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Bog myrtle and brushstrokes: a day at Cors Erddreiniog

In May, Corsydd Calon Môn teamed up with local women’s walking group Merched Mercher, artist Elly Strigner, and Emyr Humphrey of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for a creative walk around Cors Erddreiniog. The group explored the rich wildlife and folklore of the site, sharing stories and sketching what they saw. This special visit marks the start of a summer of creative events celebrating the heritage and biodiversity of the Anglesey Fens.

Having connected at one of our Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) historic field naming events back in January, Corsydd Calon Môn worked with local women’s walking group Merched Mercher to help make their visit to Cors Erddreiniog this May a memorable one.   

Animator and illustrator Elly Strigner documented the walk in her sketchbook and NRW's Senior Land Management Officer, Emyr Humphreys, led the walk and offered insight into the significance of the site - its heritage and wildlife, and the land management practices that help maintain it. 

A group photo of Merched Mercher, a local women’s walking group standing together under leafy green trees before their guided walk at Cors Erddreiniog

Photo credit: Neil Dunsire, NWWT

During May’s warm spell, the group met at Oriel Môn  before heading together to the site entrance at Capel Coch. On their walk, the group learned about a range of carnivorous plants, damselflies and orchids, saw sedge warblers and breathed in the scent of bog myrtle.  As well as the wonderful nature, the group also discussed the heritage and folklore  surrounding the site, including the grim tale of how Llyn Yr Wyth-Eidion got its name (more to come on that). The group shared their stories, memories and knowledge, and Elly is now producing an artwork to represent the day.  

Walk organiser and local resident Margaret Roberts said: “It was fantastic to get so much information and knowledge from Emyr and delightful to work with Elly. I can’t wait to see the finished artwork.’ 

Three illustrated panels: a damselfly with blue markings, a man in a feathered cap surrounded by children, and a sedge warbler perched on a reed

Illustrations by Elly Strigner

Reflecting on the day Elly said:  “It was fascinating to learn about the fens and a real pleasure to work with the group.”

Elly will be continuing her work with Corsydd Calon Môn by delivering a series of animation workshops in Talwrn this July:  “I am really looking forward to working with the community to bring some of these stories and historic events to life.” 

Corsydd Calon Môn Project Manager, Neil Dunsire, added  

“We’re really grateful to Emyr for sharing his time and knowledge, to Elly for bringing so much creativity to the proceedings and to Margaret and the Merched Mercher group for their passion and enthusiasm for Cors Erddreiniog. Two of Corsydd Calon Môn’s key aims are to raise awareness of the sites and to explore and record their heritage, and this visit to Erddreiniog has definitely helped with that.” 

A person wearing a sunhat and red jacket looks out over a reed-filled wetland under a clear blue sky, with a tall electricity pylon in the distance and reflections on the water.

Photo credit: Elly Strigner

We have a summer of free events like this planned, and would love to get as many of you involved as possible  - we will be sharing more details on that in the coming weeks.   

In the meantime, if you would like to help us animate some of the corsydd's heritage stories then why not join us at our animation workshops with Elly in Talwrn. 

22nd, 24th, 29th, 30th and 31st  July (10 -3pm)  Neuadd Talwrn 

All ages, no previous experience required, and free to attend! Booking is essential.Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult and places are limited.  

For more information or to book your place please email ccm@nwwt.org.uk 

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