The Living Wells Project Interpretation Plan

Descriptions

This is a partnership project aimed at significantly raising awareness, interest and community engagement in the restoration, conservation, and modern use of wellsprings in Wales. In common with many countries throughout Europe, Wales possesses a vast number of sacred springs, holy wells and medicinal spas, amounting to as many as 2,000. Many of these sites date back to early Christian times, or even earlier where they are associated with pagan religions and beliefs. They have inspired a fascinating array of folk cultures, mythology, traditions and beliefs. They are often a significant mark of local distinctiveness and cultural identity.Some of these wellsprings have been restored by local groups, demonstrating the potential that such projects can have in:•Fostering local pride, sense of place and increasing social cohesion•Encouraging groups to research historical and cultural information•Increasing the community’s understanding and awareness of local traditions•Supporting local economies, particularly through developing Pilgrim Trails and links to local tourism businesses.To date, these localised activities have been fragmented, uncoordinated, isolated projects with limited timescales, and often totally dependent on the enthusiasm and limited resources of small groups and societies. There is now an urgent need to establish a framework that will allow such groups to share resources, skills and knowledge and to attract new members and supporters, particularly from youth groups, schools and colleges.To address this, KWT, in partnership with Sanctaidd, Artstation, and culture & democracy, successfully submitted a successful Stage One application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in June 2016, to develop The Living Wells Project further. Work has now started on an initial 11-month Development Phase which will run until March of 2018, at which a Second Round application to the HLF to cover a 3 year Delivery programme will be submitted.Initially, The Living Wells Project will work intensively on about 25 wellspring sites within three areas: Pembrokeshire, Lly^n Peninsula, and the Brecon Beacons. They will be used as inspirational projects to encourage a wide range of communities, church groups, schools and businesses to research, record, sympathetically renovate and celebrate their local wellsprings. This will not only highlight the historical, cultural and educational value of this important aspect of our heritage, but it will also have a profound effect on the way groups and individuals consider water and the vital role it plays in our ecosystems and survival.