Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Batman to visit Bishop’s Palace

Published

on

View from top of cathedral  St. Davids Bishop's Palace 3(20)Pembrokeshire is home to more bats than anywhere else in Wales. And this August, visitors to St Davids Bishop’s Palace can explore the area’s nocturnal wildlife as well as its history, through a unique partnership between Pembrokeshire National Park and Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Visitors to the Palace will be given an exciting opportunity to learn about bats, starting with a talk from Craig Stringer, a Pembrokeshire National Park Discovery Ranger for ten years. Craig will share his knowledge about the flying mammals, before embarking on a 90 minute walk in search of the fascinating creatures.

Currently 18 species of bat have been recorded in the UK, of which 15 have been recorded in the National Park with 12 of the species also breeding there. But being nocturnal creatures and with the largest species being the size of a small pear, bats are often difficult creatures to explore.

St Davids Bishop Palace, which is cared for by Cadw, is home to several species, including Common and Soprano Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bat, the latter a species that hunts for insects along the River Alun. The Palace and its adjacent Cathedral also forms a ‘des res’ for bats, and at least eight species have been found there, including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat, which uses the Bishop’s Palace as a winter roost.

A night-time walk around the historic building and its grounds lead by Craig Stringer will let wildlife enthusiasts search for bats through identifying clues and using bat detectors to locate the creatures through the sounds they make.

Craig Stringer, Discovery Ranger and bat expert, said: “The Palace is an excellent site for bats, offering places for the creatures to breed, roost and feed, and there are several species to be found there.

“Bats make different noises depending on their species, for example the Horseshoe bat warbles and whistles! So it’s great fun for visitors to use the information that they’ve learned during the talk to identify the bat species. It’s quite a spooky experience which adds to the appeal, especially for children.”

John Griffiths, Minister for Culture and Sport, said: “The Brilliant Bats events appeal to families and wildlife enthusiasts alike, and these types of events are a fantastic way to attract new audiences to explore Cadw sites and learn about their local heritage.”

Amanda Canby-Lewis, Head Custodian, St Davids Bishop’s Palace, added: “The Palace may no longer be home to people but it is still very much lived in and there’s something magical about seeing its resident creatures of the night against such a dramatic backdrop.”

For further information about the events, visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk. Find Cadw on Facebook and follow @CadwWales on Twitter to stay up to date with news and events about Cadw’s 128 historic sites this summer. 

 

121 Comments

121 Comments

  1. shtcdagv

    February 4, 2026 at 1:59 pm

  2. Enriquecix

    February 4, 2026 at 8:31 pm

    how to become a seminary teacher [url=https://otvetnow.ru]https://otvetnow.ru[/url] consolidate credit card debt calculator

