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Volunteer Profile: Cath

Cath Luke, Bethesda

Volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon, Bethesda

“For me, there are many benefits of volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon. The allotments have the best views ever! Views up towards the mountains, all of the Carneddau and Ogwen and across to Penrhyn quarry and Mynydd Llandegai. It’s an amazing place to spend time.” – Cath Luke

Get to know Cath:

Cath Luke resides in Bethesda, and has found a rewarding way to spend her time giving back to her local community and the natural environment.

Cath retired from her role as Governance Administrator at Mountain Training in December 2025, giving her more time to dedicate to volunteering. Since then, she has continued to build on her passion for nature, growing and community.

Cath has been volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon, the community allotments managed and supported by Partneriaeth Ogwen, for the past couple of years. She also volunteers with Cymdeithas Eryri, helping with activities such as litter picking and tree nursery maintenance, and with North Wales Wildlife Trust, where she takes part in bumblebee surveys at Cwm Idwal and the annual Greater Butterfly-orchid survey at Caeau Tan y Bwlch on the Llŷn Peninsula. She also volunteers at Pandy Farm in Tregarth, an organic farm that grows and sells produce locally, with zero food miles.

When she isn’t volunteering, Cath enjoys cycling, climbing, reading and embroidery.

Cath’s Experience as a Volunteer:

At Gerddi Ffrancon, Cath is part of a small team of volunteers who work together throughout the seasons to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers.

 “There’s always something to do, from weeding and watering, to

tidying the toolshed, doing a quick litter pick and filling up the water butts. We have a

gardener who mows the paths once a week in the summer, which is wonderful, as this is a

job we wouldn’t be able to keep on top of.”

The gardening year starts as early as October, when garlic is planted for harvesting the following summer. Field beans are also grown as a cover crop, while the volunteers prune currant bushes and raspberry canes.

As spring arrives, annual crops including peas, broad beans, kale, mangetout, courgettes and potatoes are sown and planted by the volunteers. Perennial crops such as rhubarb, Asturian cabbage, nine-star cauliflower, salsify and tree spinach return year after year.

Cath and other devoted volunteers are also working to improve the health of the soil by using green manure, locally sourced manure, topsoil and woodchip mulch.

For Cath, volunteering is about more than gardening itself. She particularly enjoys working alongside people who share her interests:

“I really enjoy the social element in working with others with a common interest and pooling ideas.”

The gardens at Ffrancon have twenty micro-allotments alongside the community beds, so there are often other plot holders working nearby too. This creates a friendly and sociable atmosphere that Cath enjoys being a part of.

Although the gardens can be sociable, Cath appreciates that Gerddi Ffrancon can offer somewhere to escape the busyness of everyday life.

“It’s such a peaceful place to be that I sometimes go up there just to sit and read my book or potter about doing little jobs.”

Cath’s favourite parts of Gerddi Ffrancon:

One of Cath’s favourite things about volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon is the spectacular setting.

“The allotments have the best views ever! Views up towards the mountains, all of the Carneddau and Ogwen and across to Penrhyn Quarry and Mynydd Llandegai. It’s an amazing place to spend time.”

But it isn’t just the views that make the gardens special. Cath also feels a strong connection to the history of the project and the people who helped establish it. Gerddi Ffrancon began in 2021, thanks to the vision and hard work of Judit and the original volunteer team, including Vicki, Lizzie and Sara, who continue to support the gardens.

“They put in such a huge amount of energy and vision to get the gardens up and running and it’s a privilege to be able to follow in their footsteps and contribute to their work.”

Another special place for Cath is the Peace Bed. Originally an idea from the Community Chaplain, it features an olive tree representing peace and a hazel tree representing wisdom. Spring bulbs and summer-flowering plants fill the bed, creating a beautiful haven for bees and butterflies.

“It is a quiet corner of gentleness, full of bees and butterflies, utterly unique and entirely beautiful.”

For Cath, growing food is also an important part of what makes the gardens meaningful.

“Growing food ourselves is one thing we can do to take control of our own food security, in a very small way, and I believe it is an act of quiet resistance in troubled times.”

Cath stated that saving seeds is another important part of the work. Being able to save pea, bean, garlic and kale seeds for the following year helps the community become less dependent on commercially produced seeds.

Cath’s wishes for the future of Ffrancon Gardens:

Like all community projects, Gerddi Ffrancon has its challenges — and the volunteers have plenty of ideas for how the gardens could develop in the future.

The site is exposed to wind and weather, while the free-draining soil means that water can become an issue during dry summers. Mulching helps with water retention and weed suppression, but the garden currently relies on a single water tap more than 100 metres away.

One of Cath’s hopes is for a dedicated water supply that is easier for volunteers and plot holders to access.

The volunteers would also love to see a sturdy polytunnel at the gardens. This would provide valuable indoor growing space, allowing seeds to be started earlier and extending the growing season for crops that need longer to mature. A polytunnel could also potentially provide a source of income through rented growing space, helping to fund essentials such as water, tools and plants.

Chance to support:

Gerddi Ffrancon is a great example of what can happen when people come together and give their time to something they care about.

