Community members, charities, local government and researchers came together in Llanelli this month to discuss how Carmarthenshire’s shared-use pathways can become more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
On 10 September, an important community discussion took place at Llanelli Goods Shed. Making Space for Everyone, brought together local residents, community and charitable organisations, council representatives, Welsh Government representatives and researchers to explore people’s experiences of shared-use pathways across Carmarthenshire, with a particular focus on the local Millennium Coastal Path.
The event was informed by a research project that has been running since February 2026, led by Dr Matthew Howell of Swansea University, alongside Dr Tom Avery from Swansea University’s Local Challenges Research Office (LCRO) and student intern, Ruby Williams.
Over several months, the researchers have been listening to the people who use these spaces. This has included spending time on the pathway and talking directly with its users, as well as meeting the wider community such as CETMA and attending community events such as the Llanelli Spring Fair.
Working with local artists, the project also created opportunities for people to express what shared pathways mean to them through art, opening up different ways for the community to contribute their experiences and ideas.
The findings from these activities were brought together at the Llanelli Goods Shed, where participants used an empathy-mapping exercise to consider the experiences and needs of different people using shared spaces.
There was much to celebrate. Participants highlighted the importance of the pathway for connecting people with their local community, the coast and nature. However, the discussion also identified improvements that could give more people the confidence to use these spaces.
Suggestions included more seating and public toilets, alongside clearer guidance about how pathways should be shared between walkers, dog walkers, runners, cyclists and other users.
One idea received particularly strong support: developing a clear and consistent shared-use etiquette across Wales, helping everyone understand how they can play a part in making shared spaces welcoming and enjoyable.
As one participant explained:
“Promoting a shared understanding and etiquette, ideally nationally consistent”, would largely improve people’s experience whilst using this space.
The research forms part of a wider project funded by the Coast-R Network, which brings together researchers, government and coastal and marine agencies, industry, local authorities, the voluntary sector and communities to explore questions around coastal resilience and change.
For the research team, Making Space for Everyone was not the end of the conversation. Instead, the ideas shared in Llanelli provide an important basis for thinking about how our pathways can continue to develop as places where everyone feels they belong.
For more details on the project, please email matthew.howell@swansea.ac.uk
