Category: Dyffryn Nantlle projects

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Generating Clean Energy for the community

The GwyrddNi movement is rooted in empowering communities across Gwynedd to take meaningful, local action against climate change. Central to this vision is the drive toward community-owned renewable energy projects and improved energy efficiency. The goal is to build stronger community resilience while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy was one of the key themes identified across all five areas of the GwyrddNi Community Climate Action Plans. Through the Community Assemblies held between 2022 and 2023, local residents developed shared visions for a healthier, fairer, and greener future, which consistently highlighted the need for local control over energy resources.

What the Communities Want

Residents involved in the Assemblies were clear that energy projects should reduce the community’s dependence on oil and gas, offer protection from sudden price spikes, and ensure that financial benefits are reinvested locally.

Specific energy ideas that emerged from the community-led Action Plans include:

• Dyffryn Ogwen residents aimed for an “Off Grid Community Energy” system, aspiring to be a self-sufficient valley meeting its own energy needs, potentially through a micro-grid. This idea is inspired by existing community projects like the Ynni Ogwen Cyf hydro scheme, a 100KW scheme owned by the community.

• Dyffryn Nantlle prioritised Community Energy, planning research to map resources and potential generation sites to develop renewable energy for local use and benefit. This work must be linked directly to projects focused on reducing energy consumption in homes.

• In Bro Ffestiniog, participants emphasized the need to understand existing efforts, such as the work surrounding the Llechwedd Hydro scheme, and wished to map out all current renewable energy across the area.

• Dyffryn Peris committed to researching the feasibility of developing various sources, including a hydro turbine on a suitable river, urban/rural solar farms, and small wind turbines, noting the importance of connecting with local energy research groups like Ynni Padarn Peris.

• Pen Llŷn sought to establish a Community Energy Agency/Information Hub in cooperation with local partner Ynni Llŷn, which would support and promote local home energy efficiency and green energy production.

Current Project: Ynni Lleu

Ynni Lleu has been re-established as a community benefit company, with 10 new members (including 7 new directors) joining to take over and lead the group. Siôn, Dyffryn Nantlle’s Community Facilitator, joined the board and took on the role of Secretary to help the group move forward.

Ynni Lleu is currently undertaking the installation of a large-scale solar and battery scheme located on the roof of the old paper factory at the Penygroes industrial estate, with funding from Ynni Cymru, and support from DEG and Cyd Ynni.

The project involves installing 311 kW of solar panels, a battery with storage capacity of 307 kWh, with an expected annual output of renewable electricity is 311,000 kWh.

The panels should provide over 60% of the annual electricity requirements for the tenants on the site, which include Adra, Tŷ Gwyrddfai, Travis Perkins, and Pero, and generate an estimated income of £25,000 annually for Ynni Lleu to reinvest into community projects.

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Ysgolion Creadigol (Creative Schools)

The Ysgolion Creadigol (Creative Schools) GwyrddNi project is supporting young people to communicate creatively about climate change.

The idea: To connect schools with local artists and creative practitioners to create a project that conveys pupils’ messages about climate change. The pupils interview and choose the creative practitioner themselves, and the output depends on the ideas they come up with together.

This means that anything can happen! So far, we’ve had songs, performances, books, poems, articles, artwork, a parade, and more.

The story so far…

Dyffryn Ogwen

At Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, year 7 and 8 pupils decided they wanted to make a big “splash” by taking their message to the Bethesda Carnival – performing short plays and creating an impressive float to display as part of parade. The pupils got busy decorating their lanterns and banners with Manon Prysor.

We got to see a giant fish pull of plastic, as well as Spongebob and Patrick complaining about the state of their home! The young people also wrote and performed short plays under the guidance of the actress Angharad Llwyd.

Dyffryn Nantlle

The pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle chose to work with musician and writer Gai Toms, and they’ve created a book and three original songs as a result.

You might be familair with Manon Steffan Ros’s award-winning novel, Llyfr Glas Nebo (the Blue Book of Nebo). As an antidote to the book’s dystopian message, the pupils decided they wanted to create Llyfr Gwyrdd Nantlle (the Green Book of Nantlle): a collection of art, poetry and positive visions for the future of the Dyffryn (valley).

The pupils also wrote and recorded three original songs: Cwm y Cerrig, Y Llithr a’r Llethr and Pigavo.

Read the full story, listen to the songs and see the digital version of Llyfr Gwyrdd Nantlle here.

Dyffryn Peris

At Ysgol Dolbadarn, the children chose to work with local artist Katie Ellidge. From creating scrapbooks and weaving artwork out of rubbish, the children also had the opportunity to learn about important topics such as waste, rare species and sustainable travel.

Another local artist, Femke van Gent, then came in to create a piece of visual art capturing the children’s visions of a bright future for the Dyffryn.

