Newtown Food Festival

Almost 400 people visited the stand of our environmental project during the Newtown Food Festival to talk about nature and farming.
The Nature and People Working Together project (slogan: Nature and Us), led by the Maesmawr Group of farmers from the Upper Severn Catchment, publicised their work at the event by explaining about the invertebrates and fish of the River Severn
Visitors were able to see at first-hand some invertebrates, stone loach fish and minnows that had been found during kick-sampling of the river each day. Children were able to colour in outlines of farm animals and look at books about farming and nature.
The project’s gazebo was decorated with photographs recording the project’s activities and the project’s bi-lingual website www.natureandpeople.wales was promoted too. The stand was manned by farmers and project management staff who reported keen interest in the scheme’s messages.
Chairman of the Maesmawr Group Roche Davies said: “It was fantastic to see so many families coming up to take part in the discussions about nature and farming, see the exhibits and take part in the children’s activities. We were delighted to share in our success stories and ambitions for the future of farming and nature working together in the shadow of climate change.”
The Group is visiting around a dozen schools in the area to provide more information about the opportunities to protect and encourage wildlife. It has completed many activities including new or upgraded pools on farmland, planted trees and hedges, improved footpaths and bridleways for better access and well-being as well as carrying out, with the help of schoolchildren, a number of wildlife surveys.