About Us
Matt and Polly are your hosts at Warmth & Wonder, along with their two children, family dog, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and the increasing numbers of hare, deer, polecat and badger.
Having experienced some amazing places to stay that were grounded in their environments we decided to create somewhere ourselves that we could share with others... and Warmth & Wonder was born.
The idea has always been to allow the place to speak for itself, and Garn Farm certainly does that. From the breathtaking views of the Black Mountains, to the fine details of the diverse flora and fauna that we share the hillside with. Add to that a mixture of the simple things in life and the odd luxury and you have the make-up of what we share with you here. The warmth of log fires, sheepskins to sit on, special spots to take in the views, a good book with a well brewed cup of coffee or tea...
Having moved to Garn Farm in 2014 we've been busy creating the homestead, getting to know the hillside and local area, and creating a special space to share - we hope you'll come and join us and see the beauty and simplicity of life at Warmth & Wonder.
Garn Farm
Garn Farm is an 18-hectare (48-acre) smallholding on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, overlooking the Monnow Valley on the Herefordshire–Wales border. The landscape comprises steep pasture, ancient woodland, springs and streams, creating a diverse mosaic of habitats. This combination of geology, water and long-established land management supports an exceptional level of ecological diversity.
The farm contains ancient wet woodland dominated by alder, species-rich neutral and marshy grasslands, spring-fed flushes, streams, bracken slopes and traditional pasture, all interwoven with hedgerows and scrub. Together these habitats form a closely connected ecological network that supports a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife. Much of the woodland exhibits characteristics consistent with ancient semi-natural woodland, while the spring systems include rare calcifying springs with tufa formation.
Ecological surveys have recorded more than 130 species of flowering plants and trees, including bluebells, primroses, wood anemones, wild garlic, southern marsh orchids and the Herefordshire-rare hay-scented buckler fern. Surveys have also confirmed the presence of hazel dormice, badgers and at least five species of bat, together with a wide range of woodland and farmland birds such as marsh tits, willow warblers, tawny owls, treecreepers, red kites and buzzards. The varied mix of woodland, wetlands and flower-rich grasslands also provides excellent habitat for frogs, butterflies and other invertebrates, with the potential to support scarce fritillary butterflies and other specialist species.
Overall, Garn Farm represents an increasingly rare example of a traditionally managed landscape where woodland, wetland and low-intensity pasture remain closely interconnected. This continuity of habitats supports a resilient ecosystem whose value extends beyond the farm itself, contributing to nature recovery across the wider landscape.
