The natural wonders of Blaenau Gwent will come to life on the Eisteddfod field this weekend. Local children, in the company of Welsh poet and broadcaster Caryl Parri Jones, will present poems about the natural wonders on their doorstep.
In early summer, pupils from Brynmawr Foundation School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg spent time learning more about the nature of their area, and the rich habitats on their doorstep in Blaenau Gwent.
The children explored Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodland Local Nature Reserve, near Cwm Clydach, with the Brecon Beacons National Park to the north and the towns of Brynmawr and Beaufort to the south. There, in the company of staff from the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Countryside Service, they learnt about local wildlife and the work to conserve these places.
Back in the classroom, they wrote poems based on this experience, with help from Caryl Parri Jones.
According to Chris Engels, Countryside Officer for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council: “In these Local Nature Reserves, you get a real sense of peace, being surrounded by and immersed in nature – something that’s so important to our health and wellbeing in today’s busy world. The children saw some wonderful sights and really enjoyed getting their hands dirty during some pond dipping which revealed all sorts of creatures.
“We hope the trip inspired the children by giving them first hand experience of the special environment on their doorstep.”
Caryl Parri Jones said: “I’ve been visiting schools for years to talk about poetry and to write poetry with children. It’s been fantastic to see them expressing such enthusiasm about their local environment –finding the right words to convey their feelings and letting their imaginations run wild! It’s a great way to build children’s confidence and I’m sure they will enjoy reading their work alound at the Eisteddfod to inspire others to visit the fantastic nature sites, which are a stone’s throw from the Eisteddfod field.”
The Countryside Council for Wales sponsors the ‘nature of our community’ poetry project, through a partnership with the National Eisteddfod, and additional support from Academi.
CCW has a stand on the Eisteddfod field – number 225-226 – providing information on opportunities to explore, discover and enjoy the Welsh countryside and coast.
Find out more about Blaenau Gwent’s projects to enhance biodiversity www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/leisure/7679.asp
