The Waters That Raised Us

Looking through the lens of the climate emergency, ten Welsh writers consider the oceans, rivers and waterways that have raised them and through which they have found their place in the world. Drawing on personal narratives, folklore and local history, they explore how the waters we live alongside shape who we are and connect us with one another. Here are stories of polluted rivers, landscapes threatened by rising sea levels and communities flooded to create reservoirs – issues which threaten the future of homelands, cultures and communities in Wales. Alongside editor Taylor Edmonds, contributors include Sofia Brizio, Malachy Edwards, Dylan Huw, Joshua Jones, Francesca Reece, Durre Shahwar, Kathryn Tann, CJ Wagstaff and Kandace Siobhan Walker.

Taylor Edmonds is a poet, writer and creative facilitator from Barry. She is the founder of Writing for Joy, where she provides writing for wellbeing workshops for community groups, schools, hospitals and corporate clients. Taylor’s debut poetry pamphlet ‘Back Teeth’ is out now with Broken Sleep Books. She was the 21-22 Poet in Residence for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. She has received a Rising Stars Award from Literature Wales and Firefly Press for her writing for young people. Taylor’s stage debut, ‘Demand the Impossible’, written for Common Wealth theatre, was shown at The Corn Exchange in October 2025.