The present Baronet, Sir Michael Leighton, the 11th in line, is the 34th in descent of his family. He has for some years been an ardent conservationist, ornithologist, wildlife photographer and poet.
He has completed a film on his lifelong passion, the Red Kite, which has been aired on National television. He was instrumental in the re-introduction of this bird back to the Welsh Hills and has formed areas of his estate for wildlife conservation.
A keen motorsport enthusiast, Sir Michael was also responsible for the formation of the National Hill Climb event, which takes place during the summer months in the Deer Park.
Sir Michael designed the Cwmystwyth tartan kilt he’s wearing in the photo to the right.
Sir Michael has privately published one book of poems, and is soon to publish ‘Antology of the Marches’, a collection of his poems. He gives much of his time to his daughter, Eleanor, who he is very proud of currently building her career in business and marketing.