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A festival celebrating local environmental and conservation groups is hoping to inspire people to “make a difference”.

Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, which is celebrating its centenary this year, is running EcoFest –  a week-long event from October 28 to November 5.

The event brings together environmental and conservation groups that are making a difference in their communities.

Volunteer Wendy Lewis, 67, told Caerphilly Observer why the event is important. 

“The real issue is with the climate crisis that is unfolding across the world,” said Wendy.

EcoFest is bringing together local environmental and conservation groups and putting on a range of activities for adults and children to raise awareness and provide information.

“There are projects being done in Wales,” continued Wendy, “this information needs to be shared.”

There are “exciting activities” on the agenda including conservation tasks, workshops, bulb planting, beekeeping, walks, litter-picking events, films and talks.

Another activity will see ex-Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, who is now the Ramblers’ Association’s Ambassador, lead a ramble around Bedwas Mountain.

During the ramble, Ms Wood will talk about her involvement with sustainable energy projects in the Rhondda with Community Energy Wales.

The festival is run in association with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Ramblers Cymru, and Caerphilly Miners’ Centre – a big positive, according to Wendy. 

“I’ve always felt that there all these community groups working in isolation,” she said, “it’s a really nice opportunity to work together.” 

The festival will be both a celebration and an “offspring” of other hard work accomplished by Bedwas Workmen’s Hall – including the lift appeal run by Wendy’s late husband, the former Cllr Ray Davies. 

According to Wendy, the lift will be installed in 2024, thanks to funding from the National Lottery, and will help make the building more accessible and “safe”. 

As for EcoFest, the activities will be largely based at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall but some tasks will be held in other places around the borough. 

It will be a way for people to have fun and take home useful information.

“I think it’s very easy to get depressed these days,” said Wendy, “you can do small things that will make a difference.”