ROWS of tea plants could become a more familiar sight on the hills of Wales and other parts of the UK in the future.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have been using machine-learning to analyse the chemical make-up of tea grown in non-traditional areas, including Powys in mid Wales and Dartmoor in south west England.

They hope their findings will help emerging tea growers in the UK to develop breeding strategies, cultivation practices and processing methods which suit climate conditions in this part of the world.

The research team are currently working with Dartmoor Estate Tea in Devon which is known for its unique microclimate and soil diversity.

The study is focusing on six varieties of tea which have been selected by the estate for their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and their potential for chemical diversity.

Speaking on International Tea Day 2025, Dr Amanda J Lloyd, a senior researcher in food, diet and health at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Life Sciences, said:

“This study is contributing to the growing field of metabolomics by providing a comprehensive chemical profile of tea grown in a non-traditional region. Our findings offer new insights into the adaptability of tea plants and their potential for cultivation in emerging regions, contributing to global food security and agricultural diversification. Further research will now need to be carried out and should include multi-seasonal sampling, comparisons with traditional tea-growing regions, and analysis of processed tea to provide a more comprehensive understanding of tea chemistry.”

The study’s findings have been shared in an academic paper published in Metabolites, an international, peer-reviewed open access journal.

Dr Lloyd and her team have also been working with Buckhall Farm near Knighton in Powys which is pioneering tea cultivation in high-altitude Welsh conditions. The project was part of the first phase of the SBRI Agri-Food Technology Challenge, funded by the Welsh Government.

The work builds on an innovative portfolio of research at Aberystwyth University focused on tea’s health benefits, sustainable cultivation and consumer behaviour.

Among other ongoing studies is the Better Brain project, which is funded by Innovate UK and which is currently recruiting for a trial investigating the effects of a supplement containing green tea extract, ginseng and omega-3s on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.

The study is led by the Well-being and Health Assessment Research Unit (WARU) at the University, working with colleagues from the Department of Psychology and using advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to assess cognition and wellbeing.

Professor Nigel Holt from the Department of Psychology and the University’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, said:

“Tea is not only comforting but increasingly reveals itself to be a cognitive ally. Our research is helping us understand the deep biochemical relationships between tea’s compounds and mental function. Better Brain is particularly exciting because it bridges nutrition, psychology and neurophysiology.”

For more information on our tea research or to participate in current studies, take a look at the WARU website.

New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revised its position following mounting criticism over its handling of Welsh-medium education policy, agreeing to broaden the scope of its planned parental survey.

The move comes after a political and public backlash to comments made during the Council Cabinet’s April meeting, where Deputy Leader Paul Miller suggested that some parents were choosing Welsh-medium schools not for the language but for newer facilities. His remarks, and the nature of the Cabinet debate, drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Cllr Huw Murphy, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture, Mark Drakeford.

Critics accused the Cabinet of taking an “anti-Welsh” tone and of singling out parents who chose Welsh-medium education. The row escalated after Mr Drakeford told BBC Cymru: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English… Local authorities should be making the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not questioning those who do.”

Now, in an apparent attempt to address those concerns and reset the debate, the Council has issued a fresh statement following its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 21). It confirms that data collection will be considered for all parents, not just those opting for Welsh-medium education.

A Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has today agreed to explore the collection of information from all parents, regardless of language preference, in order to better understand school choice across the county.”

The updated resolution now asks the Director of Education to explore methods for capturing data on the relative importance of different factors influencing school choice. These include language preference, learning outcomes, quality of facilities, transport provision, and support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

The Council says the data will help inform future decisions on modernising the school estate, ensuring they reflect the priorities of a broad and representative sample of parents.

Despite the softened stance, the issue remains politically sensitive. Cllr Huw Murphy, whose formal “call-in” prompted the Council to revisit its earlier decision, has argued that any perception of bias against Welsh-medium provision risks undermining public trust and the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

The Welsh Language Commissioner had also expressed concern over the original approach, stating that questioning only parents choosing Welsh-medium schools was “not compatible” with the Council’s statutory duties.

The revised position may go some way toward cooling tensions, but the debate has already highlighted deeper divisions over language policy, school choice, and how local authorities should approach data collection in the context of bilingual education.

The Herald will continue to follow developments closely as the Council works through the next phase of its data-gathering plans.

PUPILS from Portfield School have had the exciting opportunity to leave their mark on history as work continues at pace at their fantastic new school.

The pupils attended an event to mark the reaching of the highest point of the new building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony. The event gave pupils a chance to sign one of the first steel beams, and leaving handprints on a wall, symbolising their role at the heart of the school community and the bright future ahead.

The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and was attended by staff, pupils, governors, senior Council officers and officers from the project team to celebrate the key milestone.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “We were thrilled to involve our pupils in this important moment. The new building represents a new chapter for Portfield School, and it’s wonderful that our children could be part of its foundations.”

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr. Guy Woodham, said that he was extremely pleased at the progress being made.

“Whilst I was unable to attend the event myself, my colleagues have shared with me their experience of the event, and the excellent progress being made on the new building at the school.

“This development will provide much needed modern, inclusive accommodation for the learners, and I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Portfield School will be in a position to move into the building in December 2025.”

Following their visit, pupils made the following comments: “We had to wear protective clothing before entering the building site. Being able to write my name on one of the walls in the new building was really cool. I am very grateful to have been chosen to write my name in the new build it is extremely cool. Even though I am leaving this year my name will be there for ever.”

“Oh it was fun! I put my hand in paint and then put it on the wall.”

The project is being funded by Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital programme.