Volunteers like Cath are helping to grow more than fruit, vegetables and flowers. They are helping to grow community, protect nature, share knowledge and create a welcoming space for people to spend time together. There is always something to do, everyone is welcome – and there will be tea, biscuits and plenty of beautiful mountain views along the way.

And, of course, there is one thing Gerddi Ffrancon needs above all else: more volunteers.

“We need more volunteers! To share the work and the produce and the tea and biscuits.”

If Cath’s story has inspired you to get involved yourself, Gerddi Ffrancon would love to hear from you.

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Volunteer profile: Lizzy

Lizzy Scott, Rachub

Volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon, Bethesda

“I really enjoy improving biodiversity and making the gardens a good place for wildlife. It’s satisfying working with other people and seeing how much the gardens have improved.” – Lizzy Scott

Get to know Lizzy:

Lizzy Scott lives in Rachub and works as a carer at a local care home. With a love of gardening, wildlife and the outdoors, volunteering at Gerddi Ffrancon brings together many of her interests. 

“I like producing food and gardening in a way that is good for wildlife. I like seeing wildlife in my garden.”

Having volunteered previously while living in Northampton, Lizzy was keen to become involved in the community after moving to Rachub. She enjoys walking in the countryside, including on the hill behind her home and along the coast, as well as spending time growing her own food.

Lizzy is particularly passionate about gardening in a way that benefits wildlife and encourages biodiversity. She has her own allotment, where she grows a variety of fruit and vegetables, including jostaberries – a cross between a blackcurrant and gooseberry.

Living in Rachub has also given Lizzy plenty of opportunities to become involved locally.

“I like living in Rachub. There’s a lot going on and lots of opportunities to get involved.”

As well as currently helping at Gerddi Ffrancon, Lizzy has volunteered with local food producers and at a local orchard whilst living in Northampton, helping to improve biodiversity while producing apples for the local community.

Lizzy’s Experience as a Volunteer:

At Gerddi Ffrancon, Lizzy is part of a small group of volunteers who work together to grow and look after a wide variety of produce. The group organises much of its work together, discussing plans in person and through WhatsApp before deciding what to plant and which jobs need doing. Volunteers then arrange times to meet at the gardens whenever they are available.

For Lizzy, a typical volunteering session could involve weeding, harvesting produce, removing plants that need replacing or sowing the next crop.

Over the past few years, the group has experimented with growing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. One particularly successful crop has been field beans.

“We planted field beans over the last couple of years and they were really successful. They didn’t need much looking after and we got a big harvest from them.”

Garlic has also become an important crop at Gerddi Ffrancon. In June, the volunteers held a special garlic day, cooking with their harvest and inviting local food producers to come along and talk to the community about garlic and locally grown food.

Lizzie mentioned that this year’s courgettes struggled in the hot weather, but other parts of the garden have continued to thrive. The community beds include a herb garden alongside crops such as onions, broccoli and kale.

There are also blackcurrants, whitecurrants and a variety of other berry bushes, which produced an abundant harvest this year.

Gerddi Ffrancon includes individual allotment plots as well as a community growing area, which is managed collectively by the volunteers. Although the current volunteer group is small, this has created a close-knit and friendly atmosphere.

“There’s a small group of us, which is nice because we all know each other. But it would be lovely to have more people involved, because the point of the garden is to get the community involved in growing and sourcing food locally and organically, and to build a stronger community.”

Lizzy’s favourite parts of Gerddi Ffrancon:

For Lizzy, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is seeing Gerddi Ffrancon become an increasingly valuable habitat for wildlife.

The gardens were established around six years ago on land that had previously largely been grass. Since becoming involved, Lizzy has watched the site gradually develop and mature. 

“It’s changed so much and you can see it’s all coming together now. When I started, it was still very much getting going.”

The volunteers have also started some sessions with a local ecologist to identify the wildlife that can now be found at Gerddi Ffrancon. With more sessions planned, Lizzy is looking forward to learning more about the species making their home there and seeing the impact that the volunteers’ work has had on biodiversity.

“It’s nice to see how we’ve improved things while we’ve been there, especially because previously it was just grass.”

But volunteering isn’t all about digging, weeding and growing. Some of Lizzy’s favourite moments are the quieter, more sociable ones shared with the other volunteers.

“I most enjoy having a cup of tea with the other volunteers, discussing gardening and our similar interests. We usually work for an hour and then have a tea break and a chat. It’s very enjoyable on a nice sunny day.”

The social side of Gerddi Ffrancon is an important part of Lizzy’s experience. Working alongside people with similar interests provides an opportunity to share gardening knowledge and ideas while getting to know other members of the local community.

An outstanding memory:

One experience that particularly stands out for Lizzy was a group trip to Dinas Dinlle last year to collect seaweed for Gerddi Ffrancon.

As someone who loves walking along the coast, the trip combined several of Lizzy’s interests – gardening, nature and spending time by the sea. After collecting the seaweed, the group also stopped at a café together, turning the practical gardening job into an enjoyable day out.

