Young poets bring Glamorgan’s wildlife to the Eisteddfod field

Literature Tent, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru Vale of Glamorgan, Sunday 5 August 2012 12.45p.m.

Schoolchildren from St Baruc Primary School, Barry, on their visit to Porthkerry Country Park. Photo ©Vale of glamorgan county council

The natural wonders of the Vale of Glamorgan’s country parks will come to life on the Eisteddfod field this weekend.

Local children, in the company of renowned poet and broadcaster Caryl Parry Jones, will present poems about the natural environment and wildlife on their doorstep.

In May, the pupils visited Porthkerry and Cosmeston Country Parks in the Vale to enjoy wildlife and learn how we all depend on nature.

Back in the classroom, they wrote poems based on this experience, with help from Caryl Parry Jones.

Five schools are taking part in the initiative – Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge;Ysgol Gymraeg Pen-y-Garth in Penarth; Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Baruc, Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Curig and Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant in Barry.

Caryl Parry Jones said: ““I really enjoyed working with the children, helping them interpret their thoughts and feelings about their local countryside and coast through poetry. It’s a great way to build children’s confidence.”

The Countryside Council for Wales sponsored the poetry project, through a partnership with the National Eisteddfod and with help from the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council’s countryside rangers.

These children will be among the first performers when the National Eisteddfod arrives in the Vale of Glamorgan this August – giving readings of their poems in the Literature Tent (Sunday 5th August, 12.45pm).

After hearing the children read their work aloud, Eisteddfod-goers will hopefully be inspired to visit Porthkerry and Cosmeston country parks and other fantastic nature sites in the as well. Find out more about the Vale’s nature sites on http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/enjoying/visit_the_vale.aspx .

CCW has a stand on the Eisteddfod field, providing information on opportunities to explore, discover and enjoy the Welsh countryside and coast.

Ends.

• For more information about this press release please contact Helen Evans, CCW Press Office on 07717225589.
• The Countryside Council for Wales is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, working for a better Wales where everyone values and cares for our natural environment. More information about our work is available on www.ccw.gov.