A COMBINED visitor attraction, research and education centre in St Davids has been shortlisted for a national business award.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm opened its doors to the public last October with the aim of showcasing the wonderful world of bugs.

The visitor experience includes the UK’s first tropical bug zoo, an edible insect restaurant, a bug art gallery and gift shop. Visitors even get to hold a hissing cockroach and learn about a giant vinergaroon which shoots vinegar out of his backside!

The Bug Farm is also home to the award-winning business Dung Beetles Direct.

The official launch takes place this spring and will include the additions of a bug museum, native walk-through bug house, walled garden and farm trail.

The Bug Farm is the vision of Dr Sarah Beynon, who wanted to combine her love of farming, academic research and education by setting up a centre of excellence in her hometown of St Davids.

“The Bug Farm is my dream come true,” she said.

“I get to run innovative research projects, take children on magical tours into a hidden world in our tropical bug zoo and, best of all, live in Pembrokeshire.

“As an added bonus, I get to do all of this on my original family farm, which I bought back in December 2013 when it was a derelict shell of its former glory.

“I am extremely proud with what myself and my wonderful team have achieved in such a short space of time. It just shows that, if you work hard enough and grab every opportunity thrown at you with both hands, you can live your dream.”

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm has now been shortlisted for the Best Start Up of the Year category in the FSB Worldpay UK Business Awards, which recognise the crucial role that smaller businesses play in the UK economy.

More than 1,000 entries were submitted by fast-growing smaller businesses across the UK and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on February 2.

Speaking about her nomination, Dr Beynon said: “Being shortlisted is a great honour, which shows that this is not just a dream: It is also a serious and sustainable business for the future.”