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.
Coracles have been used to fish the River Towy (Welsh: Tywi) for centuries. The Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen's Association was established in 1938 to help preserve Carmarthen's oldest tradition.
The association has three main activities:
Coracle fishing continues to be under threat. There are now just 21 coracle fishing licences available each year; about half of these are for the River Towy. Recent (2020) byelaw changes, following a public inquiry - to which the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen's Association gave evidence to in 2019 - have done nothing to counter this threat, with the fishing season length cut almost in half whilst licence costs remain unchanged. However, the coracle fishermen of the Towy continue to fish for sewin (sea trout)*. In recognition of the unique history behind coracle fishing, following many years of hard work by the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen's Association and other parties, in 2017 West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin and West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon were awarded EU Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status - which is a legal protection to protect and promote regionally significant food products.
*Coracles have traditionally also fished for salmon, however the 2020 byelaw changes mean that all salmon is now catch and release
One of the biggest threats to coracle fishing in Wales at the moment is pollution. Over the past few years there have been some high profile pollution events, with slurry run offs from agricultural land being a sadly too frequent occurance. The Association is very active in reporting these to Natural Resources Wales, the local governing body, and raising awareness of this serious issue which not only affects all fishermen but also has serious consequences on the wellbeing of local wildlife and the environment.
The Association has been working hard in recent times on their education campaign, to teach the wider public all about the Towy coracle, the history of the local coracle fishermen and coracle fishing traditions. As well as working with local youth groups and schools, in recent years they have played a key part in the installation of information boards in Carmarthen and setting up the Quay Centre community hub with other local organisations.
The Association has also benefited from Heritage Lottery Funding which has gone to producing an ever lasting archive of resources on The Carmarthen Coracle and associated topics. In late 2019, a booklet titled "The Carmarthen Coracle" was published which serves as an introductory guide to the Towy coracle, how they and coracle nets are made, how coracle fishing is done, coracle life and culture and some of the local coracle families. These resources and many others can be accessed through People's Collection Wales.
Finally, the Association play a key part in the annual Carmarthen River Festival, organising and running the coracle regatta. This usually takes place in late June or early July.
Facebook: facebook.com/carmarthen.coracles
Email/phone: Julie Rees - email [email protected] or phone 07974 772393
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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