Golden Bison! Rhug Estate’s iconic roadside landmark gets dazzling makeover

ONE of North Wales’s most recognisable roadside landmarks has been given a glittering new identity.

The famous bison statue outside Rhug Estate has been transformed into a striking gold feature – and for a business enjoying a golden era of success, the timing could hardly be more fitting.

Standing proudly outside the award-winning Farm Shop on the A5 near Corwen for more than 15 years, the much-loved sculpture has become a familiar sight for motorists, tourists and locals travelling through the region.

Previously finished in a dark metal tone, the landmark now shines in gold, creating a bold new gateway to one of the UK’s leading organic estates.

The transformation comes during a remarkable period for Rhug Estate, which in recent years has received a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty King Charles III, expanded its internationally renowned food and retail operations, and become home to the largest bison herd in the UK.

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 much-loved Bison Walk, the statue celebrates Rhug’s distinctive North American bison herd, first introduced by Lord Newborough in 2007.

What began as an ambitious and unconventional idea has since grown into a herd of more than 60 animals, boosted further by the arrival of 20 additional bison in 2024.

Today, visitors can enjoy a free 45-minute circular farm walk through the Estate to see the animals grazing in the fields – an 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.”

As well as becoming a visual symbol of the Estate, the bison also play a central role in Rhug’s sustainable farming model, producing premium-quality meat celebrated for its flavour, nutritional value and exceptional welfare standards.

From field to plate, the Estate oversees the entire process, supplying leading restaurants around the world alongside customers visiting the Farm Shop, Bison Grill restaurant and On the Hoof takeaway.

For more information visit Rhug Estate and Rhug Wild Beauty.