Young poets find inspiration at Glamorgan beauty spot

SCHOOL CHILDREN from six primary schools in Glamorgan have been exploring the wildlife living on their doorstep. In the coming weeks, back in the classroom, the pupils will re-capture their experiences through poetry, which they will present at this year’s National Eisteddfod in the Vale.

More than a hundred pupils joined the Vale’s countryside rangers to explore the natural and varied wonders of Porthkerry Country Park and Cosmeston Lake Country Park.

The ‘nature of our community’ poetry project is organised by the Countryside Council for Wales and the National Eisteddfod with help from the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council. The primary schools taking part are 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.

Over the coming weeks, renowned Welsh poet and broadcaster Caryl Parry Jones will be visiting the schools to help children shape their experiences at Porthkerry and Cosmeston into poems. She said : “I’m really looking forward to the weeks ahead, helping the children interpret their thoughts and feelings about their local countryside and coast through poetry. It’s a great way to build children’s confidence.”

Some of the children explored the coast at Porthkerry – some of their poems will be published on the website of the new Wales Coast Path as part of celebrating its opening.

According to Mel Stewart Countryside Ranger for Porthkerry Country Park: “In the Vale’s Country Parks 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.

“At Porthkerry, the children concentrated on the coast, where they took a close look at the beach by making pictures using the materials they found there, including pebbles, seaweed and sticks. They used sweep nets to investigate what bugs live in the long grass near the beach. The children managed to catch grass hoppers, crickets, frog hoppers, soldier beetles and one brave child even caught a bumble bee!

“We hope the trip inspired the children by giving them first hand experience of nature on their doorstep.”

When the National Eisteddfod arrives in the Vale of Glamorgan this August, the children will be among the first performers – 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 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 .

Ends.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information about this press release please contact Helen Evans, CCW Press Office on 07717225589 or Bran Devey on 02920 772 403/ 07747767443 or Sioned@eisteddfod.org.uk

The 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.uk