The artwork, created by local artist Catherine Taylor Parry, is inspired by layers of peat and elements that reflect the character and stories of the Anglesey fens. These include depictions of sundew plants, adders, and references to a watchmaker who once lived at one of the sites. The painting captures the diversity and heritage of the fens supported by the Corsydd Calon Môn partnership project, which aims to protect the Anglesey fens (corsydd) and celebrate their rich cultural and ecological heritage.
Art commission celebrates Anglesey Fens at Effaith exhibition launch
A newly commissioned artwork highlighting the heritage and ecological importance of the Anglesey fens has been unveiled as part of Disability Arts Cymru’s ‘Effaith’ exhibition at Galeri, Caernarfon. Commissioned through the Corsydd Calon Môn project, led by North Wales Wildlife Trust, the piece forms part of an initiative to connect communities with the natural and cultural significance of these rare wetland landscapes.
The fens at Cors Goch Nature Reserve © Roy and Tracy Briggs
As well as honoring their history, the Corsydd Calon Môn partnership is working to secure the future of the Anglesey Fens. A key part of this is raising awareness of how important the Corsydd sites are for people, nature and in the fight against global climate change. As part of the commission, North Wales Wildlife Trust worked with Disability Arts Cymru to identify access barriers on the reserves and produce access documents that will help people who are looking to visit the sites make informed choices. This work will also help shape planning for future management and maintenance of the fen sites.
Effaith: Disability Arts Cymru National Touring Exhibition (2025–26) will remain at Galeri, Caernarfon until April before touring venues across Wales, with Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham among the next locations. Effaith is an exhibition showcasing disabled perspectives on one of the most urgent issues of our time: the climate crisis. Following an open call, selected disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists have responded to themes of nature, landscape and climate justice through the lens of disability.
Comissioned artist Catherine Taylor Parry and Corsydd Calon Mon project manager Neil Dunsire © NWWT
Catherine Taylor Parry, commissioned artist, said:
“The Corsydd Calon Môn commission has been a fascinating opportunity to create a painting which responds to the unique qualities of the calciferous fens of Ynys Môn. The knowledge of the history and unique biodiversity of the area provided by the Corsydd Calon Môn project team has enabled me to create a piece which reflects the complexity and richness of this precious and intriguing fen environment, whilst also giving me the opportunity to explore a previously unknown mysterious area of Ynys Môn”.
Neil Dunsire, Corsydd Calon Môn Project Manager, North Wales Wildlife Trust, said:
“Working with Catherine and with DAC has been a great experience. Cathrine’s research on the corsydd sites and the detail that she was able to share through her piece is incredible. Not many people know about these precious sites in the centre of Anglesey and through Catherine’s work and the Effaith tour, we hope to raise awareness of the sites and their significance. Art and creativity are such a strong part of Welsh culture, linking people to their environment. I hope that Catherine’s piece will inspire other artists to connect with these beautiful and inspiring places. A huge thank you to Catherine and to Alan and all at DAC who helped make this possible”.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about our work to secure the future of the Anglesey Fens then visit the Corsydd Calon Môn project web page.