Community

Call to stay safe and respect the countryside

Published

6 years ago

April 14, 2020

With more people using countryside paths and walks for exercise
during coronavirus restrictions, a call has gone out for walkers to stay
safe and respect landowners’ privacy and business.

The joint message comes from Pembrokeshire County Council and
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales
and is fantastic to explore on foot.

And with exercise close to home part of the permitted reasons to
leave lockdown, paths and walks are increasingly busy.

Walkers are advised to only access footpaths from their doorstep and
be aware that when using Countryside Rights of Way that you are
crossing private land.

At this time of year the countryside is a busy place, lambing is in full
swing and field preparation for new crops is underway.
Those using the paths are asked to follow and observe any advisory
signs or temporary diversions you may come across.

Please note that routes are normally unrestricted, but under the
present situation there may be some routes that aren’t available, such
as closures to part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Please be particularly vigilant and respectful when using paths that
are in the curtilage of private residences or pass through Farm Yards
and adhere with “social distancing” at all times.

Please follow this advice:

Wherever possible restrict use to footpaths accessible within
your neighbourhood – if possible do not drive to the
countryside to walk.

Follow any diversion signs provided by landowner.

• Remember social distancing. Keep 2m distance from anyone
and use wide areas to pass each other safely.

• Plan your walk – try to avoid busy times of day when many
other people may be walking, and if possible, don`t use the
same route every day.

• Respect landowners as they may be self-isolating or have
vulnerable people living with them.

• Ensure dogs are kept on a short lead, but beware of livestock
as they may chase your dog.

• Do not let your dog come in contact with other people.

• Clean up after your dog – do not leave dog fouling bags
behind.

• Ensure gates are not left open allowing livestock to escape.

• Keep to the line of the path, do not allow your dog to run free.

• Respect the property and business you are passing through.

• Keep away from livestock

• As part of good personal hygiene always wash your hands
after visiting the countryside.

It is also worth remembering that when walking or running on roads
where there is no pavement, you should face on-coming traffic and
wear highly visible clothing.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of the Park Authority said: “This
guidance will protect the public and any livestock they may encounter
while out walking. It will also prevent additional calls upon emergency
services, who are already working at capacity, from having to respond
to issues such as trespass, lost dogs, sheep worrying and livestock
escaping from fields.

“We are encouraged by the response of the vast majority of the public
in following Government advice to stay at home and only access the
outdoors from their doorsteps. It is important for those people who do
have walking opportunities on their doorsteps to take note of the
advice provided when out walking.”

Full details of the Coast Path closures can be found on the Authority’s
website at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.

Community

Final chance to invest in historic Boncath community cottage

Published

36 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in North Pembrokeshire have just days left to invest in a unique community project to purchase a historic Victorian corrugated cottage in Boncath for £12,000.

After a month of gathering support, volunteers behind the initiative are holding a final public meeting at the cottage on Saturday (Apr 4) from 11:00am to 12:00 noon. The event offers a last opportunity for new investors to join the cooperative and for existing supporters to view the building they now collectively own.

The cottage has served the community for more than 130 years. Since the 1930s it has been home to the Boncath WI, while earlier uses included a sawmill office and a rent collection point for the local estate.

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of Narberth-based community development organisation PLANED, who will explain how the scheme works and the financial incentives available. Investors contributing £500 may qualify for 50% tax relief through the UK Government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).

A similar model was successfully used in nearby Crymych, where community investors raised £210,000 to purchase and reopen the Crymych Arms pub.

Supporters can invest by contacting [email protected]
or downloading forms via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page. Printed forms are also available from Boncath Village Shop and Post Office.

Following the purchase, organisers plan to launch a wider community share offer at £50 per share to encourage broader local ownership.

The long-term vision is to transform the building into a small heritage centre, celebrating Boncath’s history and collecting local stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

For further information, contact Cris Tomos on 07974 099738 or email [email protected]
.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

Published

6 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.