Community Engagement

In March, I became Amgueddfa Cymru’s first ever graduate of the Future Generations Leadership Academy (FGLA)! 

Run by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the FGLA brings together a selected group of 18-30 year-olds from all corners of Wales to unlock leadership skills and expand knowledge on the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. 

This all started when Amgueddfa Cymru announced that they had been awarded funding via the National Lottery Heritage Innovation Fund Project #GROW to sponsor a participant, which then culminates in the person working with #GROW Project Leads to support sustainability and climate action in line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. I have always been passionate about nature and how it can shape our identity, our place in the world and our wellbeing. As a second language Welsh speaker too, I always found the crossover of language with nature, and how it can evoke different connections to our cynefin deeply fascinating. This opportunity felt the perfect opportunity to implement this passion tangibly with the enrichment of the FGLA skills and knowledge I gain. 

I was so excited to be part of FGLA 5.0 this year and Amgueddfa Cymru’s first ever participant - it was both thrilling and a little daunting to be the first person ever. However, it has been an amazing chance to gain skills to drive positive changes within the organisation, inspired by the values of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. As a public body, Amgueddfa Cymru is subject to requirements of the Act, and it is pivotal that the next generations of staff have the knowledge and experience of it to channel it into positive action. 

My FGLA journey kicked off with a residency where I met my cohort for the first time. We shared ideas, our ambitions networked as future leaders.  We also met the residency speakers, Academy alumni, and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker. This was incredibly inspiring and set the tone for my fortnightly training sessions across the 8-month programme. 

I learned a range of things - from how to act and consider seven generations ahead, building a wellbeing economy, to how other leaders are pioneering the Act. Our final residency in North Wales further sparked my ideas and built my networks with people doing such amazing work across the public, third and private sector in Wales. As training developed, I also shared and explored ideas with different colleagues, and it’s been so gratifying seeing how others are excited at the potential of working in new ways. 

At last, my experience culminated with a fun but bitter-sweet graduation in Cardiff with my cohort, the Future Generations Office, alumni, as well as representatives from Welsh Government and organisations. I even took part as a speaker to present my change plan (more on that below!). It was amazing to be able to share how I’ve embedded my new skills and knowledge into a plan. 

So what’s next? As part of the FGLA, each person creates something called a ‘Change Plan’; a proposal in your area of expertise, which channels your new learning into a practical plan for their place of work to better align to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. My change plan looks at how we can blend language, nature and cynefin to develop opportunities for Amgueddfa Cymru audiences which invoke connection, belonging and wellbeing and helps people to connect to their cynefin and to nature overall. Linking these together not only fosters deeper learning and care about the natural world, it invites people to reconnect to nature, shares intangible cultural heritages and links language to ecological literacy.

The outcome of this contributes to a future Wales where growing people’s connections, knowledge and care for nature inspires future resilience. It also shows how Amgueddfa Cymru can be a hub for Welsh language as a way to experience nature and cynefin - inspired by our collections, spaces, programming, events and experiences.

I am immensely proud to have had this opportunity to develop, from scratch, an ambitious, creative plan aligned to Amgueddfa Cymru’s organisational goals. I’m excited to see how it may be applied in order to contribute to a better future for Wales. 

This opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the National Lottery Heritage Innovation Fund Project #GROW, which builds workforce resilience in the face of climate change. I also extend my grateful thanks to my GROW project colleagues, Sarah Younan, Heather Jackson, Steph Burge, and Victoria Hillman for all of their support. 

Since January 2025, I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of helping Archaeology staff at the National Museum Cardiff alongside my fellow volunteer, Jeff. Together, Jeff and I have worked with the amazing Dr Elizabeth Walker, the all-knowing Evan Chapman, and the excellent Siân Iles (who you might recognise from a previous Museum Voices blog). This is a short blog about what we’ve accomplished so far. At the end, I have linked to some additional online material for those who wish to discover more of what is presented here briefly.

First on our journey through the Archaeology stores is the Stone Age (or the Palaeolithic). Here, Elizabeth introduced us to Coygan Cave, an important Middle Palaeolithic cave site (destroyed by quarrying) near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire.

The cave appears to have been used as a den by hyenas for the most part, given the accumulation of large prey animal remains, including those of mammoths, woolly rhinoceros, giant deer, and horse alongside an assortment of small mammals and birds. Remains of some other carnivores were present such as brown bear, wolf, and arctic fox. Equally of note from Coygan are three wonderful examples of so-called bout coupé handaxes, one of which is on display and pictured here. 

