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 NEW national campaign has been launched by the Welsh Government aimed at strengthening the country’s entire food system – from farm to fork.

The initiative, titled ‘Rooted in Wales’, is designed to bring together farmers, growers and fishers with manufacturers, retailers, communities and consumers in a collective effort to support local food and build a more resilient system.

Rather than focusing solely on individual choices, the campaign takes a whole-system approach, highlighting how every part of the food chain is connected – and how small changes across society can deliver lasting impact.

The campaign encourages:

• Farmers, growers and fishers to continue producing high-quality Welsh food
• Manufacturers and food businesses to source more Welsh ingredients
• Retailers and shoppers to prioritise local and seasonal produce
• Communities to grow, share and celebrate food locally
• A wider effort to cut waste, reduce packaging and support local economies

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, welcomed the initiative.

He said: “Choosing food that’s rooted in Wales is a powerful action we can all take to help create a more secure food system for our communities.

“By supporting local produce and our farmers, we are helping to build a fairer and healthier food system. People don’t need to change everything overnight – small steps taken together can make a big difference.”

The campaign builds on existing work across Wales, including efforts led by Food Sense Wales and a network of 22 Local Food Partnerships operating in every local authority area.

These partnerships play a key role in delivering the Welsh Government’s Community Food Strategy, bringing together organisations, businesses and communities to improve access to sustainable, locally sourced food.

The Welsh Government has also set a target to increase public sector spending on Welsh food by at least 50% by 2030, with ‘Rooted in Wales’ supporting that ambition.

The campaign was showcased at the Torfaen Food Summit at Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbrân, where local projects highlighted the benefits of community-led food initiatives.

Schoolchildren were among those taking part, with pupils from Blenheim Road and Coed Eva Community Primary Schools involved in growing and cooking demonstrations.

Businesses are also central to the campaign, with a focus on increasing the use of Welsh ingredients throughout the supply chain.

Leading the way is Castell Howell, one of Wales’ largest food distributors, which supplies ingredients for around 850,000 school meals each week.

Working alongside Food Sense Wales, the company has helped expand the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative to 12 local authorities, delivering more than one million portions of locally sourced, organic vegetables since 2022.

Edward Morgan, ESG manager at Castell Howell, said the project is helping create new opportunities for Welsh growers while encouraging healthier eating among children.

He said: “We need to stimulate more horticultural activity in Wales, but also help educate children to eat more vegetables.

“With strong support from local authorities and Welsh Government, we are confident this work will deliver real benefits in the years ahead.”

The ‘Rooted in Wales’ campaign invites individuals, businesses and communities to play their part in building a stronger, fairer and more sustainable food system for the future.

THIS year is already shaping up to be a landmark one for Laura Hugman, who has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at The Paul Sartori Foundation while also preparing to take on one of the world’s most demanding endurance events – the London Marathon.

Laura moves into the CEO position after a decade as the charity’s Clinical Lead, and following her appointment as Interim CEO in January 2026. Over the past ten years, she has played a central role in shaping and delivering compassionate care across Pembrokeshire, working closely with patients, families, staff and volunteers. Her deep understanding of clinical services, combined with a calm, people-first leadership style, brings continuity, trust and experience at a crucial time for the organisation.

In her new role, Laura is focused on building on the charity’s strong foundations while keeping its core mission firmly in sight – supporting people living with life-limiting illness. She is committed to ensuring sustainable growth while remaining true to the values that underpin the charity’s work within the community. She will continue to work closely with Chair Dave Evans and Vice-Chair Jason Tomlin.

Away from the office, Laura is also taking on a personal challenge that reflects the same determination she brings to her professional life. A relative newcomer to running, she joined The Waterfront Community Runners in 2021, initially as a way to improve her fitness. What began as a modest step has since developed into a goal she once never imagined – completing a full marathon.

Training for the London Marathon demands consistency, resilience and patience – qualities that closely mirror the care delivered every day by the Paul Sartori team. Early starts, long-distance runs and physical fatigue have all become part of the routine, but Laura remains motivated by the cause she represents and the people the charity supports.

The marathon itself – 26.2 miles of physical and mental endurance – will see thousands take to the streets, cheered on by crowds and watched by millions around the world. For Laura, it is more than a race; it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work and to generate much-needed funds.

She hopes to raise around £3,600 – the equivalent of one day’s cost of providing the charity’s hospice-at-home services, helping ensure that compassionate care remains available to families across Pembrokeshire when they need it most.

As Laura steps into these dual challenges – one in the boardroom and one on the road – she does so with determination, compassion and a clear sense of purpose.

She will be cheered on every step of the way when she takes part in the marathon on Sunday (Apr 26).

To support Laura, visit her JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/laura-hugman-2