Hafren: The Wisdom of the River Severn

Afon Hafren, the river Severn, is a mighty Welsh river. She has shaped many histories and is part of many stories. In Celtic traditions, water is a source of wisdom. In a time of ecological crisis, how can we listen to the wisdom of Hafren?

Sarah Sian Chave takes us on a journey from Hafren’s source to the sea, following Hafren’s route from Pumlumon in Wales and meandering through England, before she finds her way back home to Wales and to the sea. The journey weaves together Celtic myths, historical and personal narratives as well as Welsh words and ideas.

Hafren not only speaks to the wisdom of this river, but of all rivers, encouraging readers to understand better their place as part of nature. This book will appeal to those interested in nature, sustainability and ecology, and also to those interested in Celtic and Welsh traditions, histories and myths and is evocatively illustrated by Sarah’s sister, Rachel Collis.

Contents: Opening Chapter1: Seeking the Source – Pumlumon, Powys Chapter 2: Growing – from Llanidloes, Powys to Caersws, Powys Chapter 3: Powering – Newtown, Powys Chapter 4: Bordering and Crossing- from Rhyd Chwima, Powys to Shrewsbury, Shropshire Chapter 5: Meandering – Shrewsbury, Shropshire Chapter 6: Meandering, entwinning, industrializing – from Shrewsbury to Ironbridge, Shropshire Chapter 7: Caring – from Shrewsbury to Weston-Under-Lizard, Shropshire Chapter 8: Carving new routes – Western-under-Lizard, Shropshire and beyond Chapter 9: Travelling onwards- from Upton Ham, Worcestershire to Deerhurst, Gloucestershire Chapter 10: Feeling the pull of the tide, the pull of home: from Gloucester to Slimbridge, Gloucestershire Chapter 11: Reuniting, returning, moving onwards – Sharpness, Gloucestershire to Aust, South Gloucestershire and Chepstow, Monmouthshire Reflecting