THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD is inviting nominations for some of the festival’s most prestigious honours. Nominations are open until 1 April for the Sir TH Parry-Williams Medal, the R Alun Medal and the Science and Technology Medal.

A fund was established in 1975 to commemorate Syr TH Parry Williams’ contribution to Eisteddfod activities. This year marks fifty years since the medal was first presented to honour individuals who have carried out outstanding work in their community. This year’s award is given by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for voluntary work to support young people in Wales.

Encouraging people to nominate outstanding individuals who have contributed to their community, Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, said: “The closing date for some of our most prestigious awards is fast approaching. I know that there are many in Wales who fully deserve the honour.

“This year is an important one as we celebrate fifty years since the Syr TH Parry-Williams Medal was awarded for the first time, in memory of someone who did so much during his life for the language, our culture and the Eisteddfod. We’re grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for donating the medal this year and encourage people to nominate.”

The R Alun Medal was first awarded last year at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in memory of the late R Alun Evans who was a key figure in developing the festival. The medal is presented to a person who has made a real contribution to supporting, sustaining and enriching the culture of their local area. The 2026 medal will be presented in memory of Martyn and Meryl Lloyd.

The Science and Technology Medal is given in memory of Dr Glyn O Phillips for the first time this year, he was the first winner of the medal and a pioneer in his field. For over twenty years, the medal has recognised the contribution of individuals who have made an impression in the field of science and technology through the medium of Welsh.

The Eisteddfod hopes that nominations will come from across Wales again this year to celebrate those people who have made a real difference in their communities and had an impact in their fields.

A RARE Welsh habitat that once covered much of Britain’s west coast is set to make a comeback in Pembrokeshire, as work begins to restore temperate rainforest at a wildlife site in North Pembrokeshire.

The project is taking place at Trellwyn Fach, a 146-acre reserve managed by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, as part of a UK-wide rainforest recovery programme led by The Wildlife Trusts in partnership with Aviva. Temperate rainforests — characterised by moss-covered trees, lichens and humid conditions — now cover less than one per cent of the UK.

The long-term initiative aims to restore and reconnect remaining fragments of rainforest habitat across the British Isles over the next 100 years.

Adam Dawson, Senior Conservation Officer with The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, said early work on the site may appear disruptive but would quickly settle.

“During the initial site preparation and planting it can look a bit messy with diggers and vehicles on site, but after a few months the peace will return and over the years a wonderful moss-felted forest will emerge, just like it had always been there,” he said.

First trees planted

The first trees have now been planted at Trellwyn Fach, marking the start of efforts to restore broadleaved woodland across around two-thirds of the site.

By the spring, approximately 50,000 native trees are expected to be planted. The aim is to create a nationally important habitat linking existing woodland in the Gwaun Valley, forming a larger and more connected landscape for wildlife.

Heavy machinery is currently on site constructing a new access track, which will allow visitors to explore the reserve once it opens to the public later this year. The Trust also plans a programme of community events linked to woodland restoration.

Research partnership

Part of the site is being used for research in partnership with Bangor University, focusing on how to accelerate rainforest regeneration, particularly in areas dominated by bracken.

Scientists are also studying how much carbon temperate rainforest can store, both in soils and tree canopies, to better understand its potential contribution to climate change mitigation.

Environmental benefits

Once established, the restored woodland is expected to capture significant amounts of carbon, help regulate water flow in local catchments — reducing both flood and drought risk — and provide habitat for a wide range of species, including the elusive pine marten.

Mr Dawson added: “Now we’ve started, it’s exciting to imagine what Trellwyn Fach will look like in ten, fifty and one hundred years’ time, as a rainforest thriving with life for people and wildlife to benefit from.”

The project has been made possible through a £38 million donation from Aviva to The Wildlife Trusts to support rainforest recovery across the UK.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is the largest wildlife conservation charity operating exclusively in South and West Wales, working to protect habitats and help people better understand and enjoy the natural environment.

Fully funded research opportunity aims to widen access for disadvantaged students

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY has been selected to host a prestigious artificial intelligence research programme supported by Google DeepMind, offering fully funded opportunities to undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Research Ready AI Programme will run from June 8 to July 31, 2026, providing participants with hands-on experience in areas including machine learning, robotics, natural language processing and data science.

Students will also benefit from industry engagement, mentoring from leading researchers, and the opportunity to present their work at a final research conference.

The initiative is designed to widen participation in the rapidly growing AI sector by supporting students who may not otherwise have access to research opportunities.

Participants will receive a weekly stipend, free accommodation and travel costs, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent involvement.

Training will include sessions delivered by a Turing Fellow alongside academic experts, giving students insight into cutting-edge research and career pathways in artificial intelligence.

An online information webinar will take place on Tuesday (Feb 25), with applications closing on March 15.

Organisers say the programme aims to build confidence, skills and networks among students who are traditionally under-represented in AI and technology careers.

Swansea University was chosen to host the programme following a competitive selection process, reflecting its growing reputation in computational research and innovation.