The hidden danger at coastal salt marshes

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind a Crime Drama

A TV crime drama has drawn inspiration from the "tragic reality" of its real-life filming locations, according to actor Sir Jonathan Pryce. The series, Under Salt Marsh, follows detectives as they race to solve the mystery of a local schoolboy's death before a once-in-a-generation storm threatens to destroy evidence and the future of the fictional town of Morfa Halen.

Some of the show's filming locations in Gwynedd and on Anglesey in north Wales are also facing an uncertain future due to severe weather. Sir Jonathan, who plays farmer Solomon Bevan in the series, noted that the show reflects an ecological crisis and the community's fight to survive and be heard. He said, "It's a thriller with an important message behind it. There are real towns on the west coast of Wales under threat from the sea."

A Unique Setting and Environmental Challenges

With most of the filming taking place in north-west Wales, actress Kelly Reilly, who plays ex-detective Jackie Ellis, described the environment as "a character in itself." As the impending storm adds urgency to solving the mystery of young schoolboy Cefin's death, it becomes an even more difficult task for Reilly's character and her former partner DC Eric Bull.

The show's creator, Claire Oakley, spoke about the impact of the weather and tides on the characters. She said, "They're at the mercy of the weather and the tides. I was interested in how it might feel to live somewhere where your home could get destroyed by the next big storm and how that might affect things. We started to develop this idea of a police investigation that would help us dig into these landscapes."

Barmouth: The Heart of the Story

Barmouth in Gwynedd stands in as the main setting of Morfa Halen on the north-west coast. With a population of almost 2,500, the seaside town is located on the Mawddach Estuary. The show's fictional community lives on the end of a tidal causeway, with high tides cutting them off from the rest of the world.

Scenes were also filmed at a popular camping site in nearby Llanbedr. Oakley shared her personal connection to the area, saying, "I've been going to [Barmouth] for 10 years and I fell in love with this small place called Shell Island. That inspired a lot of the thinking of where we could set this and how we could make this place feel so isolated."

Fairbourne: A Town Battling the Elements

Some of the seafront scenes were filmed in Fairbourne, which has its own battle with the elements. Fairbourne is recognized as the first place in the UK that could face evacuation due to climate change. Its location and rising sea levels mean that the town faces regular severe flooding, with Gwynedd council deciding it will stop maintaining flood defences by the 2050s.

The town could be decommissioned before then to allow over 800 local residents to be re-located elsewhere, making them the country's first climate refugees. This real-life struggle mirrors the tension and urgency portrayed in the show, highlighting the growing challenges faced by coastal communities.

A New Welsh Crime Drama

Under Salt Marsh offers a unique blend of crime, drama, and environmental themes, set against the backdrop of Wales' beautiful but vulnerable coastline. The series stars Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly and features Sir Jonathan Pryce, who revisits his roots in a new role. The show not only entertains but also raises awareness about the real issues facing coastal towns.

As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the dramatic landscapes of north Wales, where the natural environment plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. The combination of compelling storytelling and real-world relevance makes Under Salt Marsh a standout addition to the crime drama genre.