

There are still misconceptions about farming which astound the family.

"There's a lot of misunderstanding about shearing sheep. Some think you have to kill the sheep to shear it - that's not true of course!

"We explain it's a natural process and show fleeces we've had from our 100 pedigree Jacob sheep."

Many visitors are drawn to the area because of the story surrounding the wizard Merlin who, according to legend, sleeps in nearby Merlin's Hill, which is part of Alltyfyrddin farm.

There's a lot of misunderstanding about shearing sheep. Some think you have to kill the sheep to shear it Sharon Richards

"The tourism enterprise has grown naturally really from people wanting to visit the place where Merlin sleeps," said Mrs Richards.

"We reached the stage when the site had to be managed but at the same time it was important that whatever we did knitted in with the farm. What we have developed works well. "

Her husband Gareth said he has nothing but support for his wife.

He said: "I'm very proud she's got through to the final. She's worked hard and from my point of view as a farmer it's important the public see a working farm."