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Cedwyn, Outreach and Engagement Officer:

"Part of my role is to reach more Welsh speakers and improve the use of Welsh around the Welsh Wildlife Centre. With the 2026 Eisteddfod only four miles away, we knew we had to be there, just weren’t sure in what way. 

After some early networking, we were invited to give talks in the Science and Technology area. I asked Welsh-speaking colleagues across the trust if anyone would be willing to take part, and the response was brilliant. We confirmed two talks, but when one colleague later had to pull out, I agreed to step in and present instead. 

It felt daunting. I had gone to Welsh first-language schools until I was 16, but I had rarely used Welsh over the next 20 years. Since starting my role in November, I had been building my confidence again, but giving an educational talk to adults, in Welsh, was a big step. 

What followed was a wonderful experience. Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026 was my first visit to this great festival. I spent three days on the Maes: supporting my colleague Cerys with her talk, speaking with visitors on the National Lottery stand, and taking in the atmosphere.  

Being surrounded by the language helped. My Welsh came more easily, and my confidence grew. By the time my talk arrived on Saturday 8th, the final day of the Eisteddfod, I felt ready. I wondered how many people would still be there, but a good number came to listen, and some, even took notes. 

One of the highlights was seeing my secondary school biology teacher in the audience. It was a fantastic event, with so much to see and do, and I am already looking forward to attending my second Eisteddfod next year."

Cerys, Marine Conservation Assistant:

"On Sunday 2nd August, I attended the Eisteddfod in Llantood. I was there to talk about the  vital work we do at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, as well as highlight some of Cardigan Bay's wonderful wildlife.

I haven't presented in Welsh since school (almost 10 years ago). It was a fantastic opportunity to to practice and improve my Welsh, and chance to reach out to new people who may not have heard of us before.

One of my highlights whilst making the presentation was looking into different species names in Welsh. My personal favourite is ‘Heulgi’ or Basking Shark in English, which literally translates to 'sun dog'.

Altogether, 30 people attended, and it was great to see so many people there who were a mixture of fluent Welsh speakers and Welsh learners too.

There was some great feedback from the audience who seemed very interested in the work we do. Especially our Dolphin Diet Detectives project and how we collect samples of Bottlenose Dolphin poo. 

At the end of my talk, a woman approached me to say that she really appreciated hearing a nature talk in Welsh, as she has never heard one in Welsh before.

While I was there, I also heard some fascinating talks from the RNLI and one of the women from the all-female and Welsh rowing team, Merched y Môr. It was great to see so many people brought together through shared language and culture.

It was such a privilege to be part of one of the world’s largest culture festivals, whilst also sharing the work that I’m so proud to be a part of. I look forward to doing more talks in Welsh in the future."