The Writers of Wales Database

JENKINS, HUW

Plas y Dduallt, Tan y Bwlch, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3YT
Tel: 01766 590272
Email: h.jenkins@btinternet.com
Website: www.huwjenkins.co.uk

Writer and community reporter for Radio Wales. Born in Montgomeryshire in 1954, Huw studied law at Aberystwyth University before joining an information technology company living and working for many years in Malawi, Russia, Croatia and Czech Republic. In 2004 he moved back to Wales with his family and lives in an ancient house overlooking the Vale of Ffestiniog. His many occupations include being honorary stationmaster of Campbell’s Platform, which is a private halt serving the house.

Not Just a Pretty Place – Survival in Snowdonia is his first book inspired by the people he has met since moving to northern Wales. One of the stories was scripted and presented by Huw as a documentary for BBC2 Wales in the series 'My Secret Wales'. Another of the stories was presented as part of an episode of Fishlock’s 'Wildtracks' on ITV Wales. He has published stories in the Countryman and Country Life as well as the Western Mail and Daily Post. Since 2006 he has been the local community reporter for Radio Wales recording stories on subjects ranging from Sheep Poo Paper to Bog Myrtle Stout.

Huw is a Welsh learner, appearing on S4C’s ‘Welsh in a Week’ and ‘Y Tŷ Cymreig’, and a keen explorer of all aspects of life in Snowdonia. He is a director of Natur Cymru, the bilingual magazine that flies the flag for the wildlife and environment of Wales, and a member of the advisory group for Plas Tan y Bwlch, the Snowdonia National Park’s Training Centre.

Reviews:
With respect to Not Just a Pretty Place – Survival in Snowdonia (Llygad Gwalch, 2009):

“…The stories link landscape, people and wildlife into an optimistic view of the future with subjects as diverse as the rare and elusive pine marten, freshwater pearl mussels and local foods. Underneath the humour and optimism, however, there are serious messages about the viability of our lifestyles…”
Iolo Williams, Wildlife Broadcaster

“…He is no Wynford Vaughan Thomas, but there are times when his writing comes to life. His description of habitat management for the Silver-studded Blue is an accessible and effective description of the complexities of biodiversity. His encounter with a dormant bat on his window seat is a personal moment that he handles with care and delicacy. His account of the labour of gathering in sheep from the mountain paints a picture of a fragile human society, the more poignant for being understated…”
Reviewer, Welsh Books Council


Selected Publications:
Not Just a Pretty Place – Survival in Snowdonia (Llygad Gwalch, 2009)





Not Just a Pretty Place – Survival in Snowdonia (Llygad Gwalch, 2009)

This book is a collection of stories that describes the fight for survival in Snowdonia. Due to the mountainous nature and national park status this part of northern Wales is rich in evidence of our ancestors and the fiercely independent spirit of its people is keeping alive a sense of community and its ancient language.

Some things are thriving, such as the lichens and bryophytes bathed in the pure moist air that blows off the Atlantic, whilst others, such as the arctic alpines, are clinging on as the planet warms up. Can freshwater pearl mussels be saved from extinction? Pine martens are present but can it be proved? Why do we bring food and charcoal from the far ends of the earth when great local produce is to hand?

The overall view is optimistic and suggests the tide is turning in setting a balance between mankind and nature.

To purchase this title from gwales.com, please click on the front cover