The dried seaweed collected from the beach could then be put to good use back at Gerddi Ffrancon. Once the salt had been washed away, it could be used as a natural mulch*.

“You put it around the plants to protect the soil and stop water loss, and then it gradually feeds the plants too.”

*Mulching – covering the surface of the soil with materials such as seaweed, woodchip or compost – can help the gardens retain moisture while gradually adding nutrients back into the soil.

It is a trip the volunteers have talked about repeating in the future.

“It was a really nice day out, especially because I enjoy walking along the beach!”

Lizzy’s wishes for the future of Ffrancon Gardens:

Looking ahead, Lizzy would particularly like to see more people from the local area becoming involved in Gerddi Ffrancon.

While the small group of existing volunteers enjoys working together, having more people involved would help to share the work, introduce new ideas and make the gardens an even stronger community resource.

Lizzy also hopes Gerddi Ffrancon can continue developing relationships with local food producers and raise awareness of the good-quality food and resources that are already available locally.

One idea for next year is to hold a Harvest Festival in September, bringing local producers and members of the community together. Producers could give talks, share their knowledge and encourage more people to think about where their food comes from.

Ultimately, Lizzy hopes Gerddi Ffrancon can play its part in creating a stronger and more connected local community.

“I’d like to see more people joining in, growing local food and becoming involved. Hopefully we can build an even stronger community around it.”

Chance to support:

Gerddi Ffrancon is about much more than growing fruit and vegetables. It provides space for wildlife, gives people the opportunity to learn and share skills, and helps the community think differently about where food comes from and how it is produced.

For volunteers like Lizzy, it is also somewhere to meet people, exchange ideas and enjoy the simple pleasure of working outdoors together.

From planting field beans and harvesting berries to wildlife sessions, garlic days and trips to the beach to collect seaweed, there are plenty of different ways to get involved.

Above all, Lizzy would love to see more people from the local community discovering Gerddi Ffrancon for themselves – whether they are experienced gardeners or have never grown anything before.

“It would be lovely to have more people involved. The whole point is to get the community growing and sourcing food locally and organically, and building a stronger community.”

If Lizzy’s story has inspired you to get involved yourself, Gerddi Ffrancon would love to hear from you.

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Volunteer Profile: Rachel

Rachel Plaxton, Y Fron

Volunteering at Yr Orsaf

“I am very glad that GwyrddNi has spread across the whole of Gwynedd, with each group focusing on different things – in Nantlle, on food and growing organically, soil and biodiversity, and how this affects the community.” – Rachel Plaxton

Getting to Know Rachel:

Rachel is a very busy and talented individual, with countless interests, including volunteering at Yr Orsaf.

Rachel has a variety of interests and hobbies which are an important part of her life. She enjoys handicrafts and gardening, and meets once a month in Penygroes to take part in classes and listen to guest speakers. 

Rachel was also a member of a watercolor painting group, which she really enjoyed. She also enjoys going to Caeathro’s gardening club, where guest speakers share their knowledge and experiences. She has had many ideas from the club, including adding a Primula plant and Japanese inspired plants to her garden.

Rachel belongs to local Anglican churches that hold bilingual services. Although she doesn’t speak much Welsh, she enjoys hearing the language and appreciates how willing people are to help her understand. In the churches, Rachel also leads an inner-intervention prayer group in Llanwnda and Llandwrog. The group prays for the community, families and for world peace. 

Exercise is also part of Rachel’s life, and she enjoys Pilates classes. In addition to her many activities, she spends a lot of her time writing emails to friends and family. Keeping in touch with the people she has met and known throughout her life is very important to her.

Rachel’s Experience in Volunteering:

Rachel started volunteering when GwyrddNi and the Pantri Station was founded, when the old post office was transformed. She watched the work with great interest and was very pleased to see an opportunity to reduce all the food that goes to waste. 

“I am very grateful for Yr Orsaf and the people there. They do great work in the community, and I enjoy helping with the gardening at Yr Orsaf. I help every Wednesday.” – Rachel Plaxton

While volunteering at the Pantry and attending Clwb Piclo sessions, Rachel has made lifelong friends and filled her bag with plenty of leftovers many times! Sion, GwyrddNi’s Community Facilitator, has asked her for several delicious recipes for the Piclo sessions, as Rachel is very experienced in the kitchen! She has been making jams and chutneys since she left home, so Rachel shared some of her most interesting recipes with Sion. They made her rhubarb chutney, and it was a hit! Rachel has also attended kimchi and kombucha making sessions at the Pantri. 

Rachel also used to help in the wild garden in Penygroes, but now helps in the vegetable garden behind the Yr Orsaf building. She has a lot of experience in gardening and growing vegetables so she has a very positive effect on the garden.  

There is now a new greenhouse polytunnel, and Rachel recently planted a variety of seeds. They are growing very well and everything is progressing nicely, and Rachel makes sure they are watered thoroughly. 

Rachel said:

“It gets very warm in the tunnel! But it’s great – the seeds grow beautifully. I pull out the dandelions and weeds when I see them, and make sure everything is kept neat and healthy.

