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Pembrokeshire oysters gain top UK recognition in PGI status

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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

New town map unveiled in Fishguard

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A NEW town map has been installed in the heart of Fishguard to help residents and visitors discover more of what the area has to offer.

The map, created by Visit Fishguard & Goodwick’s in-house graphic designer, has been placed on the Abergwaun Hotel tunnel, near Offshore Surfwear’s new shop.

The group said it was “incredibly proud” of the finished result and thanked the building owner for allowing the map to be installed on the premises.

Visit Fishguard & Goodwick is now hoping to create a similar map for Goodwick and is asking for help from a centrally located building owner who may be willing to host it.

Anyone who can help, or knows of a suitable location, is being asked to get in touch with Visit Fishguard & Goodwick.

 

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Community

Tenby Summer Spectacular cancelled amid council row over harbour access

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Organisers say popular charity events cannot safely go ahead without clear powers to control crowds

TENBY ROUND TABLE has announced that this summer’s Tenby Summer Spectacular events have been cancelled until further notice amid a dispute with Pembrokeshire County Council over crowd control at the harbour.

The events, which were due to take place on Sunday, August 16 and Sunday, August 30, have been a major feature of Tenby’s summer calendar for decades, drawing large crowds to the harbour for entertainment, food, drink and fireworks.

In a statement, Tenby Round Table said the decision had been made “with enormous sadness” and claimed it had been forced on organisers because of unresolved issues over the safe management of pedestrian access.

The organisation said it needed the council’s Public Realm department to use statutory powers to temporarily restrict pedestrian access through the event area when capacity is reached.

Organisers said the matter had first been raised with the council in September 2025 and again formally in writing in May 2026.

They said volunteers had attended meetings, commissioned professional health and safety consultants and worked on Event Management Plans, but claimed the council had still not provided a clear answer.

Tenby Round Table said: “PCC’s Public Realm department has had nine months to answer one question on safe and controlled access to the harbour. It has not done so.”

The group also alleged that recent written responses from the council contained factual inaccuracies and misleading statements about the relevant legislation.

It added that the council’s legal advice was understood to be provisional and still under internal review.

The cancellation is currently described as provisional, with organisers giving the council a final deadline of June 25 to provide what they describe as a clear, accurate and legally grounded answer.

Tenby Round Table said that if this is provided, it will do everything possible to reinstate the events.

The group said the Summer Spectacular had raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, sports teams, community groups and worthy individuals since it began.

It said the cancellation would be a devastating blow to those who benefit from the funds raised.

The statement added that organisers are still working with Dyfed-Powys Police and other relevant authorities ahead of a council licensing committee meeting in July, which is expected to consider whether the event licence should be renewed, amended or withdrawn.

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

 

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Charity

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

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SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.

 

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