"We came to Lampeter two years ago, attracted by the wonderfully unspoilt Ceredigion landscapes and a rural tradition sympathetic to the smallholding lifestyle we sought.

Our farm looks far out across the Teifi valley and is home to a flock of angora goats, a herd of llamas and several ponies. We also play host to numerous wild visitors and residents especially the magnificent red kites.

As a child growing up in London I first encountered llamas at the zoo where they used to take kids for a cart ride; I marvelled at these huge strange, gentle and stately animals.

It never occurred to me that it might be possible some day to actually breed such exotic animals here. It wasn't until we had moved to the Midlands and started down the road towards the smallholding that I again encountered llamas at a show. Subsequently going on a trek with them I was captivated.

As we thought about what we would stock our holding with llamas were never too far away, although we briefly considered alpacas too. We purchased our first llamas, four 9-month old boys, from a long established breeder near Tregaron.

These boys, known as 'the gang', are now quite a regular sight on the lanes and byways around Lampeter as we take them out on training walks. The herd has since expanded to include four breeding girls as well as this year's babys ('cria').

There are several uses for llamas outside of their native Andean home. Like their close cousin the Alpaca, they produce a fine fibre which can be spun like wool or felted. At Bryngwyn we harvest the fibre by combing through the fleece, although llamas can be shorn.

True to their roots as 'ships of the Andes' llamas are used for trekking where they will carry walkers' equipment and supplies with great stamina. In the UK such treks tend to be quite short daytrips with the pack consisting more of a picnic than a full scale expedition.

Llamas are not generally ridden, except in some cases for children, although there is a story about an eccentric English gentleman in the early 20th century who trained llamas for his games of polo.

Llamas are sometimes employed as stock guards, protecting flocks of sheep or goats from harm by dogs, foxes or, in the States, coyotes.

Finally, many people keep llamas as field pets, finding great pleasure in these ever inquisitive, playful yet gentle animals.

Do look us up if you are in the Lampeter area!"

Article written by Martin Hillson