New sensory and outdoor learning space at Canolfan Elfed will support young people with severe and multiple learning needs

CHILDREN with additional learning needs from across West Wales are benefiting from a new inclusive playground following a major fundraising effort led by local Rotary clubs.

The bespoke playground at Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre, part of Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen, was officially opened in July after two years of planning, fundraising and partnership working.

Designed to provide a safe, accessible and stimulating outdoor environment, the facility will support pupils with a wide range of additional learning needs, physical disabilities and autism.

The project marks a significant milestone for Rotary District 1150, covering Southern Wales, as it is the first time the district has secured a Rotary Foundation Global Grant for a project within its own area.

The Global Grant, including District Designated Fund contributions, totalled $58,400. The overall cost of the project was just over $100,000, with the remaining funding raised through donations from Rotary clubs, school fundraising and community support.

The project was delivered through a partnership involving Carmarthen Tywi Rotary Club, Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club, Rotary District 1150 and the YMLAEN charity.

The Rotary Club of Fontenay-le-Comte, in the Vendée region of western France, acted as the international partner required for the Global Grant application.

The original vision came from Queen Elizabeth High School business manager and YMLAEN founder Nigel Cooke, together with Canolfan Elfed inclusion manager Lisa Thomas.

They wanted to create an outdoor learning, play and sensory environment tailored to the needs of pupils attending the centre.

The idea gathered momentum after the school hosted a Rotary Youth Speaks competition, leading to a partnership with local Rotary clubs and District 1150.

Further funding was generated through local business sponsorship, a London Marathon challenge and an Olympic-themed spinathon involving pupils.

Canolfan Elfed supports young people aged between 11 and 19 from Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion who have severe and multiple learning needs.

The centre was originally designed for 67 pupils, but now supports around 95 learners each day.

Although the centre was well equipped internally, pupils previously had no designated outdoor play area or safe external learning environment.

The new playground has been designed around their specific needs, with accessible equipment intended to support physical development, sensory regulation, communication and independent play.

It is also expected to help pupils develop balance, coordination, confidence, social skills and emotional wellbeing.

Phillip Williams, immediate past president of Carmarthen Tywi Rotary Club, said: “It is so rewarding to see the hard work of the Rotarians involved in the grant application coming to fruition in the form of this exciting sensory playground.

“It is going to play a vital part in the development of children with additional learning needs, both now and in the future.

“It demonstrates how the Rotary family, at local and international level, can make things happen for the benefit of the community.”

Nigel Cooke said: “We extend our sincere thanks to Rotary for its outstanding support in helping us secure the funding for our new sensory play yard at Canolfan Elfed.

“Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in turning our vision into a reality.

“Without the funding Rotary has provided, this project simply would not have been possible. It will leave a lasting legacy for our pupils for many years to come.”

The playground is expected to provide pupils with more opportunities for cooperative play, communication and teamwork, while encouraging movement and the development of fine and gross motor skills.

Staff also hope regular access to the facility will help reduce frustration, withdrawal and challenging behaviour, while improving emotional regulation, peer relationships and participation in group activities.

Pupils’ progress will be monitored throughout the school year, allowing activities and equipment to be adapted as their needs develop.

The playground was officially opened by Carmarthen Town Mayor Cllr Russell Sparks, who cut the ribbon during a ceremony attended by pupils, school staff, Rotarians, donors and sponsors.

Andy Edwards, of Carmarthen Tywi Rotary Club, also gave a presentation explaining the process of securing the landmark grant.

Water shot several metres into the air from an excavated section of West Street as crews worked behind safety barriers

A HUGE burst water main sent a towering jet of water into the air in the centre of Fishguard on Monday afternoon (July 27).

Photographs show water surging several metres into the air on the Golden Mile.

The road surface had been opened and the area surrounded by barriers, with an excavator and repair equipment at the scene. Broken sections of tarmac could be seen around the large excavation as water continued to pour from the damaged main.

The incident comes just eight days after Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water introduced temporary hosepipe restrictions across parts of west Wales because of exceptionally high demand for treated drinking water.

The ban affects around 33,000 properties, including communities in north Pembrokeshire such as Crymych, Eglwyswrw, Nevern, Newport, Llanfyrnach, Tegryn and Star. Fishguard itself is not currently included in the company’s published list of restricted areas.

Welsh Water said the restrictions were introduced because demand had risen to around one billion litres a day, approximately 20 per cent above the level normally expected. It stressed that the immediate problem was the ability to treat, pump and distribute water quickly enough, rather than a shortage in reservoirs.

The sight of such a substantial volume of water escaping from the network is nevertheless likely to cause frustration among residents who have been urged to conserve supplies during the prolonged hot and dry weather.

