A partnership between a farmer and a pub landlord in Llanddeusant is conserving the bird of prey as well as boosting the local economy.

We would rather people come to see the bird at feeding stations rather than go tramping through the countryside looking for their nests and eggs

Tony Cross, Welsh Red Kite Trust

Schools in the area will also use the station for educational purposes.

The project has been funded by a Sustainability Challenge Fund under the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The initiative is designed to safeguard a community resource, help a farmer diversify and bringing in tourism business.

Peter Faulkner, landlord of the Cross Inn in Llanddeusant, says the project benefits the whole the community.

He said: "We get a lot of walkers to the area during the summer but it is dead here in the winter months.

"I've always been keen on wildlife so this is a way to help the birds of prey and boost business in a rural area so there are benefits all round.

The Red Kite can be seen in open countryside

"We have to be careful that we don't attract too many people because too much traffic can cause chaos along the country lanes."

"We are also careful not to overfeed the birds because we don't want them to depend on us."

Tony Cross of the Welsh Red Kite Trust says it is a fine balance which is working well.

He said: "It is a marvellous opportunity, particularly for school children, to study the birds at close quarters.

Partnership

"We would rather people come to see the bird at feeding stations rather than go tramping through the countryside looking for their nests and eggs.

"We depend on the co-operation of farmers to conserve the red kite population so it is important to educate the next generation."

The red kite population has increased dramatically in Wales over recent years.

There were just 30 breeding pairs in Wales 20 years ago - now there are 300 pairs.

In addition to the feeding station, the old school in the village has been converted into a heritage centre.