Community

Eco space for the local community

Published

11 years ago

February 17, 2015

IN A QUIET country lane in Cosheston, a few miles from Pembroke Dock, something remarkable is underway. John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross, is

John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross

in the process of transforming his land into an exemplar of sustainable living.

A carbon neutral, self-sufficient small holding which Includes woodland coppicing, orchard, fruit-tree nursery, vegetable garden and wildlife area. The development began, when John moved to Cosheston 7 years ago, with his daughter.

“I’ve always worked in the community and this project is about giving something back. I want to enable people, not just to come and learn about growing vegetables, but also to feel good about the land.”

All ages from school and community groups to senior citizens are invited to visit the site, to learn new skills such as apple tree grafting, fruit and veg growing and composting as well as the benefits of sustainable living. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

“The local school has visited in the past’ John continues, ‘we have received funding from educational charity services which is great but with cuts in funding for education it’s difficult for school groups to come. It’s a shame as there’s lots to offer.”

This includes 3 shave horses bought with help from the educational services charity. Shave horses are workbenches which people can sit on, and using a special tool, carve wood into various shapes. “The fact that we have three means it can be a group event, children or adults, can learn together.”

John lives temporarily in a Gypsy Caravan on the land that he has worked on for 7 years. He admits he still has much work to do, but values the support of the community.

“Planting trees in the woodland area was a real community effort. A neighbour puts his sheep to graze on my land and gives me firewood in return. So there’s a nice exchange.”

He hopes to eventually offer individual allotments for school groups and to teach children about house building through the construction of his eco house. It is perhaps the most impressive part of the project. Built with little outside help and using locally sourced timber and polystyrene in the walls and floor. He intends to make it fully insulated so heating will be largely unnecessary.

“It’s certainly the only eco house of this size and design in Pembrokeshire. When it’s complete I would like to use the space for yoga and dance classes.”

In September 2013, the low impact council held a conference at Green Apple. Over 50 people took part in various activities, enjoyed live music and camping in the beautiful surroundings.

Local reading and writing groups have also used the undercover nursery, which in spring is an abundance of blossoming fruit trees.

“Local writer Ruthie Alton led a review of Germaine Greer’s White Beech here last summer. We plan to a make this a regular thing.”

In the future John would like to see more school/community groups and general public visiting Green Apple. He understands it’s a time of cutbacks and hardships but believes people will always need the land.

“Green Apple was made for sharing. There are always things going on here. In February the Apricot trees will begin to flower, in March grafting on the young trees can begin. Whatever happens in the world we have to look after the land.”

Community

Milford Haven councillors attend library coffee morning to thank community

Published

6 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of Milford Haven Town Council joined residents and staff at Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning for a community coffee event celebrating local support for the town’s library service.

The gathering was organised by the library to thank the Town Council and the wider community for their continued backing.

The Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, attended alongside Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Woodward and fellow town councillors, meeting residents over tea and coffee and speaking with library staff about the role the service plays locally.

Councillors said the event provided a relaxed opportunity to engage directly with the public and hear how the library is supporting people of all ages, from families and young readers to older residents who use the space socially.

A spokesperson for the council said the morning was “a wonderful turnout” and a chance to strengthen ties between the council, library staff and the community.

They added: “It was great to talk with residents and see first-hand how valued the library is. Thank you to the team for their warm hospitality.”

Pembrokeshire’s libraries continue to host regular community activities, groups and events aimed at tackling isolation and providing welcoming public spaces across the county.

Community

Community groups invited to apply for monthly funding boost from Cwm Arian

Published

9 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

£200 donations helping sports clubs, warm spaces, schools and local projects keep Pembrokeshire villages connected and thriving

COMMUNITY groups across north Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to apply for monthly funding as Cwm Arian Renewable Energy continues its programme of small grants aimed at strengthening local life.

The community energy organisation is offering £200 every month to support grassroots projects, with the funding open to clubs, charities, volunteer groups and informal community initiatives. Since the scheme launched in April 2022, the fund has supported a wide range of activities, from youth sport and schools to cultural events and wellbeing projects.

The grants are deliberately flexible, allowing groups to decide what their communities need most rather than fitting strict criteria. Money can be used for hall hire, equipment, refreshments, transport, training costs or materials, helping even the smallest organisations get ideas off the ground.

In Hermon, funding has supported the popular Warm Rooms project, providing hot meals, company and a welcoming space for older residents during the colder months. Organisers say the grant has helped tackle isolation while giving people somewhere safe and social to meet.

In Crymych, football and rugby clubs have used the donations to run training sessions, organise matches and purchase kit, giving young people regular opportunities to stay active, develop skills and build confidence. Elsewhere, cultural groups and local festivals have used the support to stage workshops, performances and events that bring residents together.

A spokesperson for Cwm Arian said the aim is to keep the process simple and accessible.

They said: “These donations are about helping local people do what they already do best. A relatively small amount of money can make a big difference to a village group or volunteer project. We want to support activities that strengthen communities and improve everyday life.”

Best known locally for its renewable energy and sustainability work, Cwm Arian says reinvesting income back into the community is central to its mission.

Groups with an idea that benefits people in Pembrokeshire are invited to apply, with guidance and application details available through the Cwm Arian website.

Community

Newgale road scheme paused after pressure from community

Published

9 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PROPOSED road realignment scheme at Newgale has been paused after Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed to halt its plans amid concerns over cost, disruption and environmental impact.

Local Senedd Member Paul Davies welcomed the decision and is urging the authority to give full consideration to an alternative proposal developed by residents.

The Council had been examining options to move the A487 inland to address the long-running problem of coastal erosion and storm damage at the popular seaside village, where the road sits directly behind a narrow shingle bank separating the carriageway from the sea.

Years of storm disruption

Newgale has repeatedly suffered flooding and damage during winter storms.

High tides and heavy seas have previously thrown shingle and debris onto the road, forcing temporary closures and clear-up operations. At times, traffic has been reduced to single-lane working while machinery removes stones and sand.

The stretch is one of the main north–south routes through Pembrokeshire, linking Haverfordwest with St Davids and the north of the county, meaning closures can cause lengthy diversions for residents, businesses and emergency services.

Council officers have warned in recent years that rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events could make the situation worse, prompting work on longer-term solutions.

Cabinet pauses scheme

The Cabinet had been considering a significant realignment of the road further inland.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism locally over its potential cost and its impact on the landscape.

Following discussion, members agreed to pause the scheme.

Mr Davies, who has been working with residents on an alternative plan, said the decision gives the community a chance to be heard.

He said: “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate.

“The community has developed its own Newgale Beach Access and Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme which offers a less invasive approach that would significantly reduce costs for the Council and local taxpayers.

“Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is right to stop its own scheme from going ahead and I now urge the Council to consider the community’s proposal, which strikes a far better balance between environmental protection, financial responsibility and the needs of local residents.”

Community voices

Residents have previously raised concerns about both safety and affordability.

One local business owner said road closures during storms can have an immediate impact on trade, adding: “When the road shuts, visitors simply don’t come through. We just want something practical that protects the village without costing the earth.”

Another resident said: “Everyone accepts something needs to be done. The key is finding a solution that works with nature, not against it.”

The Council is expected to review options, including the community-led scheme, before deciding how to proceed.

Details of the pause were included under Item 8 of the Cabinet’s recent meeting papers.