Elizabeth kindly took the time to explain how stone tools are made (something which I still find mind boggling) and how to spot signs of their use. Previously, the skeletal remains from Coygan were stored in plastic boxes to keep them in their “comfortable” temperature and humidity ranges. Upgrades to the stores’ environmental conditions meant that the remains could be repackaged into archival cardboard boxes, and the plastic containers repurposed for other artefacts. Jeff and I were tasked to work on rehousing the teeth, bones and coprolites (fossilised dung) whilst tracking their new home location and ticking off each bag of remains from a list. All in all, we transferred over 2,000 bags of remains and managed to reclaim a few shelves of storage space! Having not really considered the life (and death) of prehistoric creatures before, it was humbling (and terrifying) to think of the size and kinds of animals with which Neanderthals and modern humans would have cohabited.

One of our next projects saw us jump forward in time to the Roman occupation of Britain! More specifically, we find ourselves in the Roman city of Venta Silurum, the “market” and administrative capital of the Silures tribe that was established and located in what is now Caerwent.

Large portions of the stone city walls and the foundations of some buildings still stand today – visit and see for yourself! Several excavations were undertaken at Venta Silurum,  first by the Caerwent Exploration Fund (CEF) in 1899-1913 and later by Amgueddfa Cymru from 1981 to 1995. Amongst the discoveries from the later excavations (missed by the CEF!) was the beautiful copper alloy belt-buckle below, which you can read more aboufirst by the Caerwent Exploration Fund (CEF) in 1899-1913 and later by Amgueddfa Cymru from 1981 to 1995. Amongst the discoveries from the later excavations (missed by the CEF!) was the beautiful copper alloy belt-buckle below, which you can read more about here.

Besides the wonderfully decorative metalwork, the Museum’s excavations of the forum-basilica (local government building with an open-air market) at Caerwent uncovered a veritable hoard of……oyster shells, thought to have been consumed by the government officials. Curator and fountain of knowledge for all things store-related, Evan, tasked us with the job of auditing these oyster shells and sorting them by excavation phase. While the work was dusty, it was a great opportunity to learn about the more civil dynamic between Empire and local tribes which contrasts sharply with the military fortification at nearby Caerleon.

The final highlight in this whistle-stop tour through history lands us in the Medieval period, and to a certain degree at the beginning of the Museum’s collections. Museums have long been places for education and for “showing off” artefacts to which most people have little access; Amgueddfa Cymru, in its early years, was no different. Other than acquiring new and unique artefacts, one way that museums and scholars in the 19th century could display or study artistic or archaeological objects was by replication. A noteworthy example of this practice was the making and sale of plaster copies of carved Medieval ivory objects for example. The skilfully furnished copies were called “fictile ivories”. A recent exhibition by the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Victoria & Albert Museums has also explored this topic, which you can read about (and watch) here. A collection of such fictile ivories had been purchased and catalogued by Amgueddfa Cymru (then the Welsh Museum of Natural History, Arts and Antiquities) and has since been housed within the Archaeology Stores, one example being the panel carving of various saints. 

Siân, Senior Curator Collections Development: Medieval, Jeff and I set about scouring the text-only 1902 catalogue of over 130 “ivories” to attempt to match up the descriptions with what we saw in the collection. The reasoning behind this approach was twofold: firstly, to understand which copies were still present in the collections; secondly, to better be able to identify and connect the artefacts to those housed in museums like the V&A and indeed to the original objects from which the replicas were derived. Fortunately, the magic of photography and extensively digitised collections made the work a little easier, as most of the “ivories” and the Museum’s catalogue reference biblical scenes or mythological scenes less known to contemporary audiences (me!). Though a maddening experience of déjà vu and (carefully) rifling through boxes of (sometimes large and unwieldy) casts, I am honoured to have been connected in some small way to part of the early collections of the Museum. The slightly odd-looking faces and unexpected creatures present were certainly a bonus. and (carefully) rifling through boxes of (sometimes large and unwieldy) casts, I am honoured to have been connected in some small way to part of the early collections of the Museum. The slightly odd-looking faces and unexpected creatures present were certainly a bonus.

Were it not abundantly obvious – I’ve had a fantastic time volunteering with Amgueddfa Cymru. Not only was it a chance to get up close and personal with some incredible artefacts and pieces of Welsh history, but I’ve also met some amazing and kind people in the Museum staff. Everyone from the Security to the Volunteering team, to the Archaeology department have been generous and welcoming. I shall treasure the time spent laughing and learning in the Archaeology stores (and in the break room!).

A very special thanks go to Elizabeth Walker, Evan Chapman, and Siân Iles without whom I would not have had the pleasure of the above-described adventure, nor would I have understood half of what I do now. Thanks also to Jeff for his friendship, support and, especially, his voice in reading out various numbers and coordinates.

