ONE of North Wales’s most recognisable roadside landmarks has been given a dazzling new look.
The famous metal bison statue outside Rhug Estate has been transformed into a striking gold feature.
And for a sustainable business on a remarkable run of form, it couldn’t be more fitting.
Standing proudly outside the award-winning Farm Shop on the A5, near Corwen, for more than 15 years, the much-loved bison statue has become a familiar sight for travellers, visitors and locals alike.
Originally finished in a dark metal tone, the sculpture now shines in gold – a bold statement from one of the UK’s most prestigious organic estates.
Over recent years, Rhug Estate has celebrated a series of major milestones: receiving a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III, being recognised as home to the largest bison herd in the UK, and continued growth across its award-winning food, retail and visitor operations.
Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “The bison statue has stood proudly on its plinth on the A5 for over 15 years, marking the entrance to the Farm Shop.
“This stretch of the A5 is known as the Golden Two Miles – the gateway into North Wales – so it felt only right that our bison should be transformed to gold. I hope it will become one of North Wales’s most talked-about landmarks.”
He added: “Receiving a Royal Warrant from His Majesty the King was a tremendous honour, and watching the Estate grow – the herd, the Farm Shop, the restaurant, the visitors – has been remarkable. The gold finish is our way of marking that without taking ourselves too seriously.”
Positioned at the entrance to the Estate’s popular Farm Shop and the starting point of the well-loved Bison Walk, the statue symbolises Rhug’s unique North American bison herd, first introduced by Lord Newborough in 2007.
What began as a visionary idea has flourished into more than 60 of the animals, following the arrival of 20 additional bison in 2024.
Visitors can enjoy a free 45-minute circular farm walk through the Estate to see them grazing in the fields, an unforgettable experience that has become one of Rhug’s standout attractions.
Lord Newborough added: “When we introduced North American bison nearly two decades ago, people thought it was eccentric. Now we have the largest herd in the UK and we’re supplying some of the finest restaurants in the world.”
Beyond their visual appeal, the bison play an important role in Rhug Estate’s sustainable farming model, providing a supply of premium, high-quality meat renowned for its flavour, nutritional value and exceptional welfare standards.
From field to plate, Rhug oversees the entire journey, supplying leading restaurants worldwide as well as customers through its Farm Shop, Bison Grill restaurant and On the Hoof takeaway.
