About our farm

Usk Valley Herbs isn't tucked away in a suburban garden. We are rooted in the heart of a 300-acre working cattle, sheep, and arable farm here in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

When we talk about "hardworking skin" or "managing a home with the seasons," we aren't speaking theoretically. We’re speaking from the experience of life on a farm—where the days are long, the weather is rarely on our side, and everything we do is dictated by the rhythm of the land.

Having 300ish acres to call home gives us a unique perspective on the botanicals we use. Our herbs are grown in the same Welsh soil that supports our livestock and crops. They have to be hardy, resilient, and useful.

  • The Working Landscape: While our cattle and sheep manage the hills, we focus on the edges—the hedgerows and the dedicated herb plots where we grow our seasonal staples.

  • The Arable Connection: Being a part arable farm means we understand the cycle of the harvest. We apply that same "back-to-basics" agricultural discipline to our herbs, ensuring they are picked at the height of their potency.

  • The Workshop: Right in the middle of the farm sits our workshop. It’s a practical space where the mud of the fields meets the botanical craft of our soaps, balms, and home provisions.

Restoring the Soil (The Min-Till Approach)

For our arable crops, we use Min-till (minimum tillage) methods. Instead of traditional heavy ploughing—which can disrupt soil life and release stored carbon—we disturb the earth as little as possible.

This grounded, "back-to-basics" approach to the soil is exactly how we treat our herbs. We believe that the less you interfere with nature's systems, the more potent and resilient the final product will be. Whether it’s a field of grain or a pot of Winter Savoury, the health of the plant starts with the health of the soil.

Heritage on the Hills: Native Breeds

We chose to rear native breed cattle because they belong here. These breeds are hardy, traditional, and perfectly adapted to the rugged Welsh landscape..

This philosophy—choosing the right tool for the landscape—is the backbone of Usk Valley Herbs. Just as our cattle are chosen for their resilience, our botanical recipes are chosen for their practical, hardworking effectiveness.

Why Regenerative Farming Matters for You

Choosing a "Low-Tox" life is about more than just avoiding chemicals in your home; it’s about choosing a supply chain that isn't toxic to the planet. By basing our business on a regenerative, min-till farm, we ensure that:

  • The botanicals are nutrient-dense and grown in living soil.

  • The ecosystem is thriving, supporting the bees and insects that pollinate our herb gardens.

  • The products are honest, born from a landscape that is being cared for, not just exploited.