As you can see from the pictures – the children dream of a green, clean world, where people travel on bikes and pick up their rubbish!

Bro Ffestiniog

At Ysgol y Moelwyn, a group of pupils from years 7 and 8 chose to work with Buddug Roberts. After spending some time getting to know each other and their local area, the pupils started to think about what messages they would like to share.

The pupils have created ‘Lotobot’ : a creature that will to keep and share their climate messages with the community during Gŵyl y Glaw in Blaenau Ffestiniog this September.

What next?

The Ysgolion Creadigol GwyrddNi project will continue… come back later to see what our young people have imagined into being!

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Promoting Local Produce

Our communities recognise the importance of growing local food to reduce food miles, support the local economy, and increase self-sufficiency.

Many people who attended our Climate Assemblies said they wanted to create places and systems to share and distribute locally grown food, e.g. markets, pantries, and directories.

Local markets have already started in Dyffryn Nantlle and Bro Ffestiniog.

Dyffryn Nantlle

Marchnad Lleu, a monthly community market, arose from a desire to empower local residents who were trying to grow, create and share their goods with the community. With a focus on promoting local food and crafts, the market provides a welcoming space for producers and artists to showcase their offerings.

The core team behind Market Lleu had already met through the Extinction Rebellion (XR) group in Dyffryn Nantlle. They were later reunited at GwyrddNi’s Community Assemblies on the Climate. Marchnad Lleu emerged as a response to the need and desire for sustainable alternatives and community engagement.

We collaborate with Marchnad Lleu where we can, e.g. by organising a seed swap event. The Marchnad is a great place to buy organic, local produce: 3rd Saturday of the month in Neuadd Goffa, Penygroes – 10am-1.30pm.

Visit the website for more information: https://marchnadlleu.co.uk or join the Facebook group to make sure you get the latest news.

A blog about Marchnad Lleu: https://www.gwyrddni.cymru/en/marchnad-lleu/

Bro Ffestiniog

The Cymraeg Market, Tre’ Cocos, Penrhyndeudraeth runs monthly from the Penrhyndeudraeth Memorial Hall, with local food and craft stalls (photo: Wil with produce from Maes-y-Plas Gardens, Blaenau Ffestiniog).

You can book a table and get more information by emailing: marchnadtrecosos@gmail.com

Are you interested in promoting local produce in Pen Llŷn, Dyffryn Ogwen or Dyffryn Peris? Fill in this form or get in touch to see how GwyrddNi could support your idea.

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Paned i’r Blaned

A space to talk about climate change and to practice Welsh!

The idea of Paned i’r Blaned (a cuppa for the planet) is inspired by things like Climate Cafes; People, Planet, Pint; and Paned a Sgwrs– opportunities for people to discuss climate issues in an informal, community-led setting. With more and more people concerned about climate change, sessions like this are becoming increasingly popular across the world.

The intention of Paned i’r Blaned is to give people a space to come together to discuss environmental issues through the medium of Welsh. Everyone will have the opportunity to propose topics for discussion, which will change every session: from nature and biodiversity to growing food, from energy to transport.

Learners who can speak some conversational Welsh are welcome (or beginners can come and listen!), and we encourage fluent Welsh speakers to come along and give them support!

Vocabulary based on the topic of the month will be on hand to help you, and of course you can ask for an explanation or translation. Menter Iaith have been supporting us to make sure that the sessions flow smoothly and are accessible.

The first Paned i’r Blaned session was held on the 25th of January at Canolfan Cefnfaes, Bethesda, and the other areas have since arranged their first session. Check our Events page to find the latest sessions.

Look out for Paned i’r Blaned in your area – or get in touch if you want to start one!

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Gardens and Food Growing

It was clear from our Community Assemblies on the Climate that people in all five areas are passionate about being able to grow their own food, which is an essential part of reducing our carbon footprint and creating resilient and healthy communities.

GwyrddNi has been supporting some existing growing projects and has helped start new ones. Get in touch if you want to start something in your area!

Bro Ffestiniog:

Gerddi Maes-y-Plas

A gardening group meets between 11am-1pm on Thursdays in Blaenau Ffestiniog – at Gerddi Maes-y-Plas (gardens) or a new community plot nearby.

Join the Bwyd Lleol Bro Ffestiniogon WhatsApp group for details of where/when to meet, or even just to keep an eye out for progress and produce. Contact ffestiniog@gwyrddni.cymru.

Gerddi Maes-y-Plas in Blaenau Ffestiniog is a market garden projects from Y Dref Werdd – here is a clip of the gardens on S4C (on Facebook). GwyrddNi has been collaborating with Maes Y Plas, with volunteers and to promote and expand the work.

Follow Gerddi Maes-y-Plas on Facebook.

