Community

The Menai Strait shapes the communities that live alongside it. From Menai Bridge and Y Felinheli on the mainland side to Beaumaris and the shores of Anglesey, the Strait has supported fishing, farming, trade and daily life for generations. Its waters are woven into local livelihoods, from mussel farming and fisheries to tourism and leisure, and its Welsh language and maritime heritage remain central to the identity of the communities around it.

This page shares some of those stories, in the words of the people who live, work and depend on the Strait.

Sian Sykes runs journeywithsian. An environmental activist, she has a real passion for protecting the environment, is a regional rep for SAS and leads the campaign for a Plastic Free Anglesey.

Sian says: “We live in such a beautiful place and we need to make a change to protect it. Sadly 8 million bits of plastic enters our seas every day. 80% of marine litter originates from land-based sources. Sadly 1 million sea birds and 100,000 mammals die every year from the effects of marine litter. This has to change.”

In this short clip Sian explains some of the issues the Menai Strait is facing in terms of plastic pollution.

In this short clip mussel farmer James Wilson tells us why the Menai Strait is so important for his livelihood and the risks he thinks it faces in a post Brexit market.

Frankie owns Anglesey Sea Zoo. Home to British marine life. Anglesey sea zoo relies on water pumped from the Menai Strait to sustain her wildlife and business. She shares her love and concerns for the future of the Menai Strait.

We sat down with the director of Halen Mon, Alison Lee Wilson. Here she discusses the importance of the Menai Strait on her business.

Join members of the Afon Cegin & Ogwen communities as they embark on a journey to witness the impact of climate change and rising pollution levels on freshwater river systems. This community learning opportunity highlights the pressing environmental challenges our rivers face.