Further Reading:

The Museum’s Collections Online database is a great place to find photos of and information about objects!

Prehistory

[ARTICLE] ‘A Day in Archaeology – Sorting out the storeroom’ by Elizabeth Walker

https://www.archaeologyuk.org/resource/sorting-out-the-storeroom-dr-elizabeth-a--walker--principal-curator--collections---access--amgueddfa-cymru---national-museum-wales-.html

[ARTICLE] ‘The Cave Men of Ice Age Wales’ by Elizabeth Walker

https://museum.wales/articles/1317/The-Cave-Men-of-Ice-Age-Wales/

[ARTICLE] ‘The oldest people in Wales – Neanderthal teeth from Pontnewydd Cave’ by Elizabeth Walker

https://museum.wales/articles/1014/The-oldest-people-in-Wales---Neanderthal-teeth-from-Pontnewydd-Cave/

[VIDEO] Cambrian Archaeological Association Presidential Address 2022 (Elizabeth A Walker): The significance of Welsh Caves to Palaeolithic Archaeology

https://cambrians.org.uk/elizabeth-a-walker-presidential-address-2022/  [Mention of Coygan begins at 27:16]

Roman

[ARTICLE] ‘A Day in Archaeology – The Llantrisant Fawr Hoard’ by Evan Chapman https://www.archaeologyuk.org/resource/llantrisant-fawr-hoard-by-evan-chapman--senior-curator--archaeology-at-amgueddfa-cymru-museum-wales.html

[ARTICLE] ‘Segontium – The Romans in North Wales’ by Evan Chapman

https://museum.wales/articles/1322/Segontium---The-Romans-in-North-Wales/

[ARTICLE] ‘Gelligaer Roman fort’ by Evan Chapman

https://museum.wales/articles/1328/Gelligaer-Roman-fort/

Medieval

[ARTICLE] ‘Medieval Cardiff’

https://museum.wales/articles/1334/Medieval-Cardiff/

[ARTICLE] ‘A Day in Archaeology – Medieval Floor Tiles Project at Amgueddfa Cymru’ by Jennifer Frost (Volunteer)

https://www.archaeologyuk.org/resource/medieval-floor-tiles-volunteering-project-at-amgueddfa-cymru-museum-wales.html

[ARTICLE] ‘A Day in Archaeology – Medieval Floor Tiles Project at Amgueddfa Cymru: Part 2’ by Siân Iles 

https://www.archaeologyuk.org/resource/medieval-floor-tiles-volunteering-project-at-amgueddfa-cymru--part-2--museum-wales-.html

Sources:

Aldhouse-Green, S., Scott, K., Schwarcz, H., Grün, R., Housley, R., Rae, A., Bevins, R. and Redknap, M. 1995. ‘Coygan Cave, Laugharne, South Wales, a Mousterian Site and Hyaena Den: a Report on the University of Cambridge Excavations’, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 61, pp. 37-79.

Guest, P. 2022. ‘The Forum-Basilica at Caerwent (Venta Silurum): A History of the Roman Silures’, Britannia, 53, pp. 227-267.

As an artist, my work explores the traces of social history held within domestic artefacts and local landscapes. I’m drawn to details that reflect nurture and resourcefulness, especially those shaped by women’s everyday experiences, which are often missing from official histories. This project was a great opportunity to engage with participants, hear their stories, and explore how everyday objects carry memories and histories.

Our sessions in Morfa ward, Ysbyty Alltwen 'day room' began with conversations about domestic life in the past, sparked by handling artefacts from the museum, such as crockery, utensils, and textiles.

We created our own pieces inspired by domestic life using air-dry clay, incorporating textures that reflect both industrial and household labour. Letter stamps allowed us to imprint memories from our discussions into the clay, adding a personal layer to collective stories. Colour was added with ink and graphite, or tea and coffee, buffed between layers to give an aged effect—a process that echoed domestic chores.

Rag rugs, part of the Slate Museum’s collection and a symbol of domestic resourcefulness, inspired us to create our own collaborative sample. Traditionally made by prodding strips of rag through sacking cloth, we adapted the method for simplicity: looping rags around pipe cleaners, then linking and stitching them into a smaller rug shape.

The embroidery hoop pieces are inspired by a quarryman’s blanket from c.1900, made from patched pieces of grey cloth trimmed with red, to protect its owner from the harsh conditions of the barracks. Our stitched pieces combine the resourcefulness of stitching and mending with symbols from the carved hearths seen in some slate quarrying communities.