GwyrddNi has also been collaborating with Gerddi Maes-y-Plas on another, nearby community site. Last year the site brought an idea from the Action Plans into reality and produced more than 1000 tatws (potatoes) locally. This year, the focus will shift to growing fruit shrubs and trees.

Prosiect Tyfu Tatws distributed 25 boxes with everything you could need to grow your own potatoes to all sorts of different gardens in Manod. This project is now on offer to any community Bwyd Lleol group in Bro Ffestiniog – so get in touch if you want to deliver Tatws i Bawb in your area.

Contact ffestiniog@gwyrddni.cymru to be part of this!

Dyffryn Nantlle:

Yr Orsaf’s Food and Wellbeing project is developing three main elements – a community allotment near to the leisure centre; Penygroes Wildlife Garden (Yr Ardd Wyllt), to create a community garden for local people and increase bio-diversity at the same time; and a Community Pantry, using food from the local Co-op, and food from other supermarkets, the ACT Foundation and FareShare. Contact esyllt.yrorsaf@gmail.com for more information.

Gardening Gatherings take place at Yr Ardd Wyllt, Penygroes every Wednesday from 10am-12pm.

Gardd Nant, Talysarn

Gardd Nant, Talysarn was started by Cyfeillion (Friends of) Talysarn a Nantlle with support from GwyrddNi. Over the past year, they have collaborated with local schools, had a visit from a group from Alabama (which was on S4C!) and have been organising other community events such as litter picking.

Volunteering days are organised regularly. Contact them at garddnant@yahoo.com or look for updates in the Facebook page for Cyfeillion Talysarn a Nantlle.

Dyffryn Ogwen

Gerddi Ffrancon (next to the Leisure Center in Bethesda) is a community garden by Dyffryn Gwyrdd (Partneriaeth Ogwen). Volunteers meet 3-4 times a week to grow food, with the hope of sharing the food with the community. The crew created jam over the winter with the fruit grown over the summer last year.

Contact chris@ogwen.org to get involved with the garden.

GwyrddNi also supports volunteers to garden with the pupils at Ysgol Abercaseg.

Pen Llŷn

In the Pen Llŷn Community Action Plan, there are plans to establish allotments to grow food locally, to collaborate with schools, to create a network of local producers and to promote local food in order to reduce food miles, improve health, strengthen collaboration, and boost the local economy.

Do you have an idea about how we can start achieving this, or do you want to be part of bringing this vision to life? If so, contact llyn@gwyrddni.cymru or fill in this form!

Dyffryn Peris

The Dyffryn Peris Community Assembly wished to:

  • Create a community food map
  • Find enclosed spaces for a garden/allotment
  • Share food and information
  • Create a space to share seeds, conversations, tools and company
  • Create micro community gardens and allotments for people to grow their own food
  • Create a group that is interested in working on the above.

Do you have an idea about how to start achieving this, or do you want to be part of bringing this vision to life? If so, contact peris@gwyrddni.cymru or fill in this form!

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Repair Cafés

A repair café is a free community event where people can fix broken items with the help of volunteers. Repair cafés are part of a grassroots movement to reduce waste and encourage people to repair items instead of buying new ones.

Dyffryn Peris:

TECSTILIAU host a Repair Café on the second Sunday of every month in Y Bedol, Bethel from 1-3pm – details on their Facebook page. GwyrddNi originally supported the group to set it up, and we support the café from time to time. Repair cafés have also been held in Llanrug, with the hope of doing more in the future.

A video of Bethel Repair Café on Prynhawn Da, S4C: https://www.facebook.com/PrynhawnDaS4C/videos/1404428036813961

Bro Ffestiniog:

In Bro Ffestiniog, the Sharing and Fixing Stuff group (Rhannu Stwff a Thrwsio) emerged from the Community Assemblies – you can join the WhatsApp group here! One intention is to collaborate with the maker space on the high street of Blaenau Ffestiniog where FFIWS and the Library of Things aim to host repair cafés.

At the moment, FFIWS volunteers are happy to try and fix your items and you can volunteer with them: https://www.drefwerdd.cymru/en/repair-cafe-ffiws

Dyffryn Nantlle

A Repair Café is held in Yr Orsaf, Penygroes once a month, usually on a Saturday. Follow Yr Orsaf on Facebook, follow their newsletter or contact cylchol.yrosaf@gmail.com for details.

See EVERY Repair Café in Wales on the calendar at: Repair Café Wales.

What do people fix at repair cafés?

Electronics, mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing, and sentimental items.

What are the benefits of repair cafés?

Saving money: You can repair your items instead of buying new ones

Reducing waste: You can avoid throwing away broken items, which may go to landfill

Reducing carbon emissions: You save resources and save energy by not having new things made for you

Strengthening social cohesion: Come together with the community to learn new skills and share knowledge

How do repair cafés work?

