Tywi A River Through Time (2008-2011)

Tywi A River Through Time (2008-2011)

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Carmarthenshire County Council, Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, National Trust and Natural Resources Wales.

Delivered in partnership with Dyfed Archaeological Trust and Menter Bro Dinefwr.

For the final project evaluation report please click here

The Tywi Valley is recognised as one of the most important historic landscapes in Wales.  It is renowned for its scenic qualities as a landscape that has been shaped by ice, water and since prehistoric times by man.  Within the valley there is a legacy of forts, medieval castles, designed landscapes, parkland and gardens as well as the agricultural landscapes that we enjoy today.

The Tywi A River Through Time project focused on the valley’s landscape between Llangadog and Dryslwyn.  Its aim was to celebrate and conserve this notable valley through:

  • Developing better understanding of the landscape
  • Strengthening Links between the community and the landscape
  • Developing the skills needed to look after the landscape.

To achieve these aims the project was divided into 4 main themes with each them focusing on a specific aspect of the valley.

Exploration Tywi!

This provided people with an opportunity to explore the origins of the valley through the excitement of archaeology and geology.  It was led by Dyfed Archaeological Trust and a booklet summarising the project activities can be downloaded here

Discover the Tywi

This element of the project developed new and exciting way to interpret the valley and its heritage.  It delivered training in storytelling which has led to the establishment of ‘Story Teller Tree’ and the making of the Storytellers Chair which can be borrowed from Menter Bro Dinefwr; it made Celtic and Roman costumes for re-enactments, which can be borrowed from Carmarthen Museum; it delivered walk leader training and you go on Tywi Valley walks by downloading the leaflets here.

Landscape and Biodiversity Project

Conserving and enhancing traditional landscape features and protecting biodiversity were the focus of this element of Tywi A River Through Time.  Useful guidance notes on protecting key species and can be downloaded here.  For more information contact Carmarthenshire Council’s Biodiversity Officer.

The Traditional Sustainable Building Centre

This element of the project celebrated local building styles, offered information and provided opportunities to learn traditional building skills and learn more about using new technology and renewable materials in old buildings.  The key legacy of this element of the project has been the continued development of the Tywi Centre as a provider of information and skills on traditional buildings.  The Foundations in Heritage Bursary Scheme was set up as a direct result of recognising the need for more traditional building skills training in Wales.