Sion is an inspiration and he does a great job. How fruitful the garden is is very encouraging. They also have a huge compost heap, which I add more weeds to.”

Rachel volunteers at Yr Orsaf garden every Wednesday, and is very grateful to Yr Orsaf and GwyrddNi for the work they do in the community, and enjoys being part of the work and helping in the garden.

What is Rachel proud to see as a volunteer?

Rachel is proud to see the rise in awareness about the importance of creating local produce, keeping the soil clean and looking after local biodiversity:

“Everything is very encouraging and I am very proud. I am proud to be able to make a contribution, and that has a ripple effect (domino effect) on the wider community – people realize how essential it is to grow food and take care of the soil. I am happy to contribute to the work of GwyrddNi and the local group in Nantlle.”

What are Rachel’s hopes for the future?

Locally, Rachel would like people to be much more aware of the need to reduce the amount of meat we eat and live in a more sustainable way. But, above all, this was Rachel’s main hope for a better future:

“I would like people to be more open and foster friendships and make friends without worrying about discrimination, be it in terms of age, language or race. By being more open to each other, we can create a better world, a stronger economy and more happiness for everyone.”

If you would like to meet Rachel, or want to try volunteering in Nantlle, head over to Yr Orsaf, Penygroes on Wednesday mornings to say hello and give it a go!

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Creativity in Bloom for the Benefit of Nature

Behind the scenes of Haf GwyrddNi, talented pupils, young people and local artists have been busy exploring nature and the climate emergency through creativity. Through music, drama, dance and film-making, younger generations have learned about the environment and shared their ideas in fun and inspiring ways. These projects demonstrate how creativity can help foster a deeper connection with nature and give young people the confidence to make a difference in their communities.

Ysgol Bro Llifon

The pupils of Ysgol Bro Llifon worked with Siôn from GwyrddNi and artist Gai Toms on a creative project focusing on local nature. As part of their learning journey, they visited the Groeslon allotments, where they received a warm welcome from Brian and Nerys, two local residents who shared their knowledge and experiences.

During the visit, the children learned about the importance of growing local vegetables, fruit and plants, and how natural spaces allow wildlife to thrive. Particular attention was given to the vital role of bees in the life cycle and the positive impact they have on food, flowers and biodiversity.

Inspired by what they had learned, the pupils worked with Gai Toms to create a song, rap and dance celebrating bees and flower pollen, as well as creating colourful costumes to bring their ideas to life. Their creativity went even further as they filmed a funny news programme, S4G, with memorable characters such as Bob ap Rhiwbob and Llifon ap Nionyn presenting the news in a fun and educational way.

The project came to an end with a special celebration at the school’s Summer Fair on 2 July, where families had the opportunity to see the children’s performances and enjoy the fruits of their work. The enthusiasm and pride was clear as the community celebrated everything the pupils had achieved.

Follow the link here to watch the news programme and their amazing song:

Ysgolion Creadigol 2026 – YouTube

Ysgol Gynradd Llanrug

The pupils of Ysgol Gynradd Llanrug worked with artist Liam Rickard on a creative project combining music, creativity and campaigning for change in their community. The aim of the project was to give the children a voice in calling on the local council to transfer a piece of unused green land near the school so that it could become part of the pupils’ playing field.

At present, the land is unused, and the children want to see more nature in their school environment rather than concrete surfaces. As the number of pupils increases, the need for more space to play and learn outdoors is becoming increasingly clear. The project was also an opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and show the children that their voices and opinions can influence decisions that affect their lives.

Under the guidance of Liam Rickard, the pupils composed a song and protest rap, learning how to use melody, rhythm and powerful vocabulary to express their feelings and build a clear message. Together, they created a three-verse rap and song reflecting their passion for seeing more green spaces at the school.

Their ideas went beyond music. The children created artwork, drawings and letters to the local councillor to support their campaign. The pupils’ enthusiasm was so strong that some continued the work at home, creating more drawings and messages to support the cause.

The project was displayed at the school’s Summer Fair on 2 July, and the pupils hoped to send their songs, drawings and letters to the local councillors. Their wish was that decision-makers would listen to the voices of the future and consider creating more green spaces for the benefit of present and future generations.

Since the project came to an end, the local councillor has allowed them to have part of the unused land so that it can be transformed into a green space for the pupils. This shows that the voice of the younger generation is powerful and can have a positive impact on climate action in our communities!

Follow the link to watch their protest song: Ysgolion Creadigol 2026 – YouTube

Ysgol Uwchradd Dyffryn Ogwen

At Ysgol Uwchradd Dyffryn Ogwen, 14 Year 8 pupils volunteered to take part in GwyrddNi’s summer project. The group was full of enthusiastic and forward-thinking young people, eager to use their creativity to inspire positive change for nature and the environment.

Working alongside musician Gai Toms, the pupils composed an original song and created their own proverb – “Hadau Heddiw, Dail Yfory / Today’s Seeds, Tomorrow’s Leaves” – expressing the idea that the actions we take today shape the world that future generations will inherit.

Their creativity went beyond music too. In collaboration with artist Steven Willis, the pupils designed a unique logo for the project, and the proverb was printed on white T-shirts, creating a powerful visual symbol of their message.