  3. eouuvdym

    February 8, 2026 at 10:43 am

  4. ksvbeylj

    February 11, 2026 at 9:48 pm

  5. zrbpozfn

    February 11, 2026 at 10:48 pm

  6. sfnwocdo

    February 12, 2026 at 12:25 am

  7. hyedtgrw

    February 12, 2026 at 2:05 am

  8. pnfgblzt

    February 12, 2026 at 2:50 am

  9. hbawufkr

    February 12, 2026 at 3:40 am

  10. stmqxwis

    February 12, 2026 at 6:43 am

  11. efqvvrlo

    February 12, 2026 at 7:50 am

  12. phsuvbpq

    February 12, 2026 at 10:23 am

  13. rqrdnomn

    February 12, 2026 at 10:55 am

  14. deymotox

    February 12, 2026 at 12:41 pm

  15. mndfyria

    February 12, 2026 at 2:40 pm

  16. zrirwibn

    February 12, 2026 at 3:38 pm

  17. hrylaljy

    March 6, 2026 at 1:07 am

  18. qpcsgzvb

    March 6, 2026 at 1:30 am

  19. yigotkih

    March 6, 2026 at 4:32 am

  20. vftlcmem

    March 6, 2026 at 7:05 am

  21. webjcrrc

    March 6, 2026 at 10:57 am

  22. qcfwjfzw

    March 6, 2026 at 2:18 pm

  23. vnzbmdll

    March 6, 2026 at 4:32 pm

  24. qoahahat

    March 6, 2026 at 9:06 pm

  25. xxhdozyk

    March 6, 2026 at 9:43 pm

  26. ktvoukmc

    March 7, 2026 at 2:11 am

  27. gvfotyug

    March 7, 2026 at 7:18 am

  28. kfjndsms

    March 7, 2026 at 8:56 am

  29. ntjrtxed

    March 7, 2026 at 11:26 am

  30. ltiwkoxk

    March 7, 2026 at 2:34 pm

  31. lcsdxhnk

    March 7, 2026 at 8:05 pm

  32. sffvtfqi

    March 7, 2026 at 9:27 pm

  33. vguxpddi

    March 8, 2026 at 1:17 am

  34. gnpnnwhc

    March 8, 2026 at 3:03 am

  35. czjwornl

    March 21, 2026 at 2:55 pm

  36. fmctehau

    March 21, 2026 at 5:02 pm

  37. qqlcuagk

    March 21, 2026 at 7:41 pm

  38. hleynrke

    March 21, 2026 at 11:25 pm

  39. busmmifs

    March 22, 2026 at 2:52 am

  40. sepfqodc

    March 22, 2026 at 5:25 am

  41. aqedwrov

    March 22, 2026 at 7:37 am

  42. moosfoep

    March 22, 2026 at 11:04 am

  43. vjxdnsts

    March 22, 2026 at 2:13 pm

  44. dckogokh

    March 22, 2026 at 5:09 pm

  45. chyzmxqz

    March 22, 2026 at 7:46 pm

  46. whrtasjp

    March 22, 2026 at 10:26 pm

  47. tbscgurg

    March 23, 2026 at 2:11 am

  48. cbyqjiaj

    March 23, 2026 at 4:03 am

  49. aadqdzxj

    March 23, 2026 at 8:37 am

  50. egvkwheq

    March 23, 2026 at 11:31 am

  51. ahbaslew

    March 23, 2026 at 2:57 pm

  52. lkoxbcqh

    March 24, 2026 at 3:07 am

  53. fsxsxrek

    March 24, 2026 at 4:53 am

  54. dhyaawtx

    March 24, 2026 at 8:25 am

  55. eanawqzv

    March 24, 2026 at 11:14 am

  56. oklinjfj

    March 24, 2026 at 4:21 pm

  57. eoknwpkt

    March 24, 2026 at 5:44 pm

  58. axgbggiw

    March 24, 2026 at 10:09 pm

  59. kyiwusgo

    March 25, 2026 at 12:09 am

  60. hpocyjzw

    March 25, 2026 at 4:02 am

  61. chlrdepl

    March 25, 2026 at 9:06 am

  62. kysughwp

    March 25, 2026 at 11:53 am

  63. omxqepyd

    March 25, 2026 at 6:15 pm

  64. cexnpgkj

    March 25, 2026 at 7:49 pm

  65. kmylrvss

    March 26, 2026 at 1:32 am

  66. fcvylxjf

    March 26, 2026 at 4:48 am

  67. gwqnelbs

    March 26, 2026 at 5:17 am

  68. rahqowwq

    March 26, 2026 at 1:42 pm

  69. ykecmvwp

    March 26, 2026 at 5:37 pm

  70. jzrpihpd

    March 26, 2026 at 9:28 pm

  71. rrwpbvnp

    March 27, 2026 at 2:23 am

  72. wphpuabp

    March 27, 2026 at 7:16 am

  73. icfjioyr

    March 27, 2026 at 7:43 am

  74. icdlbojj

    March 27, 2026 at 4:22 pm

  75. qogalzzp

    March 27, 2026 at 10:11 pm

  76. jbaqadcs

    March 28, 2026 at 1:55 am

  77. vgdsnrbo

    March 28, 2026 at 4:11 am

  78. rfgsnspd

    March 28, 2026 at 8:57 am

  79. zswiroef

    March 28, 2026 at 4:30 pm

  80. nmrthwfn

    March 28, 2026 at 9:02 pm

  81. sihtequn

    March 29, 2026 at 5:13 am

  82. kdlstdys

    March 29, 2026 at 6:57 am

  83. sldwrngl

    March 29, 2026 at 12:22 pm

  84. csexutvq

    March 29, 2026 at 6:35 pm

  85. akrdvmsb

