NEARLY £1 million has been secured to strengthen marine biosecurity across the Milford Haven Waterway in a major new environmental initiative.

The Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD) project has been awarded £959,180 from the Nature Networks Fund, delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government. The three-year scheme aims to combat the growing threat of invasive non-native species and protect one of Wales’ most important marine ecosystems.

The project will introduce a coordinated, waterway-wide approach, combining new infrastructure with training, monitoring and public awareness campaigns.

Washdown facilities key focus

A central part of the scheme will see new vessel washdown facilities installed at boatyards around the waterway. These are designed to prevent biofouling – the build-up of organisms on hulls – which is a major pathway for invasive species entering and spreading in local waters.

By capturing and safely managing waste from thousands of vessel cleanings, the project aims to significantly reduce the risk of harmful species re-entering the marine environment.

Boatyard staff will also receive specialist training, while water users will be given targeted guidance alongside bilingual materials promoting the “Check Clean Dry” campaign.

Cutting-edge monitoring

The initiative will also utilise advanced monitoring techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA), allowing experts to detect invasive species earlier and respond more effectively.

The work supports the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Biosecurity Action Plan and builds on previous studies carried out by environmental consultants.

Leaders welcome funding

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be leading this important partnership project alongside some great partner organisations.

“The Milford Haven Waterway is central to our communities, economy and natural heritage, and invasive non-native species pose a growing threat to its ecological health.

“This funding allows us and our partners to put sector-leading biosecurity measures in place, supporting local businesses while safeguarding the marine environment for the long term.”

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, added: “This project tackles one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss.

“Reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species requires collective action, and this collaborative, waterway-wide approach is exactly what is needed.”

Wide partnership involved

The ABCD project will run from April 2026 to March 2029 and involves a broad partnership including the Port of Milford Haven, Dale Sailing, Rudders Boatyard, East Llanion Marine, Lawrenny Yacht Station and Mainstay Marine Solutions.

It will also work closely with Natural Resources Wales, the RYA’s Green Blue programme, the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat and local water users.

The scheme is expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure, increased awareness and stronger collaboration in tackling marine invasive species.

Photo caption: New washdown facilities will be installed at boatyards across the Milford Haven Waterway (Pic: Rudder’s Boatyard).

A GROUP of former colleagues from a Welsh steelworks are celebrating after scooping £1 million in the EuroMillions draw — a win that has brought them back together after years apart.

The 15-strong syndicate, made up of ex-finance staff at Tata Steel, landed the prize in the draw on Friday (Feb 27) after matching the Millionaire Maker code.

What began as a light-hearted workplace tradition has turned into a life-changing windfall — and a long-overdue reunion.

The group, dubbed the “Tata Steel Syndicate”, first started playing during long shifts in the finance department, pooling £5 each whenever the jackpot climbed above £100 million.

Even after leaving the company, members kept the tradition alive — staying in touch through emails, the occasional pint, and the hope that one day their numbers would come in.

That moment finally arrived when syndicate leader Paul Davy, aged 61, spotted the winning code.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it — a message just popped up on the app.

“I was checking Saturday’s draw when I saw the notification. I thought it must be an error, but then I saw the Millionaire Maker code. I was in complete shock.”

Paul, who has managed the syndicate for seven years, said he always treated the lottery as “a bit like donating to charity — with the chance of winning as a bonus”.

Now, the win is set to fund a host of dreams across the group, from clearing mortgages to once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

For Paul, that includes another cruise — despite initial nerves on his first.

He said: “My partner didn’t like the idea of boats at first, but we absolutely loved it. So another cruise is definitely on the cards — maybe the Mediterranean this time.”

While some members have stayed in touch over the years, the full group has not met up in person for a long time.

“This win has given us the perfect excuse to celebrate together properly,” Paul added.

Among those sharing in the prize are Gill Furlong, Christine Davies, Sally Wise, Julie Lambert, Allan Evans, Ian Howells and Raja Prasad.

The syndicate members — many of whom still live locally — are now planning how to spend their share, with priorities including home improvements, new cars, and helping family and friends.

The ticket was played via The National Lottery app, with the group winning through the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker draw.

A MILFORD HAVEN family dog has made a remarkable recovery after a serious leg injury left him barely able to walk.

Murphy, a much-loved pet owned by Louise and Steve Coombe, was suddenly struck down with severe lameness after spending time in the garden. His condition quickly worsened, leaving him struggling to move and clearly in pain.

Concerned for his welfare, his owners sought urgent advice from their local vet, who referred Murphy to specialist orthopaedic surgeons at Weighbridge Veterinary Referrals in Carmarthen.

Severe injury diagnosed

On examination, Orthopaedic Surgeon Nichola Davies identified significant pain in Murphy’s knee joint. Further investigation under anaesthetic confirmed a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament — a debilitating injury similar to an ACL tear in humans.

To restore stability and mobility, surgeons recommended a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), a complex procedure designed to stabilise the knee by altering the angle of the shin bone.

Three-hour operation

During a three-hour operation, a team of five clinicians carefully reshaped and repositioned Murphy’s tibia using the Slocum technique. The bone was then secured with a specialised metal plate to support healing.

Post-operative X-rays confirmed the procedure had been successful, with the bone and implant perfectly positioned.

Road to recovery

Murphy’s recovery required strict rest, controlled exercise, and gradual rehabilitation. Within four weeks, he was already beginning to bear weight on the leg again.

By twelve weeks, follow-up scans showed excellent healing, with only a slight residual limp — expected at that stage of recovery.

Nichola Davies said: “Murphy has done brilliantly. Cruciate ligament failure is a very painful condition, but with timely surgery and careful rehabilitation, dogs can make an excellent recovery. His progress has been exactly what we would hope to see.”

Owners praise care

Murphy’s owner Louise said the family were “incredibly grateful” for the care he received.

She said: “The team were kind, friendly, and reassuring throughout. They explained everything clearly and made us feel completely at ease. The surgery has been a great success and Murphy has recovered brilliantly.”

Back to normal life

Murphy is now enjoying increasing activity levels and is expected to return to full exercise in the coming weeks.

His story highlights the importance of early intervention and specialist care in treating serious orthopaedic injuries in pets.