15 April 2025
This month, as part of our ongoing celebration of sustainability in Pembrokeshire, we are shining a spotlight on the local tourism businesses making a real and lasting difference to our environment.
From greener practices to community-driven projects, it’s inspiring to see how local entrepreneurs are helping to protect and enhance this beautiful corner of the world.
One brilliant example is Elly Day, who runs Dewslake Farm Campsite in Lamphey. A proud Pembrokeshire native, Elly has brought fresh energy and thoughtful innovation to her family’s campsite – including the planting of more than 3,000 native trees since lockdown, helping to create a thriving nature reserve for future generations. We caught up with Elly to learn more about her journey, her growing ventures, and what she loves most about life – and work – in Pembrokeshire.
Elly Day, of Dewslake Farm Campsite
Meet Elly Day, of Dewslake Farm Campsite:
Who you are and what do you?
I’m Elly, a proud Pembrokeshire native with roots in the local farming community. After growing up in the beautiful countryside and attending school in Haverfordwest, I set off to Cardiff University to study communications. My 20s were spent exploring new opportunities and experiences, living in Edinburgh, Melbourne, Manchester, and eventually London, where I built a career in pharmaceutical business insights. It was also where I met my husband, James, and we welcomed our two daughters, Clara and Alys.
In 2018, the opportunity arose to move back to Pembrokeshire, and we jumped at it! Returning home felt like the perfect time to reconnect and contribute to our family business–Dewslake Farm Campsite in Lamphey. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in growing and shaping the business, creating a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s incredible landscapes and outdoor experiences.
What are your businesses in Pembrokeshire?
I run a number of exciting ventures in Pembrokeshire, all centred around celebrating the great outdoors, creativity, and community spirit.
Dewslake Farm Campsite is a relaxed, family (and dog!) friendly campsite set in the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside. With plenty of open space for play and exploration, it’s the perfect spot for those looking to reconnect with nature, friends and family. The campsite is linked to the village of Lamphey via a picturesque wetland nature trail, where you can spot an array of flora and fauna before arriving at the local pub for a well-earned refreshment.
On-site, we’re lucky to have The Rowan Tree Café, owned and run by Emma and her wonderful team who we collaborate closely with. Hugely popular with both locals and visitors, it’s a fantastic place to grab a bite, soak up the friendly atmosphere, and enjoy delicious food. Dewslake also plays host to a variety of small festivals and live music events throughout the year, bringing people together to celebrate creativity and connection.
One of my proudest ventures is The Growing Wild Festival, a magical end-of-summer children’s festival designed to spark imagination and adventure. The festival offers a rich variety of workshops and activities, from flower crown making and bushcraft to yoga, face painting, drumming, and live performances. Inspiring and interactive sessions encouragingchildren (and grown-ups!) to embrace nature, creativity, and music.
To make the day stress-free and enjoyable for parents, most activities are included in the ticket price. There are also two live music stages featuring talented local artists, creating a lively festival atmosphere.
I have also recently taken on Cwtch Woodland Camp near Rosemarket, a peaceful and secluded woodland retreat that has been beautifully run by my sister Bethan for the past 10 years. Beth has now decided to focus more on her yoga studio, Pembrokeshire Yoga, based on Pembroke Main Street. I’m still finding my feet with Cwtch and exploring its future direction, but I’m excited about the possibilities – so watch this space for more to come soon!
What's your favourite thing about Pembrokeshire?
Of course, there’s the undeniable beauty of Pembrokeshire – the breathtaking beaches, rolling rural landscapes, historic castles, winding estuaries, and incredible wildlife. But beyond the scenery, what I truly love is the sense of possibility here.
Pembrokeshire has a wonderful community of supportive, creative, and innovative individuals who bring ideas to life. There’s a real spirit of collaboration and joy, where people come together to make things happen. Growing Wild Festival is a perfect example – so many local businesses, talented individuals, and passionate guests contribute to creating a truly special event. Whether it’s artists, makers, musicians, or the wonderful families who buy tickets and support the festival, it’s that collective energy that makes Pembrokeshire such an inspiring place to live and work.
Tell us something about your business that people might not know?
Since lockdown, we’ve planted more than3,000 native trees as part of our commitment to preserving and enhancing the local environment. These trees are helping to expand our nature reserve area, ensuring it thrives for future generations to enjoy. This project has been made possible with the incredible support of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, our neighbour Simon Richards, and a team of dedicated volunteers who have helped with planting and ongoing care. It’s been amazing to see how small actions can contribute to a bigger, lasting impact on the landscape and wildlife of Pembrokeshire.
What's the view out of your window at work?
It depends on the season! In winter, from my home, my view stretches out over Pembroke Dock, with its ever-changing skies and waters including the coming and going of the ferry. In summer, my view is completely different – at Dewslake Farm Campsite, I get to take in the sight of lush green fields, bell tents, and happy campers soaking up the Pembrokeshire sunshine.
What music do you like listening to when you work?
I’m lucky that work often comes with a live soundtrack! With so much live music at Dewslake Farm Campsite, I get to enjoy the sounds of incredible local Pembrokeshire talent, including The Swingin’ Nettles, The Llewellin Duo, Funktion-22, talented ukulele performers, and the amazing Django at Dewslake musicians.
There’s something special about hearing live music drifting across the campsite – it creates such a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. When I’m not soaking up live performances, my playlist is usually a mix of folk, indie, and a bit of classic rock – perfect for keeping me inspired throughout the day!
