VALUE OF FARM MIRED IN CONTROVERSY 'UNCERTAIN' AFTER RETURN OF OSPREYS

THE VALUE of a farm bought by the Welsh Government for £4.25m is now "uncertain" after a pair of ospreys returned for their second spell there - and laid an egg.

- CHRIS HAINES and RUTH MOSALSKI

The Welsh Government bought Gilestone Farm in Powys in 2022 as part of a deal with the Green Man festival for it to be a base for its operations but not move the main festival.

But in 2023 a pair of ospreys - a protected species - were seen there - the first time they have been observed so far south in Wales in around 200 years.

A 750-metre restriction zone around their nest was set up to protect the birds.

It has now been confirmed the birds have returned and the female has laid an egg.

The Welsh Government bought Gilestone Farm for £4.25m, saying it wanted to "support the growth of the creative sector in a stronger Mid Wales economy.