Heritage training on Ynysmeudwy Ganol Bridge

They gave their time during a heritage skills training week as part of the 225th anniversary celebrations of the canal by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, and the Swansea Canal Society.

Fifteen volunteers spent time learning from Glandŵr Cymru heritage & environment team manager Morgan Cowles, heritage advisor Kate Lynch and staff from Ty Mawr Lime Limited on the tools and techniques needed when working with lime mortar to maintain and conserve an important heritage asset.

The bridge is a Grade II listed structure and participants, who were also joined by colleagues from Glandŵr Cymru's local operations team, removed vegetation from the bridge before work commenced on repointing the south elevation and part of the inner face of the parapet.

Ahead of the work, an ecologist from Glandŵr Cymru checked for any potential nesting birds or bats, while the conversation officer from Neath Port Talbot Council gave approval for the works due to the listed status of the bridge.

Sixth form students from Ysgol Ystalyfera and volunteers, including from the Swansea Canal Society, offered their help with the works.

We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund Wales for their support of the event.

Discover more about our 225th anniversary celebrations for the Swansea Canal in partnership with the Swansea Canal Society.