One of Pembrokeshire’s best loved summer visitors is being given a helping hand to recovery thanks to 46 new swift boxes which have been erected at the County Hall, Haverfordwest.

The boxes have been purchased by Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership as part of a project fully funded by the Welsh Government’s ‘Local Places for Nature’ grant.

Swifts have seen a sharp decline in the last 30 years, with their population decreasing by as much as 60 per cent.  Breeding Bird Survey data has documented a significant decline in their populations, the reasons most likely being because of poor summer weather, a decline in insect food and a continued loss of suitable nesting sites.  As a result, the swift has now been included on the UK’s red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.

The long-distance migrant chooses to nest in holes in buildings, however most modern buildings don’t have suitable crevices unless they are incorporated into the design.  The problem is further exacerbated by existing nesting opportunities in older buildings which 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 its surrounding area.

In addition to the swift boxes, the PNP is creating insect friendly habitats at County Hall and in the wider environment through changes to mowing regimes and habitat management practices. These will help boost the insect population in Pembrokeshire, on which the swift depends for food

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.

A ROAD in Pembrokeshire was temporarily closed following a two-car collision on Saturday (Oct 26).

The accident took place on the A477 between Red Roses and Kilgetty, close to the Tavernspite exit, at around 3:30pm. Police confirmed the road was cleared within the hour, with no reported injuries to the drivers involved.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a two-vehicle RTC on the A477 Red Roses to Kilgetty, near the Tavernspite exit, at approximately 3:30pm on Saturday, October 26.

“Neither vehicle required recovery, and the road was clear by 4:30pm.”

Eighty years on, the evocative sounds and styles of the 1940s will be returning to
Pembroke Dock in 2025, coinciding with anniversaries marking VE and VJ-Days and
the end of World War II.
The volunteer team which runs the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is joining forces
with the Port of Milford Haven to stage a Forties Dance in the former Royal Dockyard
which, in wartime, was a key base for both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
Date set is Saturday June 2, 2025, and the Port of Milford Haven is sponsoring a
400-capacity marquee to be sited within the dockyard. It will also be used for the
Port’s own functions and other community events.
Already booked is the 15-piece Phil Dando Band from Swansea, which plays the big
Glenn Miller style sounds so memorable in the war years.
Tickets priced at £25 will go on sale through Eventbrite and Pembroke Dock Heritage
Centre and are expected to be in big demand. Proceeds support the Heritage Centre
which records the community’s remarkable military and maritime past.
Accepting the military-style ‘call up’ as event coordinator is Phil Thompson, a
former Heritage Centre Trustee and organiser of countless major events in
Pembrokeshire.
Said Phil: “With its many military and maritime connections, Pembroke Dock and the
Haven had a big stake in World War II and in victory. We know that many of the
dance goers will turn out in uniforms or 1940s vintage gear recapturing the spirit of
those times – it will be a never-to-be-repeated occasion in the historic dockyard
setting.”
Added Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing for the Port of
Milford Haven: “We are thrilled to support this wonderful 1940’s dance event at
Pembroke Port with the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity
to celebrate the rich history of the former Royal Dockyard and bring the community
together for a memorable evening. At the Port of Milford Haven we are always eager
to back initiatives that highlight our local heritage and create engaging experiences
for residents and visitors alike.”