As part of the creative process, a group of pupils visited Coed Meurig to gather inspiration. While walking through the forest, they reflected on the contrast between the busyness and noise of the nearby town and the tranquillity of the natural world. These experiences were used to inform their ideas and creative work.

The project ended with an exhibition of the T-shirts and a performance of the song at Neuadd Ogwen, where residents of Bethesda had the opportunity to see and hear the young people’s message. The event was a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the power of young people’s voices in raising awareness about caring for our environment.

Watch some of the pupils’ rap on YouTube using the link below, and keep an eye out for original poems coming soon:

Ysgolion Creadigol 2026 – YouTube

GISDA and Cyfle

A group of young adults from GISDA and Cyfle worked with artist and musician Liam Rickard on a project combining creativity, nature and community. The group came from different areas across Gwynedd, with each individual bringing their own unique talents and skills to the project. Through collaboration, they succeeded in creating something truly special, carrying a powerful message – “Everything – people and nature – is connected.”

Using the path between Plas Glyn-y-Weddw and the amphitheatre as their canvas, the group have been creating a series of natural art installations for visitors to enjoy. Natural and reused materials were used, including willow, moss, stones and recycled materials, to create work that blends naturally into the landscape and encourages people to look more closely at the world around them.

One of the highlights of the project is a moving poem written by one of the participants, Hayley, reflecting on the impact of losing trees during Storm Darragh. The intention is to create a wooden bench using old trees that were destroyed during the storm, with the poem displayed on a canvas on the back of the bench. The striking bench and poem transform loss into a lasting symbol of hope, recovery and connection with nature.

Looking to the future, the group are also keen to create an insect sanctuary along the path, contributing to the area’s biodiversity and creating a green legacy that will benefit wildlife and the community for years to come.

GwyrddNi’s Creative Schools project is a wonderful example of what is possible when creativity, collaboration and care for nature come together. It shows that everyone, regardless of their background or age, has the ability to make a positive difference to the environment and the communities we share. A huge thank you to all the partners, schools and local artists for supporting and collaborating on such an important and moving project.

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Celebrating Flavour, Community and New Connections at Llŷn Food Festival

“One of the most encouraging things was seeing Pwllheli full of life. The town was buzzing with people throughout the day, with the festival attracting visitors from across the area and beyond. It was clear that the event not only supported the stallholders, but also brought wider benefits to local businesses and showcased Pwllheli at its very best.”

-Jane Watkinson, Llyn Food Festival Chairperson.

This year saw a truly special celebration in Pen Llŷn as the very first Food Festival opened its doors, welcoming thousands of visitors to enjoy a day filled with flavour, fun and community spirit. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, creativity and local produce of the area, and it was a privilege for GwyrddNi to be part of such a memorable occasion.

With the sun shining, the delicious aroma of food filling the air and the festival site full of life, laughter and happy conversations, there was a truly special atmosphere throughout the day. Visitors were welcomed to the GwyrddNi stall, creating the perfect opportunity to share more about our work, discuss community ideas and build new connections with people who share the same passion for a sustainable and thriving future for Pen Llŷn.

The GwyrddNi stall became a warm and welcoming hub at the heart of the festival, with delicious coffee and cakes attracting people over for a chat and a chance to relax. Dafydd, Pen Llŷn Facilitator, was on hand to share more about GwyrddNi’s work, while also welcoming Martyn Croydon from Hwb Cymraeg Dwyfor to co-host a special Paned i’r Blaned session. It was also wonderful to have Seimon with us, showcasing his digital map of local Llŷn produce – a fantastic resource highlighting the many wonderful things the area has to offer.

With colourful banners, eye-catching decorations and a variety of engaging activities available, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The stall became a perfect place to stop, have a conversation, discover something new and share ideas about how we can continue to support and strengthen our local community.

‘Paned i’r Blaned’ – Conversations Over Coffee and Cake

One of the highlights of the day was the hugely successful Paned i’r Blaned session. With everyone enjoying a warm drink and a fresh slice of cake, it provided the perfect opportunity to discuss topics that connected beautifully with the festival’s theme – food, local produce and the Welsh language.

The conversations were full of energy and enthusiasm, with people sharing their favourite local dishes, much-loved treats and their experiences of the wide variety of food available throughout the festival. Alongside the enjoyable discussions, attendees also learnt new and useful Welsh words such as “byrbryd” (snack) and “bwydlen” (menu), adding a fun and educational element to the session.

It was especially wonderful to see a number of Welsh learners taking part, giving them the opportunity to practise their skills, build confidence and enjoy chatting with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. Paned i’r Blaned creates a warm and welcoming space where people can come together to discuss important topics, share experiences and use the Welsh language naturally in everyday conversations.

It was also wonderful to see some previous attendees of the sessions finding the GwyrddNi stall on the festival site and joining in once again – a lovely reflection of the connections being built and the community that continues to grow around these sessions.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us, shared a conversation and helped make the day such a special occasion. Llŷn Food Festival was a wonderful celebration of everything that makes the area so unique – its people, food, culture and community.

