Newport’s festive Green Fair attracted hundreds. It again was a showcase and celebratory gathering of the eclectic range of green enterprise in West Wales.

It was fun to browse among new products and maiden businesses testing their wares in the fields of healing and beautifying, foods, clothing and technical briefings from experience in the renewables arena.

New this year was a non-stop discussion programme which covered, at different times, permaculture organic, biodynamic and forest gardening, the Occupy movement stemming from the Arab spring and now spreading through the world, building and renovation, passive house and low impact and discussion around the Off Grid living stall.

One thing became clear, that an hour wasn’t enough for some discussion so plans were laid there and then for follow up activity such as a building forum day in the spring.

As usual the Green Fair is a social where old friends re-meet and newcomers make connections. Its packed vibrancy is testimony to the health of the green sector in West Wales.

Far from being diminished by recession, its relevance is intensified by the contrasting gloom – and people know it.

Vicky Moller