Community

Clean water campaigners to run length of Eastern Cleddau

Published

5 months ago

July 9, 2025

Runners highlight pollution crisis in Pembrokeshire rivers

EIGHT runners from Pembrokeshire will take on the challenge of running the full length of the Eastern Cleddau River this Saturday (July 12), in a bid to raise awareness of the deteriorating water quality in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The group will begin their journey at the river’s source in the Preseli Hills, finishing at the estuary in Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven. Along the way, they will carry out water testing with support from The Cleddau Project — a grassroots volunteer group campaigning for cleaner rivers.

During the run, participants will meet local residents and landowners who have witnessed the visible decline in water quality, biodiversity, and habitat health along the river’s course.

Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks, said: “It’s shocking that rivers in National Parks like the Cleddau are among the worst in the country for water quality. The right decisions need to be made urgently to clean them up.”

She added: “National Park rivers are often overlooked by water regulators and companies. This ‘designation blindness’ must end — our protected landscapes deserve better.”

A spokesperson for The Cleddau Project commented:
“For decades, our river has been under assault from sewage, agriculture, and industry — and now climate change is making it worse. The whole ecosystem is under pressure. If we don’t act now, the damage could become irreversible.”

A river at risk

The Campaign for National Parks has singled out the Eastern Cleddau as a river at risk, highlighting high levels of agricultural pollution affecting the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) around the Daugleddau Estuary. The charity is calling for tougher water regulations in National Parks and for public bodies, including water companies, to prioritise environmental action.

Figures from the West Wales Rivers Trust reveal that between 2016 and 2022, 72% of pollution incidents in the Eastern Cleddau were linked to agricultural premises, with slurry being the most common pollutant. Only two water bodies in the catchment currently meet the standard of ‘good’ overall health.

The Western Cleddau SAC is also among the worst in Wales for phosphorous concentrations, while the percentage of water bodies achieving good ecological status within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has dropped sharply—from 48.3% in 2017 to just 28% by 2021.

Campaigners say a coordinated approach across the catchment is now urgently needed, with rivers recognised as vital natural assets for both land and sea ecosystems.

Full route and timings

The run will start at Carn Sian in the Preselis and end at Lawrenny Quay, covering 45km in total. Runners will stop at several locations for water testing and refreshments, including Mynachlog-ddu, Gelli Bridge, Minwear Uchaf and Landshipping Quay.

Full route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/26644831/cleddau-trail-run–cnp

Campaign page: https://www.cnp.org.uk/support/campaigns/end-water-pollution/

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)