Nyfer Am Byth: Update from us

For several years now, we have been working with rivers in the local area, focusing initially on water samples from the Afon Nyfer. In those early days, our primary concern was gathering data on water quality, but over time, we recognised the need to broaden our approach. We wanted to involve more people, particularly first language Welsh speakers and the agricultural community, and increase engagement with those who have a close relationship with the river as well as those who do not.

Over the past few months, we have concentrated on encouraging people to complete our community survey. Our goal was to hear from as many voices as possible about their relationship with the river: how they view and access it, the best features of the catchment, its heritage, and the leisure opportunities it provides. We also wanted to understand concerns and perceived threats to the river, whether related to species, runoff, or other environmental factors. Additionally, we sought insights into people’s personal behaviours and interactions with the river. To encourage honesty, we ensured the survey remained anonymous, acknowledging that discussions about the river can sometimes be contentious.

WEBSITE

Over the last six months, we have hosted a series of sessions featuring speakers on heritage, culture, and the Welsh language as well as food and farming. These discussions have been fantastic, bringing together a diverse group of people. Too often, environmental concerns can dominate the conversation, overshadowing the equally important topics of culture, heritage, and food production when considering the catchment as a whole.

Most recently, we held three events conducted in Welsh, which was an exciting milestone. To ensure accessibility, we provided live translation into English via headsets for those who needed it. While this service was costly, funding from Esmée Fairbairn made it possible, and they were as pleased as we were to see it come to fruition.

In addition to these public sessions, we also held a "Nyfer am Byth Day" at Canolfan yr Urdd Pentre Ifan - Environmental & Wellbeing Centre near Felindre Farchog - to engage the local schools within the catchment.

We collaborated with Pentre Ifan's staff, as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to deliver a carousel of river focused activities throughout the day. Children had the opportunity to do some kick sampling in the tributary below Pentre Ifan, had a session on pollution and its effects, as well as a session akin to what was held with the public on co-producing possible solutions and new ideas for the catchment and river. To round off the day the children were prompted to creatively put together a message for the river, and they sure delivered! The room was a hive of energy - they created artworks, posters, comic strips, river songs and even river raps.

Everything collected as part of this day will also feed into the catchment management plan approach, incoprororating all voices into future plans.

SURVEY

Collecting surveys over the past six months has been incredibly insightful. We have gathered perspectives from people across all walks of local life, including many opposing viewpoints, which is exactly what we hoped for.

Moving forward, we have come to a key realisation. The river evokes a far broader range of emotions, concerns, and ideas than we initially anticipated. As we continue this work, collaboration and further co-production will be essential to ensure that all voices are heard and that we can collectively shape the future of our river and catchment area.