AMELIA HUGHES

As a secondary school maths teacher in Brecon, I feel that I am in a uniquely powerful position to responsibly shape the perspectives of young people lucky enough to grow up within a National Park. Every day, I work with pupils whose lives are closely connected to the land, many from agricultural backgrounds, and I see first-hand how education can influence not just knowledge, but values. I believe that the key to protecting our natural spaces lies in creating ethically informed citizens—young people who understand the impact of their choices and feel a genuine responsibility toward the environment around them. By embedding these ideas into my teaching and daily interactions, I aim to empower the next generation to become thoughtful stewards of both our green and blue spaces.

My connection to nature has always been shaped by two constants in my life—music and water, both of which bring me a sense of calm, clarity, and purpose. As a former competitive swimmer, I developed a deep connection and respect for the water from an early age, later qualifying as a National Pool Lifeguard. Despite growing up in landlocked Powys, my fascination with the ocean only grew stronger with age and knowledge; eventually leading me to the world of mermaiding. I have been fortunate enough to have been part of the mermaid community in Wales for over a decade and through my mermaid persona, Melody Pearl, I aim to usecreativity to engage and connect with audiences. Through performance, storytelling, and moments of wonder, I aim to use my platform to capture attention and inspire curiosity, raising awareness of the challenges facing our blue spaces.

Mermaiding, for me, is more than performance—it is a way of bringing magic to reality and reconnecting people with the wonder of the ocean. I am currently working towards my PADI Mermaid Freedive qualification, which I will complete in May, further deepening both my skills and my advocacy. I use my voice, both in and out of the classroom, to highlight environmental issues and encourage meaningful action. Whether I am speaking to pupils, performing, or engaging with the wider community, my goal remains the same: to make environmental awareness accessible, memorable, and impactful.

At the heart of my mission is the Welsh concept of Cynefin—belonging and connection. It is about understanding where we come from and recognising our responsibility to nurture it. Living and working within a National Park, I see Cynefin reflected in the landscapes around me and the communities I serve. As a Miss Earth Wales finalist, I want to embody this idea by championing the protection of both our natural environment and our Welsh identity. I believe the ocean is the closest thing we, as humans, have to magic—and that magic, along with the landscapes we call home, is something truly worth protecting.

So welcome aboard! Swim along for the journey!