    March 29, 2026 at 11:48 pm

  86. qppqfpyv

    March 30, 2026 at 2:40 am

  87. ipstmqbg

    March 30, 2026 at 9:20 am

  88. snoizfxk

    March 30, 2026 at 12:56 pm

  89. kwyvgbqv

    March 30, 2026 at 5:49 pm

  90. rdgjovqv

    March 30, 2026 at 8:58 pm

  91. sjlyqnyw

    March 30, 2026 at 11:10 pm

  92. jskklwrw

    March 31, 2026 at 12:47 am

  93. rcbwemus

    March 31, 2026 at 2:48 am

  94. yojhhhdp

    March 31, 2026 at 4:54 am

  95. jwvwtocq

    March 31, 2026 at 11:27 am

  96. rxgwnkgs

    March 31, 2026 at 8:12 pm

  97. jyemeinf

    March 31, 2026 at 9:31 pm

  98. flkzblkd

    April 1, 2026 at 3:13 am

  99. krlbdaku

    April 1, 2026 at 9:25 am

  100. lssebzil

    April 1, 2026 at 12:29 pm

  101. jmsadxli

    April 1, 2026 at 5:08 pm

  102. bprnttgq

    April 3, 2026 at 1:36 am

  103. rpyecxka

    April 3, 2026 at 6:32 am

  104. ciifhjjy

    April 3, 2026 at 10:06 am

  105. hakizqfg

    April 3, 2026 at 1:13 pm

  106. docjuzyn

    April 3, 2026 at 8:14 pm

  107. mrmebbpv

    April 3, 2026 at 9:39 pm

  108. klfgymuq

    April 4, 2026 at 4:01 am

  109. txguzonw

    April 4, 2026 at 6:27 am

  110. rzrdstdp

    April 4, 2026 at 10:28 am

  111. oejgqgrr

    April 4, 2026 at 2:43 pm

  112. pmmtvoyj

    April 4, 2026 at 7:21 pm

  113. uepylgzb

    April 5, 2026 at 1:50 am

  114. hvphdqbr

    April 5, 2026 at 2:45 am

  115. mizdyvot

    April 5, 2026 at 9:51 am

  116. llxnbfkm

    April 5, 2026 at 12:40 pm

  117. gzcxdvel

    April 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm

  118. svcfylxp

    April 15, 2026 at 5:06 pm

  119. kxaisfma

    April 21, 2026 at 2:51 am

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Sir David’s 100th birthday marked with call for kindness to animals

Published

on

FOLLY Farm has joined animal attractions across the UK in celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, with school visits, staff quizzes, new conservation signage and even a newborn alpaca named in his honour.

The much-loved broadcaster turns 100 on Friday (May 8), and the Pembrokeshire attraction said his lifelong work had inspired many of its own keepers and staff to care about endangered species and habitats.

School children from Monkton School celebrate Sir David’s birthday at Folly Farm (Pic: Suppled)

As part of the celebrations, Folly Farm welcomed pupils from Monkton Priory CP School in Pembroke, who spent time with conservation officer Jack learning about endangered and vulnerable animals, including lions, penguins and rhinos.

The pupils also gathered to sing Penblwydd Hapus to Sir David.

The attraction has also installed a new sign at the entrance to its zoo featuring one of Sir David’s best-known conservation messages: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they haven’t experienced.”

Folly Farm said one of its favourite tributes was the naming of a newborn alpaca cria, born on World Earth Day, April 22. The new arrival has been named David Alpacanborough.

Celebrations at Folly Farm (Pic: Folly Farm)

The zoo also held staff quizzes, created photo areas with a life-size cut-out of “Sir Dai”, and joined other BIAZA zoos and animal attractions in marking the milestone.

Folly Farm said: “Marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday is about more than photos and quizzes. It’s about acknowledging what his life’s work has achieved.

“Every time a child meets an animal up close, asks a question, or sings Penblwydd Hapus to a conservation hero, a seed is planted.

“Every time a keeper chooses this career path because of a documentary they watched growing up, that influence is still working quietly in the world.”

Sir David filming with puffins in Pembrokeshire

The Pembrokeshire celebrations come as the RSPCA urges the public to mark Sir David’s birthday by taking part in its Summer of Kindness campaign.

