Alec Shepley, Tristian Evans
Creative methods and place-based approaches are increasingly recognised as essential tools for understanding what matters most to communities about their environment and for supporting meaningful climate adaptation planning. This paper will describe the AHRC-funded project on Ynys Môn, called the “Public Map” and in particular the work around the development of a cultural data layer in the final open-access digital model. The role of creative method and place-based approaches will be examined, in this case the deployment of three Welsh Bards onto the island to help local communities have a more informed and inclusive approach to planning and decision making in their area. The variety of bardic encounters, micro-engagements and creative methods will be discussed in relation to encouraging children and young people on the Isle of Anglesey, to access their imaginations and co-create shared narratives about people and place in relation to climate change. The paper will suggest how working with individuals and their communities, using creative methods (including poetry, art, music, sculpture, photography and printing), to encourage them to share narratives about their sense of place – more appropriately enables them to describe their experiences of living and working there, and to share their thoughts and aspirations for the future of their community. People-centred approaches to support children, young people and their communities to make positive changes, mitigate against negative results and empower local agency will be discussed.