19 February 2008
S4C today (Tuesday, 19 February) launches a slate of ambitious programming for 2008 focusing on nature, landscape and the environment.
Announcing the package, Rhian Gibson, S4C’s Director of Commissioning, said: “Environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability are high on today’s global agenda. With our Green year, we aim to tackle these issues in an informative, entertaining and thought-provoking way.”
The Green theme begins on 10 March with Natur Cymru, a landmark documentary series presented by Iolo Williams. Shot in High Definition format, the series looks at Wales’ natural history, with stunning shots of the country’s wetlands, coastline, mountains and woodland.
In June, Byw yn yr Ardd, presented by Bethan Gwanas and Russell Owen Jones, looks at organic and sustainable gardening. Also in June, poet, presenter and producer Ifor ap Glyn takes to the road in the environmental awareness series Popeth yn Wyrdd.
Cerys Matthews, Mererid Hopwood and Aled Samuel are among the well-known faces who take viewers on a guided tour of the world’s greatest rivers, including the Amazon and Mississippi, in Yr Afon in September.
In the autumn, in Cwm Glo Cwm Gwyrdd, four pupils from two schools in the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys embark on a green revolution, in their homes, streets and their entire valley.
Also during the year, Newyddion news coverage will feature reports by Iolo ap Dafydd, BBC Wales' Rural Affairs, Environment and Sustainability Correspondent. Pawb a’i Farn will debate the key issues in a special environmental edition, while a landmark BBC film documentary about the future of the planet is also in production. A number of S4C’s core programmes, including Wedi 7, Ffermio and Hacio, and children’s service, will also look at Green issues during the year.
A new website has been launched - s4c.co.uk/gwyrdd – with more information about programmes, while S4C has also published a booklet, Llyfr Bach Gwyrdd (Little Green Book) full of energy-saving advice. In line with the Green theme, S4C will support community projects which aim to help the environment as the focus of its 2008 Appeal. Go to s4c.co.uk/cefnogi for further details.
S4C has also adopted a range of green measures which aim to reduce its own impact on the environment.
Solar panels have been installed at the broadcaster’s HQ in Llanishen, Cardiff to help reduce energy consumption, while a tax relief scheme encourages staff members to buy bikes in order to cycle to work.
Presence detectors automatically switch off lights when meeting rooms are vacated, high efficiency lighting is used wherever possible, as is recycled paper stock. S4C’s waste is also recycled via a separation scheme.
In partnership with the CarbonNeutral Company, S4C has also achieved carbon neutral status in 2008, by supporting a range of projects to help the environment.
Ends
Editor’s notes
S4C is available outside Wales on Sky 134.
S4C programmes are also broadcast on the Channel’s website - s4c.co.uk - and are available to watch on-demand on-line for up to 35 days after the original TV broadcast.
English subtitles are also available on most programmes - look out for the owl icon.
S4C’s 2008 Green Programming
Natur Cymru, 10 March 2008
This landmark six-part nature series, shot in High Definition, sees Iolo Williams explore Wales’ beautiful countryside. From underwater scenes to Snowdonia’s peaks, superb photography brings rare sights of otters and red squirrels to the small screen. A final 50-minute documentary, Natur Cymru/Tu ôl i’r Camera looks at how the series was filmed by Aden Productions.
Byw yn yr Ardd, June 2008
Presented by Bethan Gwanas and Russell Owen Jones, this 12-part series offers advice on how to make your garden environmentally friendly. There will also be an emphasis on fun and leisure – as well as taking a peek at other people’s gardens. Cwmni Da is the production company.
Popeth yn Wyrdd, June 2008
Ifor ap Glyn’s mission is to encourage us to make the world a greener place. In this four-part series, also produced by Cwmni Da, Ifor uses wit and warmth to break through the carbon jargon and focus on the simple things we can all do to help.
Yr Afon, September 2008
From the Amazon to the Mississippi, this six-part series, produced by Green Bay Media, follows the trail of some of the world’s most important rivers. Cerys Matthews and Aled Samuel are among the series’ presenters.
Cwm Glo Cwm Gwyrdd, October 2008
In this vibrant and humorous six-part series, four pupils from two schools in the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys attempt to start a green revolution - in their homes, their streets and their valleys. Green Bay Media is the production company.