The postcard-sized pieces continue the theme, featuring symbols from the hearths, with text drawn from conversations and memories.

This project has been a wonderful way to share personal stories and creativity, bringing people together through collective making —thanks to everyone involved!

"It was nice to come together as a group and learn new skills" - a patient on Morfa ward, Alltwen hospital

Contact details: rachelevanscelf@gmail.com   
Instagram: rachelevans_artist

This activity was a part of the National Slate Museum redevelopment project, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government via Gwynedd Council as part of the Llewyrch o’r Llechi project, Welsh Government including the Community Facilities Programme, the Wolfson Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation and other funders. 

Before 2017 the Waterfront Museum’s central garden was plain, and had no interest for wildlife to thrive. Then in came the GRAFT Garden to shake up the soil and to introduce a haven for wildlife in what is a concreted area of Swansea. 

Over the last two years I have found many species of insects and birds visit the Garden, and some have even made the Garden their home. 

In GRAFT we do not use any pesticides, and try to use natural organic solutions to the problems posed by pests. 

For World Wildlife Day I am spotlighting some of our most exciting and annoying bugs and birds that visit the Garden and how they impact the space. 

Compost Royalty! 👑🌱

We produce our own compost on site, this is the best place to spot the royalty of the compost heap, and the best bugs in the business of breaking down organic matter into the lovely soil for our growing beds. 

We have the humble Earthworm which helps Aerate the soil and breaking the organic matter into useable soil. We have hundreds if not thousands of them! And did you know that there are over 16 different species! 

Pollinators 🐝🌼      

The insects we love the most! The pollinators. These are a collection of insects (and sometimes birds but not in our case) that support our ecosystem. 

We of course have our Honeybee’s managed by our beekeeper Alyson and a group of students from Dylan Thomas School. At its peak we have over 100,000 bees in our hives!

Bee’s play a massive part in global biodiversity and food production and we are lucky to have them here on site! Please keep an eye out on our what’s on pages on the website for your opportunity to see them! 

Pests 🐛

Every gardener will have a battle with insects, be it Cabbage Moth or Slugs eating all our crops! 

But I am going to highlight a lesser known garden pest called the Aphid. These are tiny black insects that collect in their thousands on plants. Aphids love our Broad beans and Broccoli. They can cause disease in plants so it is important to regulate them. We use companion planting and also some water mixed with fairy liquid to try and support our plants.

We also have a super hero in the form of Ladybugs who eat Aphids and help us create balance. Did you know you can buy ladybugs in the post? I didn’t! 

Birds 🐦

I am not a bird watcher, however when I am working in the garden and see birds follow me around the garden it fills me with a little bit of Joy! 

We found evidence of a nest in our Grapevine last year, I am not sure what species this belonged to, but we also have a resident Robin that calls Graft its home and is its ‘patch’. 

Robins are extremely territorial and you will rarely see more than one Robin. We haven’t named this one yet, but maybe we should name it Charles Watkins after the inventor and creator of The Robin Goch monoplane …. 

So next time you visit the museum, take a walk out into the GRAFT garden and see what wildlife you can spot. 

Una is undergoing essential repairs at Boston Lodge, the engineering works of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. In December and January, a group of volunteers spent a couple of weekends offering their time to help with the task! 

Una the engine was built in 1905 by the Hunslet company of Leeds and worked at Pen-yr-Orsedd until about 1960, being used mainly to haul wagons of rubble inside the Quarry. Sadly, she failed her safety tests a few years ago and has had to remain out of action since then - much to the disappointment of staff and visitors.

This opportunity to help with the repairs has been a part of the collaboration between Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and the National Slate Museum, as we knew people would jump at the chance to be a part of Una’s story! 

Over the course of two weekends, several volunteers helped to sand, scrape, clean and prepare metalwork from Una, ready for repainting. This is an essential part of restoring Una and ensuring the steam engine is preserved for future generations, as fresh paint helps protect the metal. 

"The day I spent working on Una has led to me pursuing the opportunity to volunteer on other projects within the Northwest Wales Slate Heritage Site... I really enjoyed the day" 

- David, volunteer

A big thank you to all those who came and contributed their time on cold winter weekends! It was wonderful to share Una’s story and see everyone’s passion shine through. 

As work continues with Una, we hope to offer more opportunities for people to engage with the journey! Join our mailing list to ensure you are kept up to date with the latest opportunities: 

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The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government via Cyngor Gwynedd as part of the Llewyrch o'r Llechi project, Welsh Government including the Community Facilities Programme, the Wolfson Foundation and The Garfield Weston Foundation and other funders. We are extremely grateful to all our funders for their support.