JOHN MANLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mynydd Llanllwni
An introspective observation of the mountain community.
The area of Mynydd Llanllwni is bounded by Brechfa Forest to the south and the Llanllwni to Llanydder road to the north. The highest elevation is 1338 feet. I have been fascinated by Mynydd Llanllwni for over twenty years. During my working career I was involved with issues of criminality, pollution protection and social deprivation in the area; at the same time, I became fascinated by the Mynydd's astounding and amazing scenery. From the Preseli Hills to the south west, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons to the east and glimpses of the Cambrian Mountains to the north. This is an area to reflect, in winter the Mynydd is bleak and the weather can be extreme, in summer the mountain sides are covered with glorious purples of heather, the sense of peace and tranquility is almost palpable. In this photographic essay I hope tp bring you something of the life on the Mynydd and its unique atmosphere.
The rich cultural heritage of the area includes Neolithic burial mounds, a stone peace cairn and the more recent development of renewable energy wind turbines. The ancient forest of Brechfa (Glyn Cothi) has sheltered Welsh Princes from Norman Kings and local farmers rebelling against unjust taxes. Great Bards and preachers were also born here. The local close knit community with its rich cultural and folk tradition has been virtually destroyed. Agriculture went into decline between the two world wars and landlords began to sell land for afforestation, and much of the land that remained was unsuitable for farming. The society was destroyed.
‘
'And now there are only trees’
With their impudent roots sucking the old earth Trees where there was a community,
Forest where there were farms
JONES , DAVID JAMES (‘ Gwenallt ’; 1899 - 1968 ), poet, critic and scholar
In the following images I have tried to illustrate man’s present impact on this land, what we see today is largely a manufactured landscape. The main part of the Mynydd is Crown Estate land which is let to tenant farmers, sheep are the main farming enterprise. Hefted sheep roam freely on the Mynydd, and smaller pasture lands support horses and store cattle. Incomers have brought pony trekking and mountain biking although indigenous families still remain within the farming community. The main pentre is Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn, where only a few welsh families remain.
On the lower slopes of Mynydd Llanllwni can be found Mynydd Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn. Here an ancient church, Eglwys St Michael Llanfihangle Rhos y Corn is situated in a small hollow. It is a simple church which reflects the wildness of its environment. The church may have been built on the site of a six or seventh-century hermit's cell. A sense of profound stillness exudes from the church and its grounds continuing the hermit's devotion and solitude. The church welcomes pilgrims and travellers who are invited to rest and partake of simple refreshments. Below the church in a small flower-filled meadow, lies a labyrinth for contemplation and reflection.
The next images are of some of the people I met during the shoot. I was warmly welcomed by a party of retired teachers for tea and cake within the church hall of St Michael’s church. The party meet regularly for walking, gossip and cake. As you can see the conversation was animated and wide ranging, from Trump to Brexit, which seems contrary to the tranquil surroundings. The other images are of two friends using the opportunity to exercise their pony and trap on the quiet roads of the Mynydd. I learnt a considerable amount of detail concerning horses, traps and the state of upland farming in the short time we had together, quite an enlightening conversation.
The next image illustrates an unusual structure to be found on Mynydd Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn which requires further explanation. This round cairn is dedicated to peace and has an interesting story. The cairn was constructed in 2007 by the Welsh sculptor Brian Denman, funded by the left-wing activist and author Kate Baillie. Kate Baillie was best known for her contribution to the “Rough Guide” and the foundation of “Barcud”. Baillie had an extraordinary commitment to combating injustice, which was manifested in the struggle for peace in the middle east. Carn Heddwch is Kate Baillie’s commitment to peace and reconciliation and is inscribed with the word peace in four languages. A time capsule was placed in the centre of the cairn by local school children during its construction. After her death, Baillie’s ashes were shot into the night sky by a rocket, over the cairn and into the wilderness of Mynydd Llanllwni.
Maybe the sheep is the sole guardian of Carn Heddwch.
