News

Pembrokeshire oysters gain top UK recognition in PGI status

Published

8 months ago

April 7, 2025

Two of Wales’ finest seafood delicacies – the Pembrokeshire rock oyster and the Pembrokeshire native oysters – have officially been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which is the UK’s mark of authenticity, regional identity and quality.

This recognition celebrates the pristine waters and rich biodiversity of Angle Bay, at the mouth of the Cleddau Estuary in Pembrokeshire where they are grown in Class A waters surrounded by seagrass beds in a Special Area of Conservation.

The PGI recognition is a proud milestone for the partnership between oyster farmer Dr Andy Woolmer of Tethys Oysters Ltd and shellfish processor and distributor Jake Davies of Atlantic Edge Shellfish. Together, they manage the entire journey from seed to plate, comprising the growing, harvesting, purifying and distributing of the oysters with minimal environmental impact.

“We’re delighted that our oysters have gained PGI status,” said Dr Andy Woolmer, who is the founder of Tethys Oysters. “This is a recognition of both the unique flavour of our oysters and the sustainable way in which we farm them. And PGI now helps to protect that identity. We hope this will encourage more chefs and food lovers to discover what makes Pembrokeshire oysters so special.”

The Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters are available all year-round and are prized for their delicate clean brine, cucumber freshness and subtle citrus notes while the Pembrokeshire Native Oysters are harvested between September and April and are known for their meaty texture, umami depth and vibrant marine overtones. And according to the experts, these really are the “oyster lover’s oyster”.

Both have won Great Taste Awards and are now being served in top restaurants across the UK, particularly in London, with growing interest from seafood connoisseurs and sustainability-minded chefs. These include Douglas Balish, who is the Executive Chef at The Grove Hotel in Narberth.

“Pembrokeshire Native Oysters are something really special,” he said. “They have a punchy ozone flavour and an incredible crunchy texture which means they really are a true delicacy.

PGI status protects the name “Pembrokeshire Oysters” in law, ensuring that only oysters grown and processed in the designated area – and to the approved specification – can use the name. It safeguards the heritage and quality of this small Welsh industry, while helping customers make informed, provenance-led choices.

“This is a win for Pembrokeshire, for Wales, and for sustainable aquaculture,” said Jake Davies. “We’re proud to fly the flag for Welsh seafood and hope more people will now seek out Pembrokeshire Oysters, whether at their local fishmonger or on the best restaurant menus.”

Jake Davies, serving the Pembrokeshire oysters

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.