Elan Valley, Powys to hold senses exploration events

The Elan Links Scheme is hosting SENSE, two days of activities and experiences which explore all five senses.

A group of artists, experts and practitioners will be delivering a series of talks which span themes of astrology, mindfulness and local history, using the Elan Valley Estate as inspiration over Friday and Saturday, April 21-22.

SENSE is a free public event, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which offers BSL (British Sign Language) translation for ticketed events.

Esther Wakeling, scheme manager of Elan Links said: “SENSE brings together multiple strands of the work we have been doing through Elan Links – historical, ecological and creative, and presents them in exciting new ways for audiences.

"We hope that people will gain a richer understanding of Elan through these and future events.”

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The event will include a wide variety of outdoor activities such Cardiff-based sound artists Ardal Bicnic running multiple sound foraging journeys, using contact microphones and hydrophones to discover and create sounds together.

Wildlife and livestock farmer, and Radnorshire mammal vice county recorder, Sorcha Lewis will be leading a group through Cnwch in search of some of Elan’s nocturnal wildlife.

Whilst Yoga teacher Rosie Slay is leading a ‘Perfect Sense’ walk through Cnwch woods, encouraging participants to lean into their senses to deepen their connection with the natural world.

In the evening Peter Williamson (FRAS) will deliver an astronomy-themed talk at Penbont House, and if the skies are clear, visit the Cosmic Cwtch for a spot of stargazing.

A ‘Pongs from the Past’ stall will be held in the visitor centre where heritage officer Gary Ball will offer members of the public the chance to experience historical smells and tastes, giving them a taste of life in Elan through the ages.

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The Elan Links archive project will also be exhibiting a soundscape of oral histories which they’ve collected throughout the last five years ‘Voices of the Valley', also in the Visitor Centre.

All events are completely free, but advance booking is necessary for several events.

This event is part of a programme of engaging events to be delivered in the final year of the Elan Links scheme, which aims to communicate the special landscape and heritage of Elan Valley.