Small Promises Creating Big Changes:

Alongside all the conversations and activities taking place at the stall, we also hosted a special ‘Promise to Pen Llŷn’ activity, giving visitors the opportunity to think creatively about how we can all contribute towards a more sustainable, cleaner and eco-friendly future for the area.

It was a fun and inclusive activity for everyone – from children and families to Welsh learners and local residents – inviting people to make one small but meaningful promise for Pen Llŷn. It was wonderful to see so many people sharing their ideas, hopes and commitment to caring for this very special place.

A wide range of inspiring promises were made, showing the strong desire within the community to protect Pen Llŷn’s natural beauty and help create a greener future for all. Each promise reflected the care and love people have for the area they call home – or the place they have come to visit and enjoy.

It was especially lovely to see visitors who were on holiday taking part too. Although they may not live locally, they had been captivated by Pen Llŷn’s beauty, its unique landscapes, and the warm welcome and strong sense of community that can be felt throughout the area. Their willingness to make a promise showed that the love and appreciation for Pen Llŷn reaches far beyond its boundaries.

New Connections, Shared Visions and a Growing Community: 

It was a truly special feeling and a privilege to meet and engage with so many new people throughout the day. Seeing individuals from all walks of life visit our stall, share their ideas and show the same passion and vision for the future of Pen Llŷn was incredibly inspiring.

Conversations with new people always bring fresh perspectives and valuable ideas. Listening to different experiences, opinions and suggestions reminded us of the strength of community and the fact that everyone brings something unique to the table. These connections help us continue to develop GwyrddNi in a way that reflects the needs, hopes and ideas of the community.

By listening, collaborating and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute, we can ensure that our work continues to be meaningful, relevant and inclusive for everyone in Pen Llŷn.

We look forward to welcoming all the new faces we connected with during the festival to our future events and continuing to grow the GwyrddNi community together.

Take a look at some of the inspiring promises shared by members of the Pen Llŷn community! 

• I’m going to buy more locally and avoid the supermarket.

• I promise to save water by not letting the tap run, only boiling enough water for tea and saving rain water.

• Grow more trees, and eat locally!

• I promise to pick up litter when going for walks.

• I promise to support green transport.

• I promise to recycle correctly and use less plastic.

“It was wonderful to see people of all ages taking part and enjoying the day together. From young families to older residents, there was something for everyone, and the beautiful sunshine added to the special atmosphere. Seeing the whole community come together to enjoy local food, entertainment and great company truly captured what Llŷn Food Festival is all about.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the volunteers, performers, sponsors, partners, stallholders and everyone who attended the event. Without their support and commitment, the festival would not have been possible. We are already looking forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming everyone back next year.” 

-Jane Watkinson, Llyn Food Festival Chairperson.

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GwyrddNi and the Welsh Language

A Journey Through Language, Land and Belonging

Through literature and song, join GwyrddNi and the Welsh language on a journey uncovering the relationship between language and land.

Featuring Gwyneth Glyn, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, and Steve Eaves across 5 areas.

This is a series of 5 sessions full of engaging discussions, Welsh music, and passionate talks. It is an opportunity to join GwyrddNi and Menter Iaith Gwynedd as we explore more deeply the relationship between our language and our land. These evenings offer a chance to enjoy meaningful conversations, music, and engagement with the local area and language.

See more information about your area below:

Gwyneth Glyn, Dyffryn Ogwen, 12/06/2026
Where? Bethesda Cricket Club, Dyffryn Ogwen.
When? 7pm – 10pm.

Do you love music, the Welsh language, and your local area? Then this is the evening for you!

A fantastic opportunity to listen to the enchanting music of Gwyneth Glyn and take part in engaging discussions about the Welsh language and the connection between language and land. Refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the evening.

To secure a place, click the link below and book a ticket on Eventbrite:  Gwyneth Glyn Tickets, Dyffryn Ogwen

Steve Eaves, Pen Llŷn, 27/06/2026
Where? Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pen Llŷn.
When? 10am

Do you enjoy deep discussions, speaking Welsh, and feel passionate about your local area? Then this is the morning for you!

A great opportunity to listen to Steve Eaves’ seminar and take part in engaging discussions about the Welsh language and the connection between language and land. Refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the morning.

To secure a place, click the link below and book a ticket on Eventbrite:  Steve Eaves Tickets, Pen Llŷn

Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Blaenau Ffestiniog, 02/07/2026
Where? Caffi Antur, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bro Ffestiniog
When? 7pm – 10pm.

Do you enjoy Welsh music, using the Welsh language, and want to connect with your local area? Then this is the evening for you!

A fantastic opportunity to listen to the music of Gwilym Bowen Rhys and take part in engaging discussions about the Welsh language and the connection between language and land. Refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the evening.

To secure a place, click the link below and book a ticket on Eventbrite: Gwilym Bowen Rhys Tickets, Bro Ffestiniog

Gwyneth Glyn, Dyffryn Peris, 17/09/2026
Where? Pizza a Peint, Llanberis, Dyffryn Peris.
When? 7pm – 10pm.