Major fires have scorched thousands of acres, threatened protected habitats and exposed concerns over Wales’ ability to secure aerial firefighting support

WILDFIRES across Wales have prompted calls for the Senedd to be recalled as firefighters continue tackling some of the country’s most serious incidents in years.

Crews have faced simultaneous fires across north and south Wales, with the largest incidents centred on the Rhinogydd mountains near Harlech and the hills above Blaenavon.

The emergency has unfolded after successive heatwaves and exceptionally low rainfall left mountains, moorland and grassland tinder dry.

Natural Resources Wales has now declared drought conditions across North Wales and the Upper Severn, while every other part of Wales is classed as experiencing prolonged dry weather. July is on course to become the driest month recorded in Wales for almost 190 years unless substantial rainfall arrives before the end of the month.

Major fire enters second week

Firefighters were still working on Monday, July 27, to extinguish the wildfire above Blaenavon, more than a week after the first emergency call was received.

The fire has affected an estimated 220 hectares, around 543 acres, of mountainside covered by bracken, gorse and other vegetation.

Crews have been working around the clock in difficult terrain, supported by specialist wildfire officers, drones, four-wheel-drive vehicles, water bowsers and heavy machinery.

Tactical burning has been used to remove vegetation ahead of the advancing fire, while farmers have helped create firebreaks intended to prevent the flames spreading further.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has established an operational base near Blaenavon, with local residents and businesses delivering meals, drinks and other supplies to firefighters working long shifts on the mountain.

Smoke from the blaze has travelled considerable distances, affecting communities around Nant-y-Glo and Brynmawr and reportedly being detected as far away as Cardiff.

Residents affected by smoke have repeatedly been advised to remain indoors where possible and keep their windows and doors closed.

Protected landscape burned near Harlech

In North Wales, firefighters have spent more than two weeks responding to a fire across the Rhinogydd mountains, close to Llyn Cwm Bychan, Harlech and Trawsfynydd.

The fire was first reported on July 12 and spread across remote terrain containing nationally and internationally protected habitats.

Parts of the affected landscape are designated as a Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve.

An estimate reported by BBC Wales suggested that the fire had affected approximately 951 hectares, equivalent to around 2,350 acres.

Firefighters and Natural Resources Wales staff created and strengthened firebreaks while monitoring the threat to woodland, wildlife habitats and nearby communities.

Roads and footpaths were closed to protect the public and maintain access for emergency vehicles. Smoke also reduced visibility around parts of the A470 near Bronaber and Coed y Brenin.

By Friday, July 24, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said there was no longer a continuous fire front. However, numerous hotspots remained and crews expected monitoring and firefighting work to continue over the weekend and beyond.

Helicopter arrived after days of delay

The Rhinogydd fire became the focus of a national debate about the availability of aerial firefighting equipment.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service requested helicopter assistance because crews were struggling to reach parts of the fire across steep and isolated terrain.

Natural Resources Wales approved the request and agreed to meet the associated costs because of the potential damage to protected habitats.

However, an approved helicopter was initially unavailable because aircraft were already in demand at other wildfire incidents across the UK.

The Welsh Government said there was no suitable military aerial firefighting capability based in the UK and that the armed forces could not provide a water-bombing aircraft.

A specialist civilian helicopter was eventually secured and began supporting the Rhinogydd operation on Friday, July 24.

The aircraft helped firefighters reach difficult areas and attack hotspots from the air, alongside the continuing ground operation. It was also scheduled to return the following day.

The Welsh Government has now promised to review the capabilities available to deal with wildfires, including the possible future role and cost of aerial support.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said fire and rescue services remained responsible for operational firefighting decisions.

She said Natural Resources Wales’ existing aerial arrangements related principally to protecting the Welsh Government Woodland Estate rather than providing a general national wildfire service.

She added that there were differing views among emergency services and other agencies about the role helicopters should play but accepted that the issue needed to be examined.

Labour calls for Senedd recall

Welsh Labour has called for the Senedd to meet during its summer recess so Members can question ministers about the response.

Jayne Bryant MS, Welsh Labour’s spokesperson for communities, said: “I am deeply concerned about the wildfires across Wales.

“There is an urgent need for the Senedd to meet in order for the government to provide an update about the response and give Members the opportunity to represent their constituents’ views.

“The lack of aerial support is of great concern.”

Ms Bryant thanked firefighters and emergency workers who had been operating in difficult and dangerous conditions.

She said: “My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fires and I would like to thank the fire and rescue teams across Wales, who have been working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances.”

