Nyfer am Byth: Project Update & Next Step

On a bright spring day, 18 April marked an important moment for Nyfer am Byth. Community members gathered at Nanhyfer Village Hall to hear project team members Neil Harnott and Sophie Jenkins present the final Community Catchment Plan : shaped over many months of listening, learning, and working alongside the community.

This wasn’t the first time the plan had been shared. A draft was presented last year, opening up conversations about what matters most to people living and working in the catchment. Since then, those conversations have continued—through meetings, partnerships, and ongoing dialogue with statutory bodies, and other stakeholders. One of the new additions to the plan since presenting the draft has been a focus on local food systems—recognising the deep connections between food, farming and the health of the river. 

Out of this work, Cwm Arian is now developing two new projects. One looks closely at the environmental story of the catchment, mapping pollution pathways and building a clearer picture of the challenges facing the river. The other turns to culture and heritage—celebrating the rich history, Welsh language, and stories that flow through the landscape, and strengthening the connections between people and nature.

Walking the River Together

Before the presentations began, the day started outdoors. A group set out on a three-mile circular walk around Nanhyfer, following the river through fresh spring growth including clychau'r gog (bluebells) and craf y geifr (wild garlic), under the backdrop of bright blue skies. The walk was led by Dewi Roberts—known to many as “Dyn yr Afon // The River Man” from Llanidloes, to share his knowledge and passion for rivers in Cymru. Stories flowed as easily as the water itself. Along the way, the group paused, observed, and reflected—seeing the river not just as a feature in the landscape, but as something alive, shaped by and shaping the people around it. There was even a moment of surprise and delight when Dewi produced a life-sized salmon from his rucksack—a reminder, perhaps, of the creatures and histories often hidden beneath the surface.

Looking Ahead

As this phase of the project, kindly supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, draws to a close, attention is already turning to what comes next.

Building on the energy and insights of this work, we will hope to be successful with our newly developed projects to realise the aims of the catchment plan. In the meantime a walks, talks, and a symposium is being planned through the National Forest for Wales Landscape Scheme. Working in partnership with the Wildlife Trust and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, these events will continue to explore the relationships between rivers, trees, and communities.

We have also been invited to present on Nyfer am Byth at the Ardal Wyddoniaeth / Science Area at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026 - more to come on that!

Get Involved

Read the Community Catchment Plan: https://www.nyferambyth.cymru/theplan

Share your skills and interests: We’d love to hear from you. Your input will help shape the next phase of the project and ensure it reflects the needs, knowledge, and energy of the community : https://forms.gle/p8ukxhe6c4ogpxcv6