As a representative of the Wales Environment Institute, Gareth Morgan takes his job extremely seriously – and has a dire warning for the town of Morfa Halen as Under Salt Marsh begins.
Knowing Morfa Halen is in trouble, with only a matter of time before it goes under water, Gareth is doing what he can to protect the community and keep them safe. The problem is not everyone’s willing to listen, or to leave the quaint piece of peace they’ve spent their lives in.
Speaking ahead of the series, actor Dino Fetscher talks to Sky about the importance of community in the story, what makes Claire Oakley’s tale so gripping, and the ups and downs of fighting the elements on set.
How do you describe the show to people?
It’s an atmospheric crime drama set in a coastal Welsh town under threat from rising sea levels and climate change. That’s the backdrop — but layered into it is a gripping crime mystery. It’s a story about community, survival, and the secrets that surface when everything is at risk.
What drew you to Claire Oakley’s script and your character?
I was immediately struck by how original the story felt. At its heart, it’s a story of emotion — complex, nuanced, and deeply human.
Claire’s writing is character-driven, not just plot-led, which makes every moment feel truthful and emotionally rich. I could feel the three-dimensionality of every character, and that’s what made me want to be part of it.
The show explores community resilience. How is that portrayed?
It’s a central theme. The people of Morfa Halen face destruction — not just from the storm, but from the emotional fallout of the crimes and secrets that unfold. And yet, they rally. There’s pain, grief, and conflict, but also love and support. That sense of togetherness, especially in a Welsh context, felt very authentic. Claire captured that beautifully.
As someone from Wales, how does Morfa Halen compare to real Welsh towns?
I’m from Cardiff, so I grew up in the city, but I’ve spent a lot of time in Welsh villages. Morfa Halen feels very real to me. The big personalities, like Marilyn’s character Carys, or Jim the Chippy, they are spot on.
That warmth and nosiness you find in Welsh communities is all there. It made me laugh because I recognised so many of those traits.
Tell us more about Gareth. Who is he and what does he do?
Gareth is an ecologist working as an ecological consultant for the Wales Environment Institute in our story. He’s been in Morfa Halen for about six months, monitoring tidal patterns, wildlife migration, and storm risks.
He’s there to protect both nature and people, but he’s often the bearer of bad news, a Cassandra of sorts. That makes him a bit of an outsider. Still, he’s deeply passionate and cares enough to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular. I admire that about him.
How did you work with Claire Oakley to develop Gareth?
Claire and I collaborated from the very beginning. We sat down and talked through Gareth’s arc, his motivations, and his emotional journey. She was incredibly open and responsive. We discussed everything, from specific words in the script to the emotional beats of each scene.
It felt like a true partnership, which is invaluable as an actor. That level of detail and trust created a space where I could really play and explore.
What makes a great crime drama, and where does Under Salt Marsh fit in?
Twists and suspense are essential, but for me, it’s all about character and relationships. If I’m not invested in the people, the plot doesn’t land. Under Salt Marsh has both — edge-of-your-seat mystery and deeply human connections.
The relationships aren’t incidental; they’re central. You care about who did it, but you also care about whether these people will find love, forgiveness, or peace. That’s the magic.
What three words would you use to describe Under Salt Marsh?
Atmospheric. Thrilling. Tense.
Gareth is closely tied to the show’s environmental themes. What is a salt marsh, and why are they important?
A salt marsh is where saltwater from the sea meets freshwater from rivers — creating brackish water. These ecosystems are incredibly biodiverse and act like natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters and preventing overflow.
I did a lot of research, including birdwatching with a conservationist, and learned how vital salt marshes are. They filter water, support unique species, and store more carbon per square metre than rainforests. They’re essential to climate resilience.
What’s the show’s message about climate change?
It’s here. It’s happening. And we need to act. What I love is that the storm in the show is ever-present but not preachy. It’s woven into the story in a way that feels natural and urgent. Through the characters, we feel the impact—and that makes the message resonate more deeply.