Community

AM supports National Park’s contribution to local economy

Published

11 years ago

November 20, 2013

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park, along with the other two National Parks in Wales, plays a critical role in supporting the Welsh economy, an independent report published today has revealed.

The report – Valuing Wales’ National Parks – examines the economic contribution of our National Parks and the extent to which they impact on the lives of people in Wales and beyond.

The report found that the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the surrounding area attracts 4.2million visitors a year, supports over 7000 jobs and contributes £187million Gross Value Added to the Welsh economy.

Paul Davies the Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “I consider myself very lucky to both live and work in such a beautiful part of the country. Our National Parks very much symbolize the character and essence of Wales and in many respects they are Wales’ window to the world.

“Understanding their economic value is crucial on so many levels. The findings of the report, Valuing Wales’ National Parks, are very positive indeed, highlighting their significant contribution to the Welsh economy.”

In a Statement of Opinion raised at the National Assembly – AMs including Paul Davies paid tribute to the work of the Pembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Parks.

The Statement of Opinion reads: ‘This National Assembly commends the work of our three National Park Authorities and recognises their significant contribution to the Welsh economy – estimated to be in the region of £1billion. We further acknowledge that the National Parks of Wales play a pivotal role in the economic development of their respective regions that extends far beyond their physical boundaries. The specialised and consistent approach to the management of these natural assets ensures their protection and sustainability for the enjoyment of both residents and the 12 million annual visitors’.

The report found that together Wales’ National Parks attracted over 12 million visitors each year spending an estimated £1billion on goods and services, outperforming their English and Scottish counterparts in terms of visitor nights – with a higher proportion of visitors staying in the Welsh countryside.

The findings of the report not only highlight the fundamental role the National Parks play in underpinning our economy, but also recognise the recreation, wellbeing and cultural benefits they bring and their wider tourism value as high-profile international brands.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chairman Cllr Mike James added: “The results are revealing. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park attracts over 4million visitors each year, supporting over 7,000 local jobs.

“Their conservation and social wellbeing value of the National Park has long been recognised, but this report has given us a real insight into the tangible economic benefits and I’m naturally pleased with its findings. I’m also delighted with the cross-party support we’ve received at the National Assembly for Wales.”

The findings of the report have been endorsed by Assembly Members from across the political spectrum, who have come together to show their support for the work of Wales’ three National Park Authorities.

The report, produced by Arup, Consulting, was commissioned by National Parks Wales, the Welsh Local Government Association and Natural Resources Wales.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Community

Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK.

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”