Holyhead Breakwater Country Park’s warden, Wil Stewart, has been chosen as one of Wales’ future generations 100 changemakers.
Over the last seven years, the unique and world-leading Well-being of Future Generations Act has inspired people from across society in Wales to act today for a better tomorrow.
Wil Stewart is one of the first 100 changemakers making a positive difference to Wales’ present and future. He was among those recently highlighted by outgoing Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, at the end of her seven-year term.
These 100 people chosen include climate activists, Welsh school children, public sector workers, influencers, Football Association of Wales CEO, Noel Mooney, and Hollywood actor Michael Sheen.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be chosen as one of Wales’ first future generations 100 changemakers,” said Wil, who has been warden at the Breakwater Country Park for 24 years.
The park recently became a perfect setting for a special project offering walks as a form of natural therapy. The project is a partnership between the county council’s Countryside and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team and social services with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Clients can be referred by their own local GP or through Anglesey’s Community Mental Health Team with Wil the perfect host to lead them on weekly walks.
Wil explained, “It’s so satisfying to sense people connecting with nature, and often connecting with themselves and for a significant number of walkers, they have become a very looked-forward to healthy routine. I’ve seen significant changes in people, from the gentleman who didn’t talk for weeks on the walks and was suddenly inspired by his surroundings to quote lines from his favourite poem, to the person who has started to come here to simply sit on a bench in nature.”
“The positive effect that walking has on our well-being is unmistakable and I’m immensely proud of the Well-being of Future Generations Act – it’s promoted people’s wellbeing and given official backing to finding new ways to help people improve their physical and mental health.”
He added, “I’m very lucky that what I do is enabled by being part of a great team – the Countryside and AONB Service - and a council that promotes such positive schemes. I’d also like to thank my managers and colleagues for their fantastic support.”
Wales is the only country in the world with a Well-being of Future Generations Act and Ms Sophie Howe became the world’s first statutory Future Generations Commissioner in 2016.
Publication of the Future Generations Changemaker 100 list was recently marked by an event at Wales Millennium Centre.
Sophie Howe said, “Wales’ wellbeing legislation puts an obligation on public bodies to act outside of the status quo, but there are also thousands of people making positive change every day.
“This event was about recognising just some of the people demonstrating what happens when we put well-being first, work together and consider the long-term implications of our actions, and highlights the need to support changemakers so that they can improve society for everyone.
She added, “The Future Generations Changemaker 100 is a snapshot of Wales’ brilliant changemakers, and we want others to share the people who inspire them, and keep the momentum going for now and for future generations.”
Council leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, visited the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park to congratulate Wil on his achievement.
Councillor Medi said, “In line with the Well-being of Future Generations Act, Wil’s weekly natural therapy walks at the Breakwater County Park are making a real and positive difference to the lives of people on Anglesey. I’m delighted that his efforts have been recognized and that he has been chosen as one of Wales’ first 100 future generations changemakers.”
The Well-being of Future Generations Act is unique to Wales attracting interest from countries across the world as it offers a huge opportunity to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations.
Ends 9 February 2023