A PIONEERING environmental project in Pembrokeshire aims to capture up to 250 million litres of additional groundwater each year, as local farmers take collective action to tackle flooding, drought and water quality challenges.

The initiative brings together 21 dairy farmers, all members of the First Milk co-operative, in a new four-year partnership with Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK — both major employers in the region.

Regenerative farming to boost soil health

The project forms part of First Milk’s industry-leading regenerative farming programme, which encourages practices such as rotational grazing and increasing species diversity in grassland. These methods improve soil structure and organic content, helping land retain more water and reducing environmental damage during extreme weather.

“As extreme weather becomes more frequent, poor water systems add to the risk of flooding and drought,” said Mark Brooking, First Milk’s Chief Impact Officer. “This project supports our farmers to work with nature — improving the land, supporting biodiversity, and delivering lasting benefits to local communities.”

Across 800 hectares of farmland, the farmers are extending regenerative practices to create natural water reservoirs within the soil. By improving water infiltration and the soil’s holding capacity, they hope to make farms more resilient while protecting nearby rivers.

Understanding what’s below the surface

To establish a baseline, an agronomist has assessed more than 100 fields across the 21 farms. Nearly 50 soil samples were analysed, 650 earthworms counted as indicators of soil health, and penetrometer tests carried out to measure compaction.

Each farm has received tailored recommendations, from shallow sward slitting to deeper subsoiling, along with guidance on grazing patterns and planting deeper-rooting pasture species to maintain long-term soil structure.

Farmers are already putting the advice into practice.

“It’s made me spend time looking at issues I hadn’t given enough attention to before,” said Dan James of Gellyolau Farm near Clynderwen. William Fox, of South Astridge Farm near Tenby, added: “Understanding where compaction occurs helps me plan improvements. Anything that reduces soil compaction benefits both the farm and the environment.”

Near Puncheston, Michael Williams is using sward slitting and subsoiling in the short term while increasing grass diversity for the long term. “The assessment confirmed what I suspected — that some areas struggle in very wet or very dry conditions. It’ll be interesting to see what impact these changes have,” he said.

Protecting Pembrokeshire’s rivers

As the interventions take effect, the land will hold more water and reduce surface run-off, helping to improve water quality in the Eastern and Western Cleddau and tributaries of the River Taf.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages in Narberth, said: “We’re proud to work with First Milk farmers to improve groundwater quality and quantity here in Pembrokeshire, where our Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life bottling site operates.

“Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility. Caring for it requires collaboration — and this partnership shows what can be achieved when local communities work together.”

Cover image:

First Milk’s Esther Stephens and William Fox on South Astridge Farm

PLANS for a “hobby farm” agricultural shed near the site of a former Pembrokeshire vineyard, made by a close family member of a part of the county’s planning service have been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the November 4 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for the building at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was brought to committee rather than being decided by officers due to the family link with the service.

A report for members said the site, by the former Cwm Deri vineyard, sought to replace a prefabricated Nissen Hut which is in a poor state of repair; the replacement housing machinery, sheep and fodder/hay/straw.

The report added: “Oaklea is located in the countryside and extends to approximately 25 acres with a further 11 acres of rented land. The supporting statement states that the applicant intends to use all of the land for farming operations and that the new building is required to enable the storage of agricultural machinery and other plant which is already owned and used to maintain the land.

“During the course of the application, the applicant’s agent has provided additional information that details that the applicant has a range of agricultural machinery and livestock comprising 10–15 breeding ewes and a ram and several chickens. The shed would also be used to store hay cut from the land and to occasionally house livestock during the winter months.”

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries said the smallholding “hobby farm” had suffered damage to existing buildings during recent storms.

Approval was moved by Cllr Alec Cormack, with 11 members in favour and one abstaining.

Deputy First Minister says policy has delayed spread and given farmers vital preparation time

WALES will become an all-Wales Bluetongue Restricted Zone (RZ) from 10 November, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced the measure on Thursday (Oct 30), saying the move follows months of surveillance and close work with vets and the farming industry.

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) has now been detected in eleven cases in Wales — four in Powys and seven within the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in Monmouthshire. Officials expect more cases to appear as monitoring continues.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “The success of our policy so far is down to the hard work of delivery partners such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency and The Pirbright Institute, as well as the co-operation of farmers and vets across Wales.

“I recognise the disruption caused by movement restrictions between England and Wales, but this approach has delayed the spread of Bluetongue until a time of year when transmission is far less likely and has given farmers valuable time to vaccinate and prepare.”

He added that temperature data and modelling indicate midge-borne transmission is “very unlikely” after 10 November, allowing the Government to simplify control measures while maintaining vigilance.

What changes from November 10

• Temporary Control Zone revoked: Existing TCZ restrictions will end, simplifying the disease control framework across Wales.
• Premises restrictions lifted: Individual holdings will no longer face Bluetongue-specific movement or culling requirements.
• Free movement between England and Wales: Livestock will be able to move without mandatory vaccination or mitigation measures, although vaccination remains strongly advised.
• Ongoing surveillance: Monitoring for new Bluetongue serotypes will continue to ensure early detection and rapid response.
• Germinal product testing: Testing of donor animals before freezing and marketing will continue to reduce transmission risk.
• Moves to Scotland: Animals moving from the Welsh RZ to Scotland will be subject to Scottish licensing and testing rules.

Industry backs the move

During a roundtable meeting on 27 October, senior industry representatives gave unanimous backing to the all-Wales RZ. They supported freer livestock movement between Wales and England while acknowledging the increased animal-health risks that come with it.

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine, said: “We continue to urge animal keepers to source stock responsibly, remain vigilant for signs of Bluetongue, and report any suspect cases immediately to the APHA.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect herds and flocks. With industry’s full support, I strongly encourage farmers to speak to their vets about the timing of vaccination, particularly before the next transmission season in spring 2026.”

Mr Irranca-Davies concluded: “As we move forward, continued co-operation between farmers, vets, Welsh Government and our delivery partners will be vital to minimise the long-term impact of Bluetongue in Wales.”