Bures Coracle Regatta
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
Just one month after West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status - applied to foodstuffs such as Wensleydale cheese, Melton Mowbray pork pies and Arbroath smokies, West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin has been awarded PGI status this week by the European Commission. PGI status is an indicator of a product's authenticity and strong links to a specific region. The awarding of PGI status to West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon will bring more awareness to this unique part of British heritage, which continues to face threats of reduced licencing. It is also a testament to the extremely high quality product produced by the Teifi, Taf and Towy coracle netsmen through this traditional fishing method.
The following statement was published on Thursday 30th March
West Wales Coracle joins becomes latest member of Wales’ Protected Food Name family
The reputation of Wales’ thriving food and drink industry has received yet another boost after coracle fishing for sewin was awarded Protected Food Name status by the European Commission.
It joins other great Welsh produce such as West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon, Conwy Mussels, Welsh Lamb and Halen Môn/Anglesey Sea Salt that have been awarded Protected Food Name status. In total, eleven Welsh products have now been awarded PFN status.
Under the EU’s protected food name scheme certain food and drink products receive Europe-wide legal protection against imitation and misuse.
The Welsh Government has supported Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association over the past four years during the complicated and extensive application process for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
A coracle is a small round boat, similar in shape to half an Easter egg, made traditionally from woven willow or ash and originally covered in animal hide, now covered with a tarred calico or canvas. Unique to coracles, the fishing nets also have to be hand made and the size governed by strict regulations enforced by National Resources Wales (NRW), thus allowing smaller fish to swim through.
The sewin is caught in a 5-month season, starting on the 1st March on the River Tywi and Taf and the 1st April on the River Teifi, with no fishing permitted at weekends.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:
“I am delighted coracle fishing for sewin has been awarded Protected Food Name status. I would like to offer my congratulations to the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association and I am pleased the Welsh Government was able to support them during the application process.
“Our Protected Food Name basket continues to grow, which is a tribute to the dedication of our producers to quality. This recognition is important because as we prepare for a future outside the EU we will be able to demonstrate to potential new markets that Wales produces a wide range of high quality food and drink products.
24 July 2024
If you've been following our news, you will know that a new project has started this year with the aim of preserving the craft of coracles and coraclemaking, rated as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Association's Red List, for future generations to enjoy.
24 July 2024
We're looking for volunteers to help with the Five Miles From Home challenge. This may be familiar to you if you read the item in the 2023 Journal from member Gary Fruland, who took part in this international event last summer.
24 July 2024
The Society is sad to share the news of the passing of former committee member, Brian Pearce, aged 92.
24 July 2024
Ironbridge style coracle for sale. Well used but in good condition and watertight. Originally built in 1996, has been re-covered many times. Can be put straight on to the water as is, but may benefit from some light repair/restoration. Offers in region of £200 considered, buyer collects from Cheshire
Please contact Euan Raffel for further information
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Carmarthen River Festival is back on Saturday 17th August from 3pm. (Rescheduled from July due to river conditions)
There'll be the ever popular Raft Race, Coracle Races, Rowing Race, Duck Race and FREE Canoe, Kayak & Coracle Taster Sessions.
River demonstrations with plenty of dryside entertainment, cookery demos, FREE funfair rides, children's coracle pool, climbing wall and plenty of stalls selling food, refreshments and ice cream.
Annual coracle regatta and races, plus raft race. Licensed bar and BBQ. Part of Cilgerran Festive Week
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