A tiny Welsh seaside village, once famously threatened by coastal erosion and rising sea levels, has been transformed into the picturesque star of a major new television drama. The six-part Sky Original thriller, 'Under Salt Marsh', has used the vulnerable but resilient community of Fairbourne in Gwynedd as its primary filming location.
From Climate Warning to Prime Time Drama
The series, created by Claire Oakley and set for release on 30th January, stars Kelly Reilly from the hit show Yellowstone. She plays Jackie Ellis, a former detective turned teacher, whose life is upended when she discovers the body of her eight-year-old pupil, Cefin. This tragedy in the fictional town of Morfa Halen—played by Fairbourne—reopens the cold case of her niece's disappearance three years prior, a failure that ended her police career.
The drama's plot, involving a looming storm and a race against time as the sea threatens evidence, poignantly mirrors the real-life fears of Fairbourne's residents. Over a decade ago, in 2014, Cyngor Gwynedd council stated it could not maintain flood defences indefinitely against rising seas, leading to predictions the village could be uninhabitable by 2054.
A Boost for a Resilient Community
Despite this daunting forecast, the community's spirit has strengthened. The arrival of the Sky production has been a welcome economic boost during the off-season and offers potential for future tourism. Filming took place not only in Fairbourne but also along Barmouth promenade, in Llanbedr, and across the stunning landscapes of Anglesey and Gwynedd.
Rafe Spall co-stars as Detective Eric Bull, Jackie's former partner, who returns to lead the investigation. The cast also features renowned Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce, alongside Naomi Yang and Harry Lawtey.
Wales's Dramatic Landscapes Take Centre Stage
Viewers will recognise several breathtaking Welsh backdrops. The salt marsh scenes were shot in Anglesey, while the vast dunes of Aberffraw also feature prominently. The enchanting Newborough Forest on Anglesey, a coastal National Nature Reserve since 1955, provided another key setting.
The series showcases the natural beauty that makes Wales an increasingly popular filming destination, from its rugged coastlines to the foothills of Snowdonia National Park that flank Fairbourne.
As a Sky Original, Under Salt Marsh will be available to watch on Sky and the streaming service NOW from its launch date at the end of January, bringing a global spotlight to a small Welsh community fighting for its future.
