In the lively communal kitchen of Brithdir Mawr, nestled in the Preseli mountains of Pembrokeshire, Andromeda Gervasio is busy chopping vegetables while Rosie Gillam and Will Cooke collect firewood. This off-grid housing cooperative takes pride in its nutritious meals, largely made from produce grown across its 80 acres of polytunnels and gardens. Impressively, 90% of the community’s food is sourced on-site, and residents also gather wood for fuel.

Due to the limitations of their renewable energy sources—solar panels, a single wind turbine, and a hydro-powered stream—energy use must be carefully managed. For instance, a toaster and kettle cannot be operated simultaneously. Gervasio, who uses they/them pronouns and has long brown hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and a distinctive crescent moon tattoo on their forehead, was also responsible for preparing the previous evening’s meal. They cooked a hearty dish featuring carrots, potatoes, onions, and lentils in a spicy dhal.

At 31, Gervasio, originally from Lisbon, Portugal, has sought out a radically different way of life, finding a home in Wales’ oldest housing cooperative. Their journey has taken them through Scotland, Leeds, and London before they discovered the close-knit community they had been longing for. They first arrived at Brithdir Mawr in June, staying for a month before returning permanently in October.

Gervasio initially moved to the UK for their studies and eventually settled in London to pursue a career in professional dance. However, after two years, they experienced burnout and began yearning for a more fulfilling lifestyle. “The city became overwhelming and isolating,” they explained. Their desire was not for the romanticized version of rural life often portrayed in films but for something truly authentic. Upon arriving at the cooperative, they immediately felt at home, appreciating the clean water, unprocessed food, and a shared workload based on mutual respect.

Brithdir Mawr was founded in 1993 by Julian and Emma Orbach, who envisioned a sustainable, off-grid community. Although they later separated, their project flourished, leading to the construction of several low-impact structures around an old farmhouse—initially built without planning permission. In 1998, aerial surveillance revealed the settlement’s existence, triggering a decade-long legal battle. Ultimately, the community won recognition, setting a precedent for future eco-friendly developments. Today, Brithdir Mawr is a model of sustainable living, offering Welsh language classes, educational workshops, and volunteer programs.

Despite its longstanding success, the community now faces an uncertain future. The land’s new owner, Rachel May—a teacher, doula, and shadow work coach—has issued eviction notices to its remaining residents. She plans to transform the site into a healing retreat. The previous owner, Julian Orbach, had initially intended to sell the property to the cooperative, with residents believing they had until the end of 2025 to raise the necessary funds. However, the sale to May changed everything. Since negotiations began, the community’s population has dwindled from 20 to nine, with families leaving due to the uncertainty.

Among those staying to fight for their home is Will, a 42-year-old former teacher and activist, who insists Brithdir Mawr is much more than just a place to live. “This is one of the UK’s oldest housing cooperatives, with a 30-year history of collaboration and equality,” he asserts. Another resident emphasizes the site's significance, noting its international recognition and deep-rooted history, including generations of people who have lived, been born, and even buried there.

The unexpected sale came as a shock to the residents. “We believed we had until the end of 2025 to purchase the land,” one resident explains. “We were never given that opportunity.” Nevertheless, they remain hopeful for a resolution and wish to collaborate with May.

Will’s journey to Brithdir Mawr was unplanned—he originally visited while traveling the UK in his van, expecting to stay only two weeks. Instead, he never left, finding purpose in the community’s cooperative decision-making processes. “My activism background helped me integrate,” he explains. “This place needed those skills.” However, the uncertainty surrounding their future has left little time for the daily work that once defined their lives.

Despite the looming eviction, the community holds no ill will towards May and remains committed to a cooperative approach. Rosie, a 41-year-old expert in renewable energy and community resilience, highlights Brithdir Mawr’s importance: “This is about affordable access to land and housing. The rent here is deliberately low so that anyone can live sustainably.” She underscores the challenges of modern food production, noting how places like Brithdir Mawr offer an alternative through collective effort.

Rosie also stresses the community’s non-hierarchical ethos: “No one has power over anyone else. Decisions are made collaboratively. It goes against everything we stand for to have one person dictate who stays and who goes.”

Efforts are being made to reconcile differences with May, as residents seek to find a compromise. A community spokesperson affirms their commitment to diplomacy: “We are trying to work with Rachel and understand all perspectives. We want to cooperate, not create conflict. Ideally, she wouldn’t have bought the land, but we are hopeful for a solution.”

Rachel May, however, has expressed frustration with the situation. In a previous statement to The Guardian, she explained, “I was willing to negotiate, but that required a clean slate, meaning existing tenancy rights had to end.” According to her, the talks ultimately fell through. “They weren’t interested in my vision, leaving me little choice but to proceed with eviction.” She insists she is not a corporate landlord and believes some residents refuse to accept the reality of her ownership.

In response, Brithdir Mawr’s community is rallying support. They are organizing a gathering on Saturday, February 8, at 12 p.m., inviting supporters to join them in defending their home and way of life.