FAIRIES LAND IN SWANSEA: Magical statue unveiled at station to bring Gower legend to life

The eye-catching installation, unveiled by Great Western Railway (GWR), brings to life the legendary Faeries of Pennard Castle — a haunting tale rooted deep in Gower folklore.

From Gower legend to city centre spectacle

The striking sculpture shows a winged faery perched among bright yellow flowers — a nod to the ancient story of how magical beings punished a cruel lord by burying his lands beneath sand dunes near Pennard.

Now, that legend has been transported from the windswept Gower coast straight into the heart of Swansea, as part of a wider campaign to get families exploring the stories behind the region.

GWR says the move is about turning everyday journeys into adventures — encouraging passengers to step off the train and discover the landscapes behind Wales’ most famous myths.

“Step into the stories”

The Swansea statue is part of a wider rollout linked to a new book, The Line to Legend Land, which retells traditional tales from across Wales and the South West.

A spokesperson for GWR said the aim is to “bring legends to life” and inspire a new generation to connect with the places around them.

And Swansea’s faery isn’t alone.

A giant red dragon has also appeared at Cardiff Central railway station — representing the iconic national symbol of Wales.

A striking red dragon statue now greets passengers at Cardiff Central as part of a Wales-wide myths and legends campaign.
(Image: GWR)

Boost for Swansea footfall?

The installation could also prove a boost for the city centre, with the station acting as a gateway for visitors heading to Swansea and the Gower.

With its mix of local heritage, family appeal and Instagram-ready visuals, the statue is already drawing attention from passers-by and travellers alike.

More than just a statue

The campaign is also supporting a children’s charity founded by author Michael Morpurgo, with hundreds of books being distributed to schools across the rail network.

But for Swansea, the focus is firmly local — shining a spotlight on one of Gower’s most enduring legends and putting it right in front of thousands of commuters every day.

And if GWR gets its way, this could be just the start — with more people swapping routine journeys for myth-filled adventures across South Wales.

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Inside Swansea’s deadly new zoo exhibit where venom could help cure cancer

Plantasia Tropical Zoo has unveiled its latest exhibit, Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons, bringing some of the animal kingdom’s most feared creatures face-to-face with the public.

But behind the fangs, stings and toxins lies something far more surprising — scientists are now studying these species in the fight against cancer, diabetes and chronic pain.

From fear to frontline science

The new exhibit features eight venomous and poisonous species — each with a story that goes far beyond their bite.

Among them is Lucy the beaded lizard, one of only two venomous lizards in the world. Her venom is already being explored in research into type 2 diabetes.

Brightly coloured poison dart frogs — famous for their toxic skin — are helping inspire powerful new painkillers, while fire-bellied toads are being studied for compounds linked to breast and prostate cancer treatments.

Visitors can also come face-to-face with:

• A mangrove snake, whose venom could play a role in colon cancer research
• A Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantula, linked to chronic pain studies
• An Asian forest scorpion that glows under UV light
• And even assassin bugs, whose venom is being used to develop eco-friendly insecticides

One of the venomous species featured in the new Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons exhibit at Plantasia. (Image: Plantasia)

‘Look closer and be amazed’

Zoo bosses say the aim is to turn fear into fascination — and show how nature’s most dangerous creatures could hold the key to future medicine.

Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia, said the exhibit is designed to get people thinking differently.

He said: “We’ve taken a familiar part of the zoo and turned it into something completely different.

“This new area invites visitors to look closer, ask questions and discover just how clever nature can be.”

A bold new chapter for the city centre attraction

The exhibit is part of a wider expansion at Plantasia, which has been growing its offering with immersive experiences including its dinosaur-themed Giants of the Past and large-scale escape room challenges.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member, said the latest addition is another boost for the popular attraction.

He said: “It’s great that Plantasia has this fantastic new exhibit… I highly recommend a visit.”

More than just a day out

As well as giving visitors a close-up look at some of the world’s most misunderstood animals, the zoo says the exhibit plays a key role in its conservation and education work.

The long-term plan even includes adding a critically endangered species and contributing to international breeding programmes.

And while the creatures inside may look intimidating, the message is clear — they could be helping to save lives.

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