One of Wales’ leading environmental charities has launched a new project to give ancient holy wells and springs a new lease of life.

The Brecon Well-Being Project is run by Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with author, Phil Cope, Sanctaidd, Artstation, and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. It is funded by the Brecon Beacons Trust.

Like other European countries, Wales has a huge number of sacred springs and holy wells. Many of the sites date back to pre-Christian times and have played an important role in our heritage as places of pilgrimage, worship and healing.

Wells in the Brecon Beacons include, Maendu, Ffynon Ishow at Partrishow, St.Cynidr’s Well at Llanfrynach, and Bishop Gower’s Well at Llanddew.

Sadly, many wells across Wales are neglected and have become overgrown or fallen into disrepair.

The new community engagement project will identify and map some of the key sites and raise awareness of the importance of holy wells, celebrating their stories and traditions.

Keep Wales Tidy will be working with renowned author, Phil Cope, to study the wells in the Brecon Beacons and identify potential trails. However, the charity is also keen to hear from members of the public as part of their research.

Richard Phipps, Projects Coordinator fro Keep Wales Tidy said:“We need your help to piece together the history of wells and springs in the Brecon Beacons. We’ll be running community events over the next few weeks and would love to hear your stories and see your photos of these ancient sites.

“Keep Wales Tidy would like to thank the Brecon Beacons Trust and partners for their support.”

The project will run until March 2016 and is the first phase of a Wales-wide project that is currently in development.

You can find out more about the project and share your ideas at a special workshop being held at Brecon Cathedral on Saturday 27 February, 10.30am-12.00pm.

Everyone is welcome at the free event, which will feature a talk from Phil Cope. Refreshments will be provided and there will even be an opportunity to visit the historic Priory Well, situated behind the Cathedral.

For further details and to register your attendance please contact Richard Phipps on 02920 726977, or email [email protected]