Community

Our Welsh shores to offer increased seabird protection

Published

11 years ago

November 25, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Extra protection: Puffins, Manx shear-waters, Guillemots and Razorbills

RARE sea bird species including Puffins, Manx shear-waters, Guillemots and Razorbills are being given extra protection after Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant agreed to extend the boundaries of three existing Special Protection Areas (SPA)s off the Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd coasts. The sites where the changes are taking place are Grassholm, Skokholm and Skomer Islands in Pembrokeshire and Bardsey Island and the Aberdaron Coast in Gwynedd. The changes mean that as well as protecting the nesting sites themselves protection is being extended to areas further out to sea where the birds feed, preen and rest before and during the breeding season.

The Minister also announced he would be updating the list of species which qualify for protection at the Skomer & Skokholm and Aberdaron Coast & Bardsey Island sites. Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said: “Welsh seas support a significant proportion of the UK’s, and in some cases the world’s, breeding populations of a number of seabirds. For example more than 55% of the world’s Manx shearwaters come to Skomer and Skokholm Islands in Pembrokeshire to breed. “There are often threats to the survival of these birds at sea and I know we need to do more to fulfil the needs of seabirds in Welsh waters. “Today’s announcement is the completion of the first phase of work to strengthen the protection of these birds.

We will continue to work with Natural Resources Wales and in collaboration with those industries that use our waters to consider additional areas that are important for birds.” Ceri Davies, Executive Director for Knowledge Strategy and Planning at Natural Resources Wales said: “It is vital that we protect these habitats which are important for seabirds as well as the fishing and recreational industries. “The birds and the beautiful landscapes, seascapes and islands where they live help to attract thousands of visitors here every year. “Designating these sites will help ensure that some of our most important nesting areas for seabirds in Wales are effectively protected and managed.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)