Ask Onix
Debunking prepping myths in rural Wales
When journalist Greg Davies set out to explore the prepping community in mid Wales, he expected to find zombie apocalypse kits and nuclear bunkers. Instead, he discovered a pragmatic movement focused on real-world threats like cyber attacks, civil unrest, and power grid failures.
The reality of prepping
Leigh Price, a 51-year-old former soldier from Builth Wells, runs a prepping shop and survival courses in Powys. He dismisses the stereotype of preppers as "tin-hat wearing nut jobs," noting that the UK scene differs significantly from its American counterpart.
"Most people assume preppers are preparing for the end of the world or a nuclear attack," Price said. "But you're better off preparing for more likely scenarios-things that could actually happen."
Everyday threats and practical preparations
Price highlights cyber attacks as a major concern. "If the national grid goes down, we're back to the Stone Age within days," he warned. "People panic, looting starts, and chaos follows."
Contrary to the idea of fleeing to the wilderness, Price advises securing your home or relocating to a safer place, like a friend's house. "People think they can survive like John Rambo, but after a few days of wind and rain, they'll reconsider," he said.
What it takes to be prepared
Price tested Davies' readiness, scoring him 7 out of 10. While Davies had camping gear and rural survival habits, Price recommended upgrading his first aid kit, adding a water filter, and stockpiling more food.
Price himself spends around an hour weekly maintaining his supplies, which he estimates cost "a couple of thousand pounds." His rural home relies on a borehole for water, making a water filter pump essential during power outages.
A community-based approach
Price emphasizes the importance of community in prepping. "Humans thrive by living together. No one survives alone in the wilderness," he said. Preppers' meet-ups in Wales have grown from one group three years ago to regular gatherings across the country.
Donna Lloyd, a 60-year-old former military worker from Powys, shares this view. After losing power during lockdown, she started prepping to avoid feeling "vulnerable and stupid." Now, she stores water, tinned food, and a first aid kit, while carrying a multi-tool and learning fire-building skills.
"Prepping isn't about fear-it's about confidence. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."
Leigh Price
The spectrum of preppers
Prepping ranges from discreetly storing supplies to full "lone wolf" isolation, often to avoid stigma. Lloyd, who falls somewhere in the middle, stresses that prepping doesn't disrupt daily life. "I still go on holiday," she said. "You can improvise with what you have."
Both Lloyd and Price agree that prepping is about practicality, not obsession. As Price put it: "If you're prepared, no matter what comes your way, you can deal with it."
