Recently, young people from The Edge Youth Centre and the Army Welfare Service took part in a two-day environmental project in Pembrokeshire in partnership with the Cleddau Project.

The ‘My River’ project enabled young people to connect with the River Cleddau, learn about the importance of looking after rivers and discuss what their river means to them as young people.

At the start of the project, the young people linked up with the West Wales Rivers Trust for the Big River Clean Up in Haverfordwest.

The young people helped clean up a stretch of the Western Cleddau River that runs alongside Bridge Meadow Park and Morrisons.

In the afternoon, they enjoyed an engaging session delivered by the Darwin Centre looking at the mini-beasts that live in our rivers under microscopes.

On day two the young people reflected on their findings creating a story with illustrator Fran Evans.

The young people created a piece of art telling the story of their river and the importance of looking after the river.

My River project
The ‘My River’ project enabled young people to connect with the River Cleddau, learn about the importance of looking after rivers and discuss what their river means to them as young people. (Pic supplied)

The story is called the ‘adventures of the trash trio’ and will be exhibited to the public at the ‘My River’ Art Exhibition at HaverHub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest at the end of June.

The young people will be coming back together in May Half-Term to explore the river in Haverfordwest by canoeing up the Western River Cleddau.

Steve Lewis, Senior Youth Worker said: “This project educated young people on the importance of our rivers and how they support wildlife, ecosystems and recreation activities.

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm from the young people and to see them connecting with their river.”

This project has been made possible by funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Working with groups and organisations, The Cleddau Project wants to engender a deeper relationship with our river, encourage greater care for its waters and habitats, and build a sense of local ownership by developing and delivering positive, practical action on the ground.

It aims to shine a spotlight on this beautiful, diverse and extensive waterway whose good health is vitally important for the people of Pembrokeshire.