Welsh learners in Pembrokeshire who are getting their teeth into aspects of Welsh culture were given expert guidance on foraging during half-term week.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age village near Eglwyswrw, expert forager Leander Wolstenholme showed the learners all manner of vegetation. Some was tasty, some just edible and some highly poisonous. Knowing the difference is clearly important! Leander is himself a Welsh learner and has recently learned Welsh names for the plants and flowers he collects for a living. His produce is sold on to London chefs as prize ingredients for contemporary dishes.

This groundbreaking Welsh course entitled Agor y Drws/Opening the Door is supported by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority who have provided access to three key locations in the county for these whole-day experiences. At the recent Castell Henllys event, the topic for discussion in the tipi was food and drink from West Wales. Gin containing laverbread, anyone? At Carew Castle and Tidal Mill in June, traditional Welsh music will be the focus of attention and finally, in July, learners will be at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St. Davids to consider the work of significant Welsh artists.

Welsh learner of the Year, Jeanette Phillips from Hook, is full of praise for the new initiative, which is funded by means of an innovation grant from the National Centre for Learning Welsh: “It’s not just about practising our Welsh, it’s about embedding the language in a deeper understanding of the culture itself. Just getting to know various locations in Pembrokeshire has been a treat in itself.”

Another of the students, Esdale Maclean from Broad Haven, is surprised at the range of experiences offered so far: “We have met a world-class rugby referee, learned poems under the tuition of a chaired bard, performed a comedy sketch in an Eisteddfod and eaten wild garlic - to say nothing of the gin-tasting. It just shows how learning Welsh can permeate so many aspects of your life.”

Following the success of this pilot course for advanced students, the Welsh Summer Course in Haverfordwest (August 20-23) will develop the theme of local produce. ‘A Taste of Pembrokeshire’ will be offered at all levels of learning and will include a bus trip on the last day. Find it, ask for it in Welsh, then eat or drink it!

Staff at the Crymych centre are currently taking bookings for the summer course.