Bardd Plant Cymru

The current  Bardd Plant Cymru is writer and playwright from Cardiff, Nia Morais.

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Bardd Plant Cymru

Founded in 2000, the role of Bardd Plant Cymru is awarded every two years to a Welsh-language poet who is passionate about ensuring more children and young people discover the joy and well-being benefits of engaging with literature.

The project introduces Welsh-language poetry to children in an energetic, dynamic and fun way through workshops, performances and various activities.

The project promotes creativity, communication skills and self-expression through the love of literature. 

Who is Nia Morais?

The current  Bardd Plant Cymru is writer and playwright from Cardiff, Nia Morais. It was announced on Thursday 1 June 2023, at Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Llanymddyfri that Nia would be the 18th Bardd Plant Cymru stepping into the role. Nia started in the role in September 2023, and will be in the post until August 2025.  

Nia Morais is a writer and playwright from Cardiff. Her work often focuses on self-image, mental health and magic. She graduated from Cardiff University with a master’s degree in creative writing. In 2020, she released her first audio play, Crafangau, as part of Sherman Theatre’s Heart of Cardiff project. Nia is currently Writer in Residence at Sherman Theatre and her first full play Imrie, co-produced by Frân Wen and Sherman Theatre, toured Wales over the summer of 2023. Nia was a member of the Tir na n-Og Awards judging panel in 2021, and also part of the Literature Wales’ Representing Wales writers development programme the same year. Nia writes for children and adults. 

What is the purpose of the role?

As Bardd Plant Cymru, Nia’s main objective is to ensure that there are more opportunities for children and young people to discuss and write about topics that are crucial to them, and rare in Welsh literature. She is passionate about proving that the Welsh language belongs to everyone, championing individuality and encouraging positivity and respect towards our self-image. 

The Bardd Plant Cymru role complements its  English-language sister project, Children’s Laureate Wales and the two roles contribute towards nurturing a healthier, more creative, and more diverse generation of readers and writers across Wales. All activities are conducted through the medium of Welsh, but the scheme provides for and engages with children whose first language is not Welsh. The scheme is run by Literature Wales with the support of Welsh Government, S4C, Books Council of Wales and Urdd Gobaith Cymru. 

Want to know more about Literature Wales?

For further information, visit the website

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