A prayer for the Wye on World Environment Day

Churches in mid-Wales marked World Environment Day earlier this month with a service of blessing on the banks of the River Wye at Llanelwedd. The Irfon, Wye and Edw Ministry Area and Cytun gathered twenty-five people — churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike — to pray, hear scripture, bless the river and commit to working with others towards its restoration.

"The state of the Wye is a cause of concern for many," said Rev'd Canon Mark Beaton, ministry area leader.

"There are ongoing legal proceedings, protests, festivals and campaigns. We felt that the Church had something to say about caring for God's creation."

The occasion drew a few surprised glances from the bikers outside the neighbouring Farmhouse Grill as the procession — some in clerical collars, one in robes — made its way through to the riverbank.

"Already, plans are forming for a return next year," Mark said, "this time with flags, drums and singing."