The Project
Our 30 farming partners’ initiative was supported by many other interested organisations to developed a new holistic approach – based on evidence – to:
• Farm land sustainably taking into account the well-being of future generations including tree and hedge planting, combat of soil compaction and erosion with best use of grazing;
• Improve biodiversity by creating or upgrading habitats and their connectivity through planting and pond creation;
• Develop better access to green and blue spaces for physical activity and mental well-being;
• Reduce carbon emissions associated with farming and meet the need for new markets after Brexit by looking at innovative new ways of working.
We also aim to:
• Encourage better understanding of farming through improved community links via education, activities and project promotion;
• Cut risk of flooding through slower-flow of water by increasing range of pools and planting trees and hedges;
• Educate young people and their parents about climate change and sustainable farming to better engage with healthy eating, rural life and the opportunities and benefits of volunteering. Also to promote better understanding of the climate change threats and how to counter them by use of advanced technology.
Partnership
The project gained the support of more than 30 organisations in the area during its development and is now working with some of these to further enhance on-going activities.
Powys is one of the best counties in Wales when it comes to its residents recycling their waste. However there is still plenty of rubbish discarded by some people – particularly along popular walking routes such as the River Severn path and Dolerw park area of Newtown.
Rubbish turns into Art through “Litter-Arty” initiative
The project took part in litterpicks organised by Celf-Able, a group of artists with disabilities, with the stacks of beer cans, silver foil, crisp packets and other useful items all cleaned and used in the production of some amazing pieces of art by artists Terri Sweeney and Jo Munton. They had the support of the Waste Awareness team at Powys County Council. The artworks will be displayed in the towns where litter picks took place – Newtown, Machynlleth, Welshpool, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanidles. The litter project is called the “Oriel Sbwriel/Litter-Arty”.
Many organisations expressing support for the project take part in the annual food fair in Newtown (left).
The Nature and People Working Together project will be developing a range of tools to let everyone know what it is doing, including this website and attendance at various events including agricultural shows across the region.
Members have been attending the Royal Welsh Show and Winter Fair at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells.
Research organisations and companies have been sharing their findings and expertise with the Group through a number of Master Classes and practical workshops and further collaboration on a number of investigative trials will be taking place over the course of the project.
Future Generations
The Well-being of Future Generations Act in Wales places a responsibility on Governmental and other organisations to consider the effects of policy decisions on future generations. The project is taking forward the spirit of the Act by considering the future impact of its actions and indeed, wherever possible, involving the next generation in its activities across the various strands of the project.
Who doesn’t love going pond or river dipping? A half-term activity for farming youngsters on the River Severn and its streams provided a hit with participants. “What will we find?” was the chorus as buckets, nets and trays were carried over fields to the survey sites.
The weather was kind and the sun shone. Ecologist Phil Ward (known as “the bug-man”) was in charge and demonstrated the kick-sampling. The youngsters followed suit and tipped the nets of the disturbed river bed stones and gravel into trays of river water to check what was there.
And what a treasure trove of aquatic life was uncovered! Cadis fly larval stone houses on the bottom of rocks, young fish, busy beetles, mayfly larvae and even a British native crayfish (under threat from the invasive American crayfish even in the Severn and its tributaries hereabouts). All were gently returned to the water after viewing.
And the verdict? “Fantastic -we can’t wait to do this again!”
Community
Nature and People is working for the benefit of local communities, for instance a number of felled shelter-belt conifers (which will be replaced with a mix of deciduous and coniferous saplings for greater biodiversity and carbon storage) were planed into planks for use as cladding on a nearby community centre which will also offer a venue for educational activities run by the project.
Access to level walking and cycling places with little traffic can be an issue for individuals, families and groups such as ramblers, but the project is able, with the support of landowners, to offer upgraded bridleway and permissive paths across the project area, including Yr Allt hill in Pontdolgoch (right) where three picnic areas, one with disabled access, have been installed.
Several miles of upgraded tracks, footpaths and bridleways will mean safer places for enjoy the outdoors and nature, which bring health and well-being benefits. Powys has a large number of caravan and lodge park sites, camping venues and holiday homes, providing vital income in rural areas. These improved walking and cycling routes will provide a wider offer of tranquil leisure and recreational facilities for visitors and residents alike. Many are being planted with new trees and hedging so biodiversity benefits too…another example of “Nature and People Working Together”.
Get in touch
E-mail: severncatchment@aol.com