Steve Witherden, Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, visited the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) today to learn more about the charities’ work sharing solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency and CAT’s ambitious ‘Cynefin: Green Heart of Wales’  redevelopment project – a flagship initiative within the Mid Wales Growth Deal aimed at boosting green skills, innovation, and sustainability across the region. 

It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Witherden to CAT and learn more about his long-standing connection with the charity. His father was an early CAT pioneer, moving to the CAT site in the early 1970s. 

During the visit, Mr Witherden heard how the Cynefin project will create a world-class sustainable visitor experience alongside new facilities for postgraduate education, professional training, and essential skills development. These plans aim to position Mid Wales as a leader in low-carbon innovation, helping communities and businesses adapt to climate challenges while creating high-quality jobs in the green economy.

CAT’s Co-CEO Eileen Kinsman also highlighted the Association for Science and Discovery Centres’ campaign, Science Centres for Our Future, that calls for fairer access to funding for science and discovery centres across the UK. These centres play a vital role in inspiring people of all ages to engage with science, technology, and innovation – yet remain largely excluded from government funding streams available to similar cultural organisations. 

Eileen Kinsman, CAT’s Co-CEO, said: 
“Centres like CAT are essential for inspiring action and developing the skills needed for a zero-carbon future. By investing in both inspiration and innovation, we can deliver real benefits for communities, the economy, and the environment. It was a pleasure to share this vision with Steve Witherden MP and explore how we can work together to make it happen.” 

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss how CAT’s work aligns with the wider ambitions of the Mid Wales Growth Deal and the importance of continued support from government to ensure the success of the project. 

Steve Witherden MP said: 
“I was overjoyed to be back again at the Centre for Alternative Technology. 

“I cannot overstate the depth of my connection to this amazing place. My father, an agricultural economist, moved here to be a founding member in the 70s. That is the very reason I am Welsh and by extension, the Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr. 

“I am so proud to represent an area hosting one of the most forward-thinking institutions – always ahead of the curve – in Wales. In offering qualifications and courses too, it is the closest thing the constituency has to a university. 

“Our species gravely needs to learn to respect the natural world. To that end, the CAT continues to lead the way. It is of huge value to the constituency, the region, and the world.” 

CAT is a registered environmental educational charity and remains party-politically neutral. 

For more information about CAT’s work and the Cynefin project, visit: 
www.cat.org.uk