Circular logo with the words "Crab Wise Co." and sea creatures like a crab, fish, and seaweed in a playful design.

Working across the Afon Cegin catchment to restore, reimagine and reconnect the river — for nature, for people, for the future.

Putting down ROOTS

Caru’r Cegin is an innovative project that has been piloting nature based solutions and engaging communities since 2023. After the completion of phase 1 the project has received a further 3 years of funding to continue developing a catchment based approach to improving river health for wildlife, people and the wider ecosystem .

Tree roots on moss-covered rock in front of a waterfall
A classroom or meeting room with a group of people seated around a long table, listening to a woman giving a presentation at the front. The woman gestures towards a screen, and attendees include children and adults. Wall art and windows are visible in the background.

During 2025 we held a series of co-creation sessions in different parts of the Afon Cegin catchment - giving as many people as possible to contribute to the development of the Caru’r Cegin project.

So far these sessions have offered a valuable opportunity to share ideas, insights, and expertise, while also building new connections and exploring opportunities for collaboration within the community. Once all sessions have been held we will be publishing our project blueprint.

To join the next session please visit our events page.

CO-CREATING THE BLUEPRINT

In the Afon Cegin catchment, eco-cultural mapping is being used as a practical, low-tech way of creating large, shared maps that bring together different kinds of knowledge. The process can help to:

  • Strengthen connections within the community, including between younger and older generations, while supporting fairer sharing of voices and perspectives

  • Build a collective picture of the catchment, past and present, by weaving together scientific evidence, local memory, traditional ecological knowledge, and historical records

  • Imagine and agree on possible futures for the river and surrounding land that reflect the aspirations of the community

  • Set out actions and priorities to reclaim and restore what is needed to achieve this shared vision

eco cultural mapping

Group of five people gathered around a map, analyzing and pointing at features on the map, with printed aerial view of a lush forested area in front of them.
Three people wearing safety vests are collecting plant samples in a dense, green forest.

INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT

Invasive non-native species (INNS) pose a serious threat to the Afon Cegin catchment. These plants, animals, or microorganisms, introduced outside their natural range—often by human activity—can spread quickly without natural predators.

In the Cegin, INNS outcompete native species, damage habitats like wetlands and riverbanks, reduce biodiversity, block water flow, increase flood risk, and hinder water quality improvements. Tackling these threats is vital for restoring the river’s health and supporting local wildlife.

As part of North Wales Rivers Trust’s work to improve the Afon Cegin, efforts are underway to control invasive species and protect this valuable ecosystem.

You can help.

Download the INNS Mapper app and log any sightings while you're out in the Cegin catchment by taking a photo and recording the location. Your input will help shape a strong, long-term plan to tackle invasives across the catchment.