Dr Cledwyn Hughes

The School was very saddened to learn of the death of Dr Cledwyn Hughes on the 29th April 2018. A native of Anglesey, ‘Cled’ as he was known by to staff and students, read for a BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology degree at University College Wales, Aberystwyth. A NERC-funded PhD at Aberystwyth followed this, supervised of Prof. Clarence Kidson, investigating the evidence for Changes in Climate and Sea Level in South-West England.

Following studies for a PGCE in 1979, Cled was Head of Geography at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, before joining the Coleg Normal as a Senior Lecturer in 1985. The integration of the Coleg Normal with the University of Wales Bangor in 1996, saw Cled take up the role of Head of Department of Environment, Leisure and Tourism. It was in this position that Cled was instrumental in the development of Geography, and formerly Environmental Planning and Management and Leisure and Tourism degrees, within Bangor University.

Initially within the School of Business and Regional Development, Cled later oversaw the amalgamation of Geography into the now School of Environmental, Natural Resources and Geography in 2007 and therefore laid the foundation for the growth of Geography within the school in subsequent years.

Cled’s wider contributions to higher education included roles with the Open University and University of Wales as well as consulting on the development of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Greece and Japan.

Immensely popular with students, Cled taught a wide range of modules with the fields of Geography and Environmental Management, and would often host GeogSoc Christmas and Summer Balls on his farm in Bodedern. 

A champion of Welsh culture and community, he is fondly remembered by his many students and colleagues.

Publication date: 2 May 2018