News
County Hall bird box project to help fight decline of the swift
BIRD boxes have been installed at County Hall in Haverfordwest to help tackle the decline of the swift, a much loved summer visitor to the UK.
The Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership (PNP) purchased the boxes as part of a project fully funded by a Welsh Government Local Places for Nature grant.
In total, 46 swift boxes have been installed, with the work undertaken by the Council’s arborist team.
The UK swift population has declined by 60% in the last 30 years and the swift is now on the UK red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.
While the exact reasons for the decline are not fully understood, a reduction in suitable breeding sites is likely to be a contributing factor.
In the UK, swifts predominantly nest in holes in buildings, which modern buildings rarely provide unless they are incorporated into the design.
In addition, existing nesting opportunities in older buildings are becoming increasingly scarce as they are lost when the buildings are refurbished.
The PNP swift box project aims to provide breeding opportunities for swifts while also enhancing the biodiversity value of County Hall and the surrounding area.
In addition to installing the swift boxes, the PNP are creating insect friendly habitats at County Hall and in the wider environment through changes to mowing regimes and habitat management practices.
These actions aim to boost the insect population in Pembrokeshire, on which the swift depends on for food.
It is hoped that the swift boxes will begin attracting prospecting birds next year and that swifts will begin nesting at County Hall from 2026 onwards. A number of swift call speakers have also been installed which will broadcast calls, out of office hours, during the breeding season to encourage swifts to investigate the boxes.
Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services, said: ““This is a worthy initiative, supporting one of Britain’s most loved yet sadly threatened summer birds.
“I’d like to thank the council’s planning service and the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership for securing the funding for this project, which is part of the authority’s duty under the Environment (Wales) Act to enhance biodiversity.
“I look forward to the swifts returning and hopefully seeing them use these boxes in the future.”
A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.
To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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