The charity is encouraging people to carry out seven simple acts to help animals, including planting flowers for pollinators, making bee drinking stations, feeding hedgehogs, helping pets in hot weather, organising litter picks and creating a basic rescue box for injured small wildlife.

The RSPCA said summer can be a difficult period for animals, with cruelty reports often rising during the warmer months. Last summer, the charity received 34,401 cruelty calls to its emergency line, up by a third on the previous year.

RSPCA wildlife expert Rebecca Machin said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to fall in love with animals and he has been a lifelong advocate for wildlife.

“His passion, care and voice for conservation has encouraged millions of people, including many across the RSPCA, to dedicate their lives to helping animals.

Sir David with Jan Mathias, owner of Monk Haven Manor guest house in St Ishmaels

“As Sir David celebrates this milestone birthday, we’re also celebrating his legacy in changing the way the world sees wildlife, and the importance of animal welfare.

“By taking on seven kind acts for animals as part of our Summer of Kindness, people can give David the best birthday present, by helping animals of every kind, and helping us build a better world for every animal.”

The campaign has particular resonance in Pembrokeshire, where wildlife is central to the county’s identity, from Skomer’s seabirds and coastal habitats to garden birds, hedgehogs, pollinators and farmland species.

The RSPCA’s suggested acts include planting nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers, avoiding pesticides, leaving wild patches of grass, putting shallow water dishes out for bees and wildlife, and never leaving pets in cars on warm days.

Rebecca Machin added: “Positive change often starts with simple, everyday actions.

“From helping keep local communities clear of litter, to providing water and safe food for visiting wildlife, we can all get involved in making a big difference for animals.”

Folly Farm added: “If we can keep that sense of awe alive, keep telling the stories of endangered species, and keep making small, steady changes to protect the environment, then we’re doing our bit to carry his legacy forward.

“So, from all of us here, to the man who brought the natural world into our living rooms and into our hearts, happy 100th birthday, Sir David. Thank you for everything.”

 

Continue Reading

Community

Foster carers share powerful breakthrough moments

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE foster carers have spoken about the small but powerful moments that show children in their care are beginning to feel safe, supported and able to trust again.

The comments have been shared as part of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 24.

This year’s theme, This is Fostering, focuses on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children recover from trauma.

For many children who enter care, trauma can lead to anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, difficulties with boundaries, or problems following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found that around 80% of carers questioned had supported children showing behaviour of this kind.

However, half of those surveyed said they had seen a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

These moments can be simple, such as a child laughing, talking about their day, asking to watch a film, or opening up about something that has happened to them.

But for foster carers, they can mean much more. They are often signs that a child is beginning to feel safe, loved and supported.

Almost all carers questioned, 93%, said that with experience, support and professional guidance, they now feel confident responding to trauma-related behaviour.

Pembrokeshire foster carer Lynda, who has been fostering for just over a year, said: “In the beginning, I struggled with my confidence. The child pushed boundaries constantly, fought every option and often wasn’t living in reality. It was difficult to know whether what I was doing was making any difference at all.

“I made it clear through my actions that no matter what happened, I would always be there for them. I praised positive behaviour, set clear boundaries and stuck to them, always explaining why those boundaries were there, particularly around safety. I learned to wait until we were both calm before talking things through.

“The moment that really showed me things were beginning to change was when she opened up about her past and the trauma she had been through. We cried together and hugged. That was the moment I knew she felt safe enough to trust me.

“When you realise you’ve made that connection, it’s the best feeling in the world. Every child wants to feel loved and safe, and once that starts to happen, the rewards are huge.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Children’s Services, Chris Frey-Davies said: “Foster carers across Pembrokeshire provide stability, care and understanding to children who have often experienced difficult and traumatic circumstances.

“This survey highlights the importance of local support, training and guidance in helping carers respond confidently to children’s needs over time. The breakthrough moments described by carers, while often small, show that children are beginning to feel safe and supported.

“At Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, we remain committed to supporting our foster carers throughout their fostering journey, ensuring they have access to the help they need to make a lasting difference.”

In Wales, there are 7,200 children in care. Of these, 4,884 live with foster families, supported by 3,538 foster carers.

