FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

RNLI LIFEGUARDS have saved more than 300 lives in Wales since patrols were first introduced in Pembrokeshire in 2008, as the charity prepares to return to beaches for the Easter holidays.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution said its lifeguards have saved 315 lives across Wales, aided more than 45,000 people, and responded to over 26,000 incidents. They have also carried out more than six million preventative actions to stop situations becoming emergencies.

The service, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, will see lifeguards return to key Welsh beaches from Saturday (Mar 28) as schools break up for Easter.

In Pembrokeshire, patrols will resume at Whitesands, St Davids, from March 28 to April 12, and at Tenby South from April 3 to April 6.

The RNLI said its lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping beachgoers safe, with around 95 per cent of their work focused on prevention, including advising swimmers, identifying hazards, and educating visitors.

Tom John, a Lifeguard Supervisor in Swansea who joined the service in 2009, said: “We’ve seen more people visiting our beaches each year. While the fundamentals remain the same, we are now a much more proactive service.

“Our training and equipment are excellent, and we have a brilliant team. This time of year is always special as lifeguards return with energy and enthusiasm for the season ahead.”

He added that lifeguards spend much of their time engaging with the public, offering safety advice, and helping people understand the risks before incidents occur.

Across Wales, more than 35 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, forming part of a wider UK network covering over 245 beaches.

The charity is urging anyone heading to the coast this Easter to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags.

Visitors are also advised to check weather and tide conditions, understand local hazards, and carry a means of calling for help when taking part in water activities.

The RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice remains central to its safety message. Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is urged to float on their back, keeping their airway clear until help arrives.

In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI said its lifeguards will continue to play a vital role in protecting coastal communities and visitors as demand on beaches grows year on year.

RAILWAY stations across Wales could help unlock around 40,000 jobs and more than £11 billion for the economy by 2036, according to new research.

A report by Development Economics, published on Monday (Mar 23), highlights how rail infrastructure is acting as a major driver of growth, supporting housing, business development, and employment across the country.

The findings suggest that development within 800 metres of railway stations alone could generate more than 40,000 jobs and contribute £11.3 billion to the Welsh economy over the next decade.

Stations driving growth

The report identifies what it calls the “rail catalyst effect”, where stations attract investment and act as hubs for regeneration.

Recent examples across Wales and the South West show the impact of rail-linked development. Over the past five years, areas around nine stations, including Carmarthen, have delivered 3,500 new homes, 67,000 square metres of commercial space, and supported 4,500 jobs.

Proposed new stations, including Cardiff Parkway and Newport West, are expected to create around 900 permanent jobs and generate £64 million annually over the next ten years.

Economic case for investment

The report comes as Wales continues to face economic challenges, with inactivity rates standing at 25.6%, higher than the UK average of 21.6%.

Researchers say continued investment in rail infrastructure will be key to boosting regional economies and improving access to jobs and opportunities.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, said: “The findings of this report are clear. The railway, its stations, and the trains that serve them are powerful drivers of economic growth, community prosperity and regeneration.

“Across our network, development around the railway is delivering thousands of homes, new commercial space and thousands of jobs, generating hundreds of millions of pounds in economic value for the communities we serve.”

National impact

Across the wider Great Western Railway network, stations are projected to support 238,000 jobs and generate £14.25 billion in annual economic value by 2036.

Nationally, the report suggests railway stations could support more than one million permanent jobs and contribute £78.7 billion to local and regional economies.

Wider benefits

The report also highlights the social impact of rail, particularly for households without access to a car, estimated at around one in five in Wales.

With more than 1.6 billion passenger journeys made each year across the UK rail network, the study says improved connectivity is helping people access work, education, and services more easily.