The River Teifi - its past, present and future.
Llais yr Afon is a partnership project that addresses the community’s aspirations to restore and protect the River Teifi, while creating opportunities to be involved in its improvement. This is a project that spans two years and is currently supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It will inform and engage through the arts and environmental science.
The River Teifi is one of Wales’ most iconic waterways with its rich, diverse wildlife, cultural and historical significance. However, like many rivers, it faces increasing pressures from pollution, climate change and unsustainable land use.
In 2024-2025 Small World Theatre, spacetocreate and Save the Teifi worked with lead partner West Wales Rivers Trust, to create a People’s Plan with input from over 300 local people. The two creative organisations and their lead partner worked in schools and presented community events in Cenarth, Llechryd, Cilgerran, Aberteifi and Llandudoch.
The plan sets out a shared vision for the river’s future - one that prioritises ecological health, sustainable management and community involvement.
Through public consultation so far, we have identified five categories of public concern connected to the River Teifi.
Increasing access to the river
Restoring water quality
Protecting habitats and species
Food and farming
Recognising culture and heritage
A summer programme of walks, talks and creative workshops.
A new programme of summer events is announced that builds on the themes. All events are free to attend, but some need to be booked in advance. Find out more below.
Project Outcome
There will be a touring exhibition showcasing a copy of the famous Idris Mathias’ fine manuscript map; a digital copy is available on The National Library of Wales’ website here.
Mathias’ map has been a rich source of inspiration for the creative process and featured in many workshops. It will be presented alongside a new contemporary map created by the communities of Cenarth, Llechryd, Cilgerran, Aberteifi and Llandudoch.
The new map will reflect the creativity, concerns and community appetite for restoring and protecting the river for nature and the wellbeing of future generations.
Other news
Free River Conservation Course
We’re inviting local people and job seekers to take part in free river conservation workshops, with the chance to earn an Agored Cymru qualification and develop key employability skills, including: Planning & Organisation, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Personal Performance.
Past community events
Half term events in Cenarth and Llechryd inviting the community to take part in creative activities and discussions around the future wellbeing of the River Teifi. Working towards a new contemporary map.
Cenarth River Festival 2024
A pop-up river festival in Cenarth with creative workshops, talks, performances, citizen science and guided walks. The festival welcomed the Save the Teifi challenge as they carried water from the source to sea.