Foster Wales is the national network of not-for-profit local authority fostering services in Wales.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more at fosterwales.gov.wales.

This Foster Care Fortnight, the local Foster Wales team will be at Tenby Leisure Centre on May 11 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 12 from 10:30am to 1:00pm; Haverfordwest Library on May 12 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm; Milford Haven Library on May 14 from 10:00am to 1:00pm; Milford Haven Leisure Centre on May 14 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm; Tenby Leisure Centre on May 18 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 21 from 10:30am to 2:00pm; and Fun in the Park at Pembroke Dock Memorial Park from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

 

Continue Reading

Community

Game of Thrones Jerome Flynn call to stop DARC space radar

Published

on

GAM OF THRONES star Jerome Flynn has called for the controversial DARC ‘space radar’ scheme at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor Barracks to be halted.

In an application recently submitted to Pembrokeshire county Council following a public consultation, the Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects which would utilise three sites worldwide, part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement says of the DARC scheme: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debris-related incidents.

“Without DARC, the UK faces a significant risk of losing access to these vital services, which would have severe consequences for national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

It says the scheme would create 90 full time equivalent construction jobs, and, when operational, will result in the creation of 60 full time equivalent jobs including operation, maintenance and security staff.

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the pre-application consultation proposals, and public objectors have raised concerns with protests recently taking place outside the barracks and County Hall, Haverfordwest, and Labour Senedd candidate Eluned Morgan has called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the USA.

Pembrokeshire-based Jerome Flynn, who was first famous for his roles in Soldier Soldier, Robson & Jerome and more recently Game Of Thrones has entered the fray surrounding the controversial DARC Radar via a social media video.

In the video Flynn describes voting in the upcoming Senedd election as; “probably the most crucial vote we’ve made in 25 years”, saying that whoever gets into the Senedd will have the power to block DARC Radar, referring to the project as “the most unspeakably abominable planning application led by the US military, backed by Donald Trump to place 27 radar dishes right on the edge of our beloved coastal national park”.

Campaigners against the scheme, PARC Against DARC said: “Whichever party or parties form the next Senedd administration following Thursday’s election will have at their disposal a mechanism known as ‘Calling in’ the planning application.”

Any ‘calling in’ could mean the final decision on the DARC scheme is made by Welsh Government.

Campaigners have previously warned that if built, DARC radar would make Pembrokeshire a first priority military target and would give Trump and the US the capability to dominate space from Wales.

“With a Chinese government-aligned source calling DARC a ‘significant escalation’, the US in yet another illegal war this time in Iran, and DARC confirmed by the US as the ground radar part of a weapons system designed to target space assets, there’s little sign DARC would be for anything else but fuelling decades of US aggression that Wales should have no part of.

“This time they’re trying to use our peninsula to weaponise space, as if Earth isn’t already weaponised enough.”

The DARC application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

News5 hours ago

Labour deputy says party ‘will not form next Welsh Government’

LABOUR FACES HISTORIC DEFEAT AS COUNTING CONTINUES ACROSS WALES LABOUR’S Deputy Leader in Wales has effectively conceded the Senedd election,...

News5 hours ago

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage COUNTING is underway across Wales today...

Charity23 hours ago

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled...

Crime1 day ago

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room...

Crime1 day ago

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering...

News2 days ago

Plaid Cymru projected to lead Senedd as Labour faces historic collapse

Final poll suggests Welsh politics could be on the brink of a major realignment PLAID CYMRU is on course to...

Community2 days ago

Rescue bid planned for lambs stranded below Stack Rocks cliffs

Tree surgeon preparing 150ft descent after live firing delayed rescue attempt A MAJOR rescue operation is being planned this afternoon...

News2 days ago

Bishop’s report reveals major renewal challenge at St Davids Cathedral

Formal Visitation highlights financial, structural, leadership and spiritual pressures at one of Wales’ most important religious sites ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL...

Crime3 days ago

Farming company fined £19,000 for damaging protected wildlife site

A CARDIGAN farming company has been ordered to pay almost £20,000 after recklessly damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest....

News3 days ago

Baby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency

Teenagers arrested as police investigate circumstances A BABY remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being taken...

Popular This Week