Anyone who buys a Welsh love spoon will be discovering something they may never have known about Wales, growing their understanding of its history, heritage and craft as they learn about this uniquely Cambrian tradition.

An exploration of such heritage and style can lead to a growing understanding of how a range of factors have combined to give Wales its distinctive culture. These range from its language, historical relations with England, spiritual traditions and the landscape.

The last of these is a central aspect of Wales, as most of the land is rural and stunningly beautiful, associated by some with myths and legends, but actually more accurately tied to castles, abbeys, chapels and the many industries of rural Wales from farming to quarrying.

In the 20th century, this rural splendour was recognised by the creation of three national parks in the 1950s, with Snowdonia (Eryri), the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) being established.

These already cover 20 per cent of Welsh land, but a fourth national park could be on the way. Consultations are starting on the Welsh government’s plans to create a new national park based on the current Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Lying in the north-east of Wales, this stunning area combines natural features with cultural and historic elements like Iron-age hill forts, Chirk Castle, Valle Crucis Abbey and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Wrexham, the last of these being a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of four in Wales. Part of the Offa’s Dyke national trail passes through it.

Whether the proposal goes through or not, it is a reminder that there is always so much more to discover about Welsh culture, history and nature, often in places off the beaten track. Buying a love spoon should be part of a wonderful and fascinating journey of discovery that will last a lifetime.