A SAPLING descended from the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Carew Castle, giving fresh life in Pembrokeshire to one of Britain’s most cherished natural symbols.

The young tree was planted on Thursday (Apr 2) as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park joined the UK’s other National Parks in a shared act of remembrance and renewal.

The original Sycamore Gap tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall for more than 150 years, was felled in 2023, sparking sadness across the country. Cuttings and seeds salvaged after its destruction were carefully nurtured by the National Trust at its Plant Conservation Centre before being distributed to all 15 UK National Parks.

Now, one of those saplings has found a new home at Carew Castle, linking Pembrokeshire with landscapes across the country through a living symbol of resilience, heritage and hope.

The planting was attended by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chair Dr Madeleine Havard, Vice Chair Cllr Claire George, Authority Member and local county councillor Vanessa Thomas, Chief Executive Tegryn Jones, and Director of Nature and Tourism James Parkin. Local children also took part in the event.

The Park Authority said the planting reflected a shared duty to care for special places and to pass them on to future generations.

Dr Havard said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was a powerful symbol of our connection to nature and heritage. While we cannot replace the landmark that was lost, planting this sapling at Carew Castle ensures its legacy grows here in Pembrokeshire.

“It serves as a living reminder of our role as guardians of these landscapes and our commitment to the generations who will enjoy them in the years to come.”

Carew Castle was chosen as the planting site because of its rich history and its importance within the National Park.

National Parks said each of the 15 saplings will be cared for by local teams, creating a lasting symbol of the enduring strength of nature in some of the UK’s most treasured places.

Caption: A descendant of the Sycamore Gap tree is planted at Carew Castle by National Park representatives and local children.

Helen Jenner, a teacher, Welsh speaker and mother of two, will join Dan Thomas in leading the party’s campaign

REFORM Wales leader Dan Thomas has announced Helen Jenner as the party’s new deputy leader as it steps up preparations for the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Jenner, who tops Reform’s regional list in Bangor Conwy Mon, was born in Neath and raised on Ynys Mon. She is a teacher by profession, a Welsh speaker, and a mother of two.

Announcing the appointment, Mr Thomas said the party wanted to draw on the strengths of its members as it heads into the election campaign.

He said: “Reform Wales is a team.

“And like every team, we need to draw on the skills and attributes of all of our members to get results.

“That’s why I’m excited to announce that Helen Jenner will join me in leading Reform into the Senedd election in May.”

Ms Jenner said Wales was at a “crossroads” and claimed Reform was the only party offering “ambitious, credible solutions” to the problems facing the country.

She said: “Wales is at a crossroads, and Reform is the only party offering ambitious, credible solutions to the problems the people of Wales face.

“As a proud Welsh woman, I believe the only party prepared to put our country first is Reform.

“I’m honoured to join Dan and our hard working members in this fight for a fairer, more prosperous Wales.

“Vote Reform on May 7 for the real change Wales deserves.”

The announcement comes as parties across Wales continue to unveil candidates and campaign teams ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

Report finds a third of reception-age children are above a healthy weight as activity levels fall sharply in teenage years

A THIRD of children aged four and five in West Wales are above a healthy weight, according to new research which warns that too many young people are heading towards a future of preventable ill health.

The findings are included in a new State of the Region report commissioned by Activate West Wales, covering Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

The report found that fewer than one in four primary school children across the region are achieving the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. By secondary school age, that figure drops to just 19 per cent.

Researchers also identified a clear gap between boys and girls, with boys significantly more active. Between 22 and 24 per cent of boys meet the daily activity target, compared with just 13 to 14 per cent of girls.

Sedentary behaviour was also found to be high across the region, with children in some areas spending seven or more hours inactive on weekdays. Swansea and Neath Port Talbot recorded levels above the Wales average, while girls were found to be more sedentary than boys in all four local authority areas.

The report brings together data from a range of sources to highlight patterns, inequalities and areas where more targeted action could improve health and wellbeing through sport and physical activity.

There were some more positive findings. Children and young people in West Wales were found to be taking part in organised sport three times a week at a higher rate than the Wales average.

However, girls’ participation remained lower than boys in every local authority area.

The review also looked at demand for different activities. Children and young people with disabilities highlighted interest in weightlifting, tennis and archery, while those without disabilities most commonly chose swimming, football and cycling.

Dr Susan Barnes, chair of Activate West Wales, said: “This first State of the Region review gives us the most comprehensive picture to date of sport, physical activity and health across West Wales.

“The evidence in the report presents a clear and uncomfortable truth: unless we act decisively now, too many people across our regional footprint will face a future marked by preventable ill health, widening inequality, and diminished opportunity.

“Without intervention, today’s inactive child is highly likely to become tomorrow’s unhealthy adult.”

Jamie Rewbridge, chief executive of Activate West Wales, said tackling the problem would require long-term action across government, councils, health boards, schools, businesses, clubs and community groups.

He said: “This report is not an end point, but a starting line for lasting change.”