The Welsh Government has said multi-agency tactical co-ordination groups were established for both the Rhinogydd and Blaenavon fires.

Those groups included the fire and rescue services, Natural Resources Wales, military representatives and Welsh Government officials.

Ministers said the groups allowed resources and information to be co-ordinated quickly and reported that, as of July 23, neither major fire posed an immediate threat to life or property.

Fires reported across North Wales

The fires at Rhinogydd and Blaenavon have been the largest incidents, but they formed part of a much wider pattern.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with fires or remaining hotspots at Pentrefelin near Holyhead, Hope Mountain, Pentre Halkyn, Mount Pleasant in Brymbo and the mountain above Capelulo near Sychnant Pass.

Other incidents were reported at Braichmelyn Forest near Bethesda, Bagillt, Brynford and Conwy Mountain.

A major incident was declared during the earlier fire at Sychnant Pass, where 36 properties were evacuated as flames and smoke approached nearby communities.

Residents were later allowed to return after firefighters brought the immediate danger under control.

The scale and number of the incidents placed significant pressure on fire control rooms, specialist wildfire crews and equipment.

Mutual aid was requested to bring staff and fire appliances into North Wales from other services.

Entire country affected by exceptional dryness

The wildfire emergency has coincided with rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions.

Natural Resources Wales declared drought status across North Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, South Gwynedd, the Welsh Dee, Clwyd and the Upper Severn on July 23.

North Wales and the Upper Severn had received less than two per cent of their expected rainfall for July at the time of the declaration.

Some rivers recorded new monthly minimum flows, while groundwater levels continued to decline and river temperatures increased.

All remaining catchments in south-west Wales, including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, were moved into prolonged dry weather status.

South-east Wales had already been placed in that category, meaning the whole of Wales is now experiencing drought or prolonged dry conditions.

Reservoir supplies were reported to remain generally healthy, but NRW asked households and businesses to use water carefully to reduce pressure on rivers, habitats and wildlife.

Risk remains despite some rainfall

Rain and cooler conditions brought some temporary relief over the weekend, but the Met Office has warned that the wildfire danger remains elevated across much of Wales and England.

Dry ground, low humidity, warm temperatures and stronger winds can allow a small fire to spread quickly and become difficult to control.

The Fire Severity Index measures how serious a fire could become if one starts rather than predicting whether an ignition will take place.

The Met Office said conditions were expected to become increasingly warm again during the week beginning Monday, July 27, while wildfire conditions would remain elevated despite rainfall in some areas.

Questions over management of the uplands

The fires have also revived debate about how mountains and moorland should be managed.

The National Sheep Association said properly managed grazing by sheep and cattle could help control the amount of bracken, gorse and long grass available to fuel wildfires.

Chief executive Phil Stocker said declining livestock numbers and reduced grazing in some upland areas had allowed large fuel loads to develop.

He called for farmers to be supported through agricultural and environmental funding to manage vegetation, protect peatland and reduce fire risks.

Any future policy would need to balance grazing, habitat protection, carbon storage, biodiversity and wildfire prevention across some of Wales’ most environmentally sensitive landscapes.

Public warned against barbecues and campfires

Fire and environmental authorities have stressed that many wildfires can be prevented.

People are being told not to light campfires or carry out controlled burning during periods of extreme dryness.

Disposable barbecues should not be used in the countryside, on mountains or in other open spaces. Cigarettes should be extinguished completely and never thrown from vehicles or dropped on the ground.

Visitors are also being asked to take bottles, cans and broken glass home and to use authorised campsites rather than setting up unauthorised camps where fires may be lit.

Public Health Wales said wildfire smoke could irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest discomfort.

People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart conditions, along with older people, young children and pregnant women, may be particularly vulnerable.

Anyone affected should stay indoors, close windows and doors, turn off systems drawing outside air into the building and keep prescribed medication nearby.

People should call 999 immediately if they discover a wildfire or believe that lives or property are in danger.

A warning for the future

Although firefighters have made progress at several sites, the crisis has raised questions that will remain after the final hotspots have been extinguished.

Ministers now face pressure to establish whether Wales needs guaranteed access to specialist helicopters, additional wildfire vehicles, more trained personnel and a long-term national wildfire strategy.

There will also be questions about land management, emergency funding and how communities are protected as hotter and drier summers become more common.

For now, firefighters remain on the mountains, supported by farmers, volunteers, emergency services and communities who have supplied food, water and practical assistance.

Their work has prevented a serious environmental emergency from becoming a tragedy involving the loss of homes or lives.

But with the landscape still exceptionally dry and further warm weather forecast, the danger has not passed.