Wildlife

  Art for the Common was held on Saturday (27 July) at the Linden Christian Centre, West Cross, and included a large mural painted by the children of Llwynderw School, alongside two knitted panels by the Swansea Yarn Bombers, as well as paintings, photographs, poetry, videos and sculptures by local residents. Poet Rae Howells , who has written a book about the common and is poet in residence at Llanelli Wetlands Centre, was one of the exhibition’s organisers. Rae said:  “We are lucky to live in West Cross so close to this wild and green corner of Clyne Common, but sadly it is under threat of development. Since we found out about the planning application, residents have been making an effort to record the amazing wildlife here. It’s extremely boggy which makes it ideal for scores of rare plants and fungi, which in turn support a huge variety of insects, and of course birds, reptiles and amphibians thrive in an ecosystem like this.  “When I started to learn more about the common’s wildli

' Howells writes with sensitivity, empathy, liveliness and keen observation ... Finely wrought, intelligent, and full of heart, This Uncommon Common is an important book that speaks for nature, land, and species which, too often, we see as silent: a vital tome at a time of urgency.' – Mab Jones, Buzz Magazine Thanks to Mab Jones and Buzz Magazine for this lovely review of Rae Howells' latest poetry collection This Common Uncommon

A lovely night at the Cellar Bards last night. Always a delightful audience and varied, inspiring and enjoyable open mic. I didn’t take many photos… here are some quick snaps of the journey there and back including a walk on Poppit Sands (and, not pictured, various good snacks) ... and one of Ben doing his thing! Thanks to Jackie and Dave , wonderful hosts as ever, and to Kittie for putting us up.

Watch how we glow  Karen Smith reviews Moon Jellyfish Can Barely Swim by Ness Owen (Parthian, 2023)  “The energy that glows sublimely through Owen’s work has transformative potential… the work is rhythmical and strong, with sensitive, sensual portraits of the power of seawater… Encircled by the rugged waters of the Anglesey coast, Owen lands her poems “between lecturing and farming”. In the short interview at the back of the book, she summons the power of the writing process “to remember, or to try to understand”. In her hands, the poem-vessel drops anchor against dissolution and breakdown. Her hymn to the jellyfish launches us into waters of political unrest, merging environmental, familial, national and linguistic currents. I will remember the watery wisdom of their desultory radiance in ‘How we glow’:       We are braver than       we know. Even in       the smallest light       watch how we glow.”