FOLLOWING the extended period of warm and dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has today (22 May 2025) confirmed that the trigger thresholds have been met to move the whole of Wales from ‘normal’ into ‘prolonged dry weather’ status.

The decision is based on hydrological and environmental factors and concerns around the pressures high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall has placed on rivers, groundwater levels, wildlife and the wider natural environment across Wales.

Prolonged dry weather is a natural event which has become more likely as climate change accelerates. It occurs when rainfall is lower than expected for a sustained period of time resulting in low river, reservoir and groundwater levels as well as the drying up of land and soils.

Following an exceptionally dry March, which was the driest since 1944, April saw some notable rainfall in parts of Wales, but warm dry conditions returned in May.

The three-month (February-April 2025) cumulative Wales rainfall was 59% of that expected for that time of the year. This equates to one of driest three month equivalent periods on record.

As such, teams across NRW are reporting the majority of river flows are currently low or exceptionally low. Groundwater monitoring also confirms levels receding earlier than would usually be expected in the year.

Teams on the ground are reporting concerns about the prolonged dry weather on the environment, including reports of dry riverbeds, algal blooms and concerns for salmon smolt and fish migration in low flows.

In recent weeks, wildfires have intensified in many areas of Wales and NRW officers are providing ongoing support to fire and rescue services to tackle multiple grass and wildfire incidents on the land that it manages.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy are reporting some water levels in reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of year, but variation across their operating areas, reflecting where rain has fallen.

NRW fully supports their advice for people across the country to use water wisely and help to protect water supplies and the environment

Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW said: “While there is some welcome rain forecast for the weekend and into next week, it will take time and more significant rainfall for river and reservoir levels to recover from this prolonged hot and dry spell.

“Such a dry start to the year is causing considerable concern for the health of our ecosystems and habitats, as well as for land management and the agricultural sector. As such, we have taken the decision to move the whole of Wales into prolonged dry weather status.

“For us, this means stepping up our actions and monitoring across Wales to help mitigate the impacts on the environment, land, water users and people, and responding to environmental incidents.

“Our drought teams will continue to meet regularly to review the status, and will work closely with our partners to ensure we take appropriate action to reduce impacts on the environment and other water users across Wales.

“To ensure water can continue to be supplied without damaging the environment, the public and businesses across Wales are being urged to use water wisely and manage this precious resource.”

NRW’s decision to declare prolonged dry weather status was shared with the Wales Drought Liaison Group earlier today. The group is chaired by the Welsh Government and made up of senior decision-makers from NRW, the Met Office, water companies, Public Health Wales, farming unions and local authority representatives.

NRW is engaging closely with the Environment Agency in respect to the cross border catchments.

When enjoying the outdoors, please be mindful that wildlife and ecosystems are under more stress. Members of the public should report any environment incidents to the 24/7 hotline on 0300 065 3000.

Some areas may also be at a higher risk of fires. If you see a wildfire, get to a safe place, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.

For advice about dry weather and agricultural practices please visit Natural Resources Wales / Advice for farmers in periods of dry weather.

Waterwise’s website provides details on how to use water wisely. Wales’ water companies, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) and Hafren Dyfrdwy (HD), also offer advice to customers on their websites on how to save water.

A NETWORK of popular coastal bus services will return to the Pembrokeshire coast from Saturday (May 24), offering residents and visitors a scenic, car-free way to explore the county’s coastal paths, beaches and beauty spots.

Key services returning this weekend include:

• The Puffin Shuttle (Service 400) – Operated by Richards Bros, this route links St Davids with Marloes, calling at Little Haven, Druidston, St Brides and Martins Haven, the departure point for boat trips to Skomer Island.
• The Strumble Shuttle (Service 404) – Also operated by Richards Bros, this service connects St Davids and Fishguard via the stunning coast road, stopping at Abereiddy (for the Blue Lagoon), Porthgain and Strumble Head.
• The Coastal Cruiser (Services 387/388) – Run by Pembrokeshire County Council, the circular route around the Angle Peninsula returns to its summer timetable on Sunday (May 25). Passengers should note that the first 388 service will depart Pembroke Dock rail station at the earlier time of 8:20am.

All three routes will operate daily until Sunday, September 28, providing essential access to some of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic locations.

Enhanced services are also on offer:

• The Celtic Coaster (Service 403) – Operated by Sarah Bell, this service around the St Davids Peninsula will run every 30 minutes during the half-term holiday (Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1) and throughout July and August.
• First Cymru’s open-top Tenby Coaster will return between Tenby and Saundersfoot daily from Sunday, May 25 to Saturday, September 6.
• Taf Valley Coaches will increase journeys on the 351 service between Kilgetty and Tenby from Saturday, July 19 to Friday, September 12, including a new return trip on Sundays.

These seasonal services are supported by the Pembrokeshire Greenways Partnership, with funding from Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Government, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:

“Our coastal bus services are a key part of our local network, making it easy for both locals and visitors to get around Pembrokeshire without relying on the car.”

Timetable updates to note:

Regular users of the 381 service (Haverfordwest–Tenby) should be aware of a timetable change from Monday, June 2. The first departure from Tenby will leave 10 minutes earlier, at 7:27am, arriving in Haverfordwest at 8:39am.

Printed copies of the 2025 Coastal Bus timetable booklet will be available shortly from local libraries and information centres. To request a copy, contact [email protected] or call 01437 764551.

Bus timetables can also be downloaded from the Council’s website:
👉 pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables

Haverfordwest Castle is being transformed – and it’s time for you to have your say!

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL in partnership with Haverfordwest Castle CIO are planning a brand new visitor experience across three floors of the old County Gaol that sits within the Castle’s grounds; sharing the stories of Pembrokeshire’s past, present and future.

Funding for this stage of the project is from The National Heritage Lottery Fund.

We want to hear what you would like to see and do at the Castle.

You can find the questionnaire at www.haverfordwestcastle.wales  or pick up a paper copy of the questionnaire at the reception of County Hall, Pembrokeshire County Council in Haverfordwest.

Spend just five minutes sharing your thoughts, memories, and stories from across Pembrokeshire.

While Haverfordwest Castle will be central to the experience, the stories told there will reflect the whole county — its people, places, past and future. Whether you grew up in the shadow of the Castle, have family roots in another part of Pembrokeshire, or simply care about preserving and sharing our shared heritage and highlighting Pembrokeshire’s uniqueness today – your insight is invaluable.

We want to create something distinctive, authentic, and deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire’s heritage and present day — not just a story about Haverfordwest Castle, but a story told through it.

Within the county’s old Goal, we wish to build an experience that resonates with people across the county and with visitors from further afield. Whether your connection is to the Castle or a corner of Pembrokeshire miles away, your stories, ideas, and memories will give this new attraction its heart.

The project has been in the making for almost 10 years and has been developed in conjunction with an active group of community stakeholders. When open, the attraction will be run by Haverfordwest Castle CIO, an independent charitable organisation that has emerged from the stakeholder group.

Work is currently underway for the first stage of the project to restore to the Castle and the old Gaol, funded by LUF to a state ready for the fit out of an exciting exhibition.