You bring along your items to the space where the café is happening. Volunteers repair your items – if possible! Sometimes, it will be necessary to go elsewhere, and they will advise you on where.

You can learn how to fix your items so you can do it yourself at home. There’s a cup of tea and cake available while you wait, and there’s a donation box if you’d like to contribute towards the running costs of the repair café after you’ve got your item back.

The idea of ​​”repair cafés” started in the Netherlands in 2009, although the idea of ​​fixing things of course goes back much, much further!

It is part of the wider idea of ​​creating a circular economy, where things are repaired and recycled (or up-cycled) instead of being thrown away. Also, instead of each person needing to have a sewing machine or a set of repair tools, the idea is that communities share items to reduce overproduction (and the need for storage space).

More:

The Global Repair Cafe movement

Repair Cafe Wales

What is the Circular Economy? (3 minute video)

About the Right to Repair Movement

Want to volunteer at a repair cafe or start one in your area? The best thing to do is contact https://repaircafewales.org/ – but you’re also welcome to get in touch with us about support in setting it up!

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Education Offer

During the first two years of the GwyrddNi movement, hundreds of children and young people from GwyrddNi’s areas contributed their ideas to Community Climate Action Plans in each area. The children’s aspirations and ideas had a considerable influence on the action plans, with several areas of action developing directly from their input.

Not only was it good for the children to be part of the process, their participation was key. Thanks to them for their enthusiastic contributions!

Read more here or watch the video:

Now, children have the opportunity to act on their ideas!

We have been offering smooth-flowing, interactive education sessions for primary school children in order to raise awareness of climate change and what causes it. At the end of each session the children contribute to developing action ideas in their communities – and then have the chance to act on these ideas themselves, including visits and further learning experiences. Here’s the offer:

  • An interactive Climate Session (in two parts) which creates opportunities to understand climate change and the impact it has, discuss feelings about climate change, understand what we can do about it, and start planning actions to address the climate challenge.
  • Visits to local climate solutions (and beyond!).
  • Opportunities for the children to develop their community ideas and implement them. This can be a ‘one-off’ action or a more long-term and comprehensive project. This (within reason!) is up to the children and we will be there to support them.

The aim is to enable the children to work together with others in their community to take action and to understand how their actions contribute to responding to climate change. The hope is that making connections with others in their community and setting out to do something to tackle the climate challenge will also help to alleviate climate anxiety.

The early signs are promising: the number of children who said they would be very confident explaining to someone else what climate change is jumped from 17% before our sessions to 84% after our sessions.

The children’s enthusiasm has been evident during our sessions, especially as they set out to gather ideas and decide how they would like to respond to the implementation areas of their area’s climate action plan.

Here’s a taste of what’s been happening and what’s coming up:

Dyffryn Ogwen

  • Visits to the Ynni Ogwen community hydro scheme.
  • Collaborating with partners and volunteers to develop school gardens.
  • Investigating travel patterns to school and identifying and responding to travel challenges there in a more ‘active’ manner. 

Dyffryn Peris

  • Taking part in the Stori’r Tir project – a project for the residents of the valley to rediscover and re-own the history of their land.
  • Growing food with Tyddyn Teg Farm and planting orchards with the Llanddeiniolen Nature Project.
  • Tackling the Himalayan Balsalm in Llanberis with Cymdeithas Eryri.

Bro Ffestiniog

  • Collecting and redistributing the school uniforms of all the schools in the area.
  • Developing a biodiversity corridors scheme on the school grounds extending out into the town and valley below.

Pen Llŷn

  • Visiting the Seagrass project – and making T-shirts advertising the importance of restoring Seaweed.
  • Early collaboration on the bike share scheme.

Dyffryn Nantlle

While things have started to gain momentum with primary schools, we have been busy developing a suitable session for secondary school pupils. We have trialled this at Ysgol y Moelwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the school’s enthusiastic young people have been actively developing ideas, and are ready to act!

We will also collaborate with schools to develop local climate resources for the classroom.

We are currently developing education offers for adults, in order to raise awareness and to empower groups by increasing skills and having other learning experiences, in order to empower us to act in our communities. More information on the way soon!

The journey is an exciting one and we are off to a solid start! For more information, please contact Sara, our Education Officer: sara@deg.cymru

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Pickling Shed

The Pickling Shed offers a space for people to learn about and take part in workshops around preserving food. The idea arose as a way to deal with excess food grown in the local community gardens, but also offers the opportunity for people to learn something our grandmothers knew well – the art of pickling and preserving food. 

A dedicated space for Pickling workshops is currently being prepared at Yr Orsaf and will be ready soon. In the meantime, several workshops have already taken place.

Read more in this blog by Trey: https://www.gwyrddni.cymru/en/cwt-piclo/ 

Want to be a part of this? Contact sion.yrorsaf@gmail.com