[1] The land is farmed organically (although not certified, partly due to cost, mostly due to the belief that chemical farmers should pay for certification to show their food is safe rather than traditional, organic food growers incurring financial penalties) and the community is off-grid for supplies of water, electricity and wood being used for fuel in heating and cooking.

[2] In 1998 the settlement, which then also included five straw bale buildings and one wooden geodesic dome, was spotted from the air and reported to the authorities.

[2] The authorities identified fourteen infringements of planning regulations, including the lake, the cycle shed, the Dome, and the roundhouse.

Julian Orbach left the site and moved into the town, but retained ownership of about 80 acres (320,000 m2) including the old farmhouse and outbuildings, which was leased to the Brithdir Mawr Housing Co-op.

Emma Orbach adopted the rest, which is known as Tir Ysbrydol (spirit land), and became involved in planning negotiations in relation to new and existing straw bale round huts and structures.