Hafren - The Wisdom of the River Severn

A meditation on the significance of the Welsh river Hafren.

The Severn, or Afon Hafren in Welsh, is a mighty river. She has shaped many histories and is part of many folk 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 Siân 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 better understand their place as part of nature. This book will appeal to those interested in nature, sustainability, and ecology, as well as to those interested in Celtic and Welsh traditions, histories, and myths. The book is evocatively illustrated by Chave's sister, Rachel Collis.

About the author

Sarah Siân Chave has over thirty years' experience as a teacher and researcher in higher education. She is currently an associate of the education and creativity network at the University of Exeter. Raised by a Welsh mother in the English Midlands, she now lives in the southwest of England near Hafren's banks, which she loves to explore accompanied by family and friends.

Product details

• Authors: Sarah Chave, Sarah Sian Chave, Sarah Siân Chave
• Publisher: University of Wales Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 21.08.2025
• EAN: 9781915279828
• ISBN: 978-1-915279-82-8
• No. of pages: 192
• Subjects: Guides > Nature; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Geosciences > Geology; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature: general, reference works; River, NATURE / General, Sarah, NATURE / Ecosystems & Habitats / Rivers, natural history, of, Wisdom, Nature and the natural world: general interest, Severn, Hafren, Chave, Siân