Welsh Landscapes - Why should we protect them?

Written by Annie Zak, Ceridigon Branch
March 2025
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Over time, our landscapes have evolved through the interplay of natural and cultural elements. They have been shaped by how individuals have seen, heard, felt, experienced, and lived within them. They stand as a testament to the rich diversity of our environment, encompassing geology, wildlife, land use, and historical aspects that characterise our countryside.

Strata Florida Abbey

The Welsh language is not merely a reflection of our landscapes but a guardian of their essence. It connects our places, history, and natural features. Without these landscapes, the language risks losing its roots. Whether we speak it or not, we have a responsibility to try to preserve it.

A good example of this can be found at Pontrhydfendigaid in Ceredigion, where you can wander around the ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida. Here, you can see, hear and feel the history in the landscape. The Welsh name for Strata Florida is Ystrad Fflur. ‘Ystrad’ is derived from the Latin ‘Strata’, which describes broad, flat land. ‘Fflur’ and ‘Florida’ refer to the flowers in the meadows and woods. The herb-rich pastures would have been ideal for grazing and a source for herbal remedies. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Westminster of Wales’, the abbey became an important cultural centre, where monks recorded Welsh history and copied manuscripts of poems and the heroic tales of Welsh mythology.

Currently, there are no visible plans for wind farms in this location. However, if all the proposed industrial-scale developments for the Cambrian Mountains go ahead, The Pilgrim, who stands high on a hill overlooking the ruins of Strata Florida Abbey, will likely have an unobstructed view of a significantly altered landscape.

The Pilgrim: Photo by Janet Baxter

Welsh landscapes are not just beautiful; they are also working landscapes. They were already addressing “climate emergencies” long before these words became media buzzwords. They capture carbon, purify the air, and provide habitats for wildlife. They regulate and slow the flow of floodwaters and supply our drinking water. We should respect them and aim to protect against further biodiversity loss and preserve our landscapes for present and future generations.

Teifi Valley, Ceredigion

• We need to prevent unsustainable developments that damage the very ecosystems that work to benefit us.
• Are you prepared to let foreign investors dictate the future of our landscapes and the lives we live within them with zero benefit for Wales?