Do you enjoy deep discussions, speaking Welsh, and feel passionate about your local area? Then this is the evening for you!

A great opportunity to listen to Steve Eaves’ seminar and take part in engaging discussions about the Welsh language and the connection between language and land. Refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the evening.

To secure a place, click the link below and book a ticket on Eventbrite: Gwyneth Glyn Tickets, Dyffryn Peris

Steve Eaves, Dyffryn Nantlle, 09/10/2026
Where? Yr Orsaf, Penygroes, Dyffryn Nantlle.
When? 7pm – 10pm.

Do you enjoy deep discussions, speaking Welsh, and feel passionate about the prosperity of your local area? Then this is the evening for you!

A great opportunity to listen to Steve Eaves’ seminar and take part in engaging discussions about the Welsh language and the connection between language and land. Refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the evening.

To secure a place, click the link below and book a ticket on Eventbrite: Tocynnau Steve Eaves, Dyffryn Nantlle

Working in partnership with Menter Iaith Gwynedd. 

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GwyrddNi supports zero-emission cars in your communities.

Our clubs offer a new form of accessible and affordable transport that is good for the environment, and brings communities together.”

— Tom Simone, Lead Community Officer TrydaNi

Are you ready to recharge the way you travel?

TrydaNi offers a modern, green, and exceptionally convenient way to travel without polluting the environment or emptying your wallet. As one of Wales’ most exciting initiatives, with partnerships across Europe, TrydaNi provides electric car services for communities throughout Wales — including our own communities in Gwynedd! This is your opportunity to join a greener, cheaper, and more comfortable way of travelling.

As part of the Ogwen Valley Climate Action Plan, one of GwyrddNi’s important actions was to secure green transport within communities, encouraging less use of private cars and creating opportunities to use community vehicles. Working together with TrydaNi enables us to put this action into practice and provide public and active transport that is easy to use while reducing carbon emissions. Joining TrydaNi is a great opportunity to continue developing GwyrddNi’s local initiatives and an excellent way to help ensure a clean and sustainable future in your communities.

As a small team of passionate workers, TrydaNi continues to grow across Wales, and the number of people joining is increasing significantly. Will you join your local hubs?

Local Hubs

Bethesda

“The Bethesda car club now has 85 members. In April, a total of 5,110 km was driven using the two cars.”

There are 2 comfortable electric cars available to residents of the Bethesda area. The cars are powered at Bethesda Community Library and are available to everyone — you don’t need to have driven an electric car before!

Penygroes

The first electric car in Penygroes is on the way! The car will be powered at Yr Orsaf in the centre of Penygroes, so everyone will have access to it.

We are encouraging local members to join now!

A launch night for the car will be held soon, so keep an eye out for the date and come along to see it.

Innovative initiative across Wales

TrydaNi enables thousands of people across Wales to travel in an accessible and green way, and recently they reached a milestone in Aberystwyth of over 100 active users.

“It’s an amazing service that I use when I’m working away – I claim mileage back from work as if it were my own car! We’ve gone from having two cars last year to just one family car now, using the community electric car when needed. It has also reduced stress for me and saved money!”

 – Al Cowlishaw.

Excellent service and unwavering support

Are you nervous about driving an electric car for the first time? Don’t be! The TrydaNi team is here to put your mind at ease.

The TrydaNi service offers friendly, attentive familiarisation sessions for members who are new to driving electric cars — you’ll be confident driving an electric vehicle in no time!

TrydaNi also has a support helpline available to assist drivers across Wales, whether there’s a technical issue or you just want some peace of mind. TrydaNi doesn’t just care for the community — it cares for people too.

Easy, Effective and Manageable

The voice of TrydaNi users

Megan Meeke – Bethesda

“I have no trouble getting wherever I need to go. For example, I’m currently supporting someone in Dolgellau, which is about 50 miles away. I can go there and back, drop off the car, and there’s still 50% charge left in it!”

Hannah Mefin – Bethesda

“There are many personal benefits to driving an electric car. Not only is it great for the environment, but it’s also nice to drive a car without having to think about maintenance. It feels so good to drive a clean and comfortable car. I’ve been able to get rid of my second car and save money by using this community car instead.”

Angharad

Click to listen to Angharad’s experience using TrydaNi cars:

Affordable and Reliable

With the cost-of-living crisis putting even more pressure on households, using TrydaNi electric cars can be one less financial burden for you. For just £2 per hour and 16p per mile, you can drive comfortably and sustainably without breaking the bank.

Community Champions

Be part of the solution: become a Community Champion!

TrydaNi is not just a car hire service, but a movement that gives ownership back to the community. Through the Community Champions scheme, you can play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of your local club and earn driving credits worth up to £25 per task.

We are looking for active members who have been with TrydaNi for over a month to help with tasks such as keeping the cars clean, carrying out monthly checks, and recruiting new members. It’s a perfect way to be rewarded for caring for your area and helping others switch to electric transport.

We are already working with around three Champions in each area, and now is your chance to join them!

Bright and Pollution-free Future

Be part of TrydaNi as it builds on its existing successes and continues to grow in the years ahead — improving your life directly and the environment, one car at a time.

