Creativity and Connection: Art Workshop with Annedd Ni Day Service

This autumn, the North Wales Rivers Trust team had the pleasure of working with Annedd Ni Day Service in Bangor to deliver a seasonal creative workshop celebrating the Torgoch — Wales’s rare Arctic charr.

Led by Poppy and Josh, the session invited adults with additional support needs to explore the story of the Torgoch through hands-on art. Using smooth, rounded pebbles collected from local rivers, participants painted their own colourful interpretations of this iconic fish, inspired by its deep red hues and shimmering silver scales.

“It was brilliant to see everyone so engaged — each pebble fish was completely unique, The group really captured the character of the Torgoch and its connection to our lakes and rivers.” Communications Manager Poppy Backshall .

The finished pebble artworks will be proudly displayed at our Torgoch Project Wrap-Up Event this December, celebrating several years of work to protect the last native Arctic charr populations in North Wales.

Collaborations like this highlight the importance of inclusion and creativity in our conservation work — making space for everyone to connect with nature, share skills, and learn about the precious species that depend on healthy rivers.

“The Annedd Ni group brought so much enthusiasm and joy to the workshop,” added fisheries engagement officer Josh. “It’s about more than art — it’s about belonging and being part of something that helps protect where we live.”

We’d like to thank the Annedd Ni team for welcoming us so warmly, and we look forward to sharing their beautiful creations at the event in December.