Putting the Making in Place-Making: Sustainable Heritage with Alex Langlands in Neath Port Talbot (Wales)

“Heritage doesn't matter if no one's going to engage with it. Changing how heritage is now used and interpreted means more audiences will engage with it.”

How are communities working together to breathe new life into post-industrial heritage sites?

Join Community Innovation Practitioner and Archaeologist Alex Langlands from Swansea University on a heritage journey through the Welsh valleys. 

In this episode, explore how through collaboration and co-creation, communities in Neath Port Talbot are creating a more equitable and vibrant future for the region through their heritage. 

You’ll visit Craig Gwladus Country Park, Nath Valley Ironworks, White Rock Copper Works and Parc Slip Colliery. All once hives of industrial activity, are now transformed into beautiful greenspaces, where people of all ages can play, connect and learn new skills.

You’ll also meet many local voices along the way like volunteers, storytellers and conservation experts.

Listen as Alex argues for a shift in traditional heritage management, including community engagement. However, this shouldn't be an afterthought; it should be central to preserving our heritage. The episode also highlights the dedication of volunteers who play a crucial role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Communities Podcast

02:34 Challenges and Community Efforts in Craig Gwladus Country Park

04:18 Volunteer Initiatives and Achievements

08:24 Engaging the Youth and Expanding Heritage Projects

23:17 Neath Abbey Ironworks: A Historical Treasure

31:38 Exploring the White Rock Copperworks

32:18 Phil Okwedi's Storytelling and African Connections

38:51 Engaging with Industrial Heritage

47:54 Concluding Thoughts on Heritage and Community

50:24 Outro and Next Episode Preview

Useful Links

About Alex’s Creative Communities project - https://creativecommunities.uk/research/alexander-langlands

More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme and how to get involved - Creative Communities.uk

Thanks Thanks to the community at Craig Gwladus Country Park, to Lisa Kirman, Park Manager, Diane Davies, Chair of the Friends group, and the merry band of volunteers who generously give their time to keep the park open and accessible for all those who enjoy its remarkable beauty and tranquillity. ------------------

The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects. 

Over six episodes, meet inspiring "Community Innovation Practitioners" leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.