TrydaNi hopes to expand and provide more cars across Wales, including in rural communities. They are working hard to develop access to clean transport and are encouraging you, local residents, to join and use these accessible cars.

Join the TrydaNi initiative. Drive a clean car. Reduce your local pollution.

Go For It!

Join, Book, Drive!

Follow the link beolw to join TrydaNi and for more information:

Gwefan TrydaNi
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Brief – Increasing the use of Map Ogwen

We are looking for an individual or a company to organise and hold workshops and events to increase awareness and use of Map Ogwen.

We are looking for people to organise a series of workshops and attendance at events to present Map Ogwen to residents of the Dyffryn Ogwen area. The successful applicant will be expected to connect with a variety of groups over a period of up to 6 months.

What is Map Ogwen?

An interactive map that enables users to map what is important to them in Dyffryn Ogwen.

It can be used to map a variety of things from trees, to businesses, to significant artistic spaces. The website can be adapted to the needs of the community, mapping what is important to local people. Anyone can create an account and add to the map, and you can access it through the link below.

https://communitymaps.org.uk/project/map-ogwen/contribution/82525?center=53.1769:-4.0746:12&tab=1

The Terms

The work must be completed between 01.07.2026 and 31.01.2026. You can only complete the work during this period only.

A budget of up to £3,500 is available, and we are asking that you outline your costs in your application.

We expect you to hold at least 10 workshops or events presenting the Ogwen Map.

We will expect you to report on how many people, and which groups you have engaged with.

How to apply

Send an application letter alongside a rough outline of your costs, how you will carry out the work, and a short profile of those who will undertake the work to chris@ogwen.org by 28.05.2026 12:00pm (Noon).  In your application, you should also mention your work or related experience. A panel will score the applications before holding interviews on the week commencing 08.06.2026.

About GwyrddNi

Want to know more about GwyrddNi and Partneriaeth Ogwen before applying? You can read everything about them on the links below.

GwyrddN: About us (https://www.gwyrddni.cymru/en/about-gwyrddni/)

Partneriaeth Ogwen: About us (https://www.partneriaethogwen.cymru/en/about-us/)

GwyrddNi Dyffryn Ogwen: YouTube (https://youtu.be/YUIa59rMWi8?si=JukSu3TCfbkr4BzS)

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Young People, LotoBot, and Blaenau: Inspiring activities in the heart of Eryri

Ysgolion Creadigol GwyrddNi have been supporting young people in Blaenau Ffestiniog to communicate creatively about climate change. After loads of exciting work, round one of the project has come to an end, and one thing in particular has appeared from the project.

Ysgolion Creadigol offers an opportunity for young people to work on creative projects about climate change. Young people over the 5 areas of GwyrddnNi all do things a little differently, but it was in Blaenau Ffestiniog that LotoBot appeared! Don’t worry if the word LotoBot doesn’t mean anything to you, Agi from Ysgol y Moelwyn explains:

“Lotobot is our representative for climate change in Bro Ffestiniog. They were designed by us to represent everything in our local area, which is why Lotobot looks the way they do.”

To bring the process of creating LotoBot to life a film was created and you can watch it here.

The length of the video is 3 minutes 30 seconds and there are English subtitles available.

The process of participating in the Ysgolion Creadigol GwyrddNi project has been important for young people at Ysgol y Moelwyn who do not feel like they are being heard on climate change issues. Gethin, a pupil at the School, said why he sees it as important to act “It is important to act on climate change because it is a huge problem and people need to be able to do something to help by doing the little things.“

This project has inspired the staff of GwyrddNi and Ysgol y Moelwyn, who have had the opportunity to let young people run wild with their ideas. Edward Roberts, Geography teacher at Ysgol y Moelwyn said “We are extremely grateful to GwyrddNi for working together with the school. The project with Buddug Roberts has been extremely beneficial for the children who have taken part as they have created special relationships with each other and have worked closely together under her guidance to create a creative way of getting their message about climate change and the environment out to the local community“.

Nina Bentley, GwyrddNi community facilitator also said “It has been a joy and an education to be part of this developing work! Lotobot has become an excellent container for children’s voices when thinking about their area and their own influence. They want to see a greener place, with more trees, plants and animals and more FUN! They have a keen sense of social justice and nature and we can all learn and design around that.“

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This work would not have been possible without the incredible support of Buddug Roberts, an expert in Creative Writing and Theater Practice and Mari Gwent, an artist who specializes in 3D designs. Reflecting on working with young people in Blaenau, Buddug said “LotoBot is a multi-layered creature on a tangible and abstract level. Creating LotoBot with the young people was a special process of watching it all, their feelings, concerns and hopes coming together to shape this funny and serious character.“

The work will continue this year so stay tuned for Lotobot’s next adventures! In the meantime, have you been inspired to take action? GwyrddNi has several different ways for you to get involved.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive news and opportunities across Gwynedd: http://eepurl.com/h21srj

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You can also follow the amazing work of our partners at Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog on their instagram –https://www.instagram.com/brocast_ffestiniog