News

Welsh conservationists on mission to help save endangered African vultures

Published

1 month ago

May 24, 2025

CONSERVATIONISTS in rural Wales could be set to play a crucial role in saving endangered vultures thousands of miles away in Africa.

The Horstmann Trust in Carmarthenshire has been breeding vultures for more than 40 years, while Falconry Experience Wales at Adfa, near Newtown, Powys welcomed their first two Hooded Vultures two years ago.

Barry Macdonald and Luce Green, owners of Falconry Experience Wales, an award-winning raptor conservation and education attraction, hope to start breeding their two-year-old Hooded Vultures, Togo and Hope, within the next four years.

It’s hoped that their chicks will eventually be part of the wider conservation programme and also released into the wild in Africa, should the situation improve there.

The Welsh conservation work could be crucial to the survival of vulture species. In the last 20 years, vulture populations have crashed by up to 99.9% and nearly 70% of the 23 vulture species are now threatened with extinction.

Of the 16 African and European vulture species, 11 are facing extinction. Globally, of the 23 species, 14 are threatened with extinction, including the largest of all the flighted birds, the condors.

Falconry Experience Wales also owns Vinnie, an African White-Backed Vulture, the population of which has plummeted by 95%, as part of its collection.

The plight of species in South Africa was brought into sharp focus last week when 123 of – 102 White-Backed Vultures, 20 Cape Vultures and one Lappet-Faced Vulture, all listed as endangered or critically endangered – were poisoned in the Kruger National Park.

Poachers increasingly use agricultural toxins to target high-value species – not just vultures, but also lions whose body parts are in growing demand for traditional medicine.

The UK’s only dedicated vulture breed for release conservation charity, The Horstmann Trust is home to some of the world’s largest known captive populations, including Hooded, Egyptian and bearded vultures and Andean condors.

The trust focuses on conservation breeding of vultures and scientific research into their health and incubation. Its work directly supports other vulture conservation organisations around the world.

Vultures are the ultimate agents of balance in the ecosystems and are nature’s waste disposal experts. They clean up animal carcasses quickly and efficiently to limit the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens including rabies, anthrax and cholera.

The direct and indirect actions of people are the largest single contributing factor to the dramatic decline in vulture numbers. Poisoning, poaching, powerlines, use in faith based medicine and loss of habitat are just a few examples.

Poachers often poison vultures because they signal to rangers when an elephant, rhino or lion has been illegally killed.

Barry and Luce are collaborating with the Horstmann Trust, who manage the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) for Hooded vultures, and hope that their pair and future offspring will play an important role within that programme.

***Vinnie the African White-Backed Vulture***

“We have been aware of the persecution of vultures for years, but the situation has become much more critical,” explained Barry. “If it deteriorates to a point where these vultures are almost extinct in Africa, then the birds bred in captivity will be the only population to help the breed recover.”

Falconry Experience Wales has raised more than £5,000 to pay for GPS trackers to be attached to four Hooded Vultures in West Africa, so that researchers can monitor their movements for up to five years. They continue to raise funds for up-to-date surveys, ongoing vital research and poison response action kits.

The specially made trackers are attached to a harness on the birds and Barry plans to fly to Africa with a Spanish colleague, hopefully early next year, to fit them on the host Hooded Vultures.

Despite the crisis in Africa, he says there is hope. Asia saw a 99% decline in the vulture population a few years ago, as a result of a drug given to cattle which poisoned the birds when they fed on carcasses.

The loss of vultures is believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of half a million people due to the spread of diseases. However, the Asian vulture population is recovering now that people understand their vital eco-cleansing role.

Replacing vultures in the wild is not a quick fix. Barry explained that vultures don’t begin breeding until aged five to seven years and only raise one chick if successful.

“We have never bred birds before at Falconry Experience Wales, so this will be a new venture for us,” he added. “It’s only because of the threat of extinction that we have become involved.

“Our pair of Hooded vultures were bred in captivity in the UK but their ancestry is Guinea in West Africa.”

In addition to the vultures, Barry and Luce have also recently welcomed a Steller’s Sea Eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles which is classified as vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.

The declining population is believed to be between 3,600 and 4,670 mature individuals, including 1,900 breeding pairs. The Steller’s Sea Eagle breeds in Russia and over-winters in Northern Japan.

Falconry Experience Wales is a member of MWT Cymru, an organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia).

Picture at top of page:

Luce Green with Hooded Vulture Togo at Falconry Experience Wales

Business

New offshore wind action plan promises major boost for west Wales economy

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Government aims to unlock £4.8bn opportunity for local businesses and ports

A NEW action plan from the Welsh Government aims to turn Wales’ offshore wind potential into a major economic driver — with significant benefits expected for Pembrokeshire.

The Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group Action Plan, published on Tuesday (May 24), outlines how more than 15GW of offshore wind power could be harnessed from Welsh waters — with floating wind in the Celtic Sea at the heart of the proposals.

The plan follows the recent announcement that two companies have been awarded rights to develop 3GW of floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. The Crown Estate has also confirmed a third site will be leased, bringing the total capacity to 4.5GW.

This area lies directly off the Pembrokeshire coast, and local infrastructure — particularly the port at Milford Haven — is expected to play a key role in the rollout.

The plan includes a dedicated Welsh Ports Prospectus to highlight investment opportunities and attract large engineering contractors to anchor supply chain activity locally. With proper support, Milford Haven and Port Talbot are seen as crucial sites for manufacturing, assembly, and servicing.

Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain for RenewableUK, said: “Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses and more than 3,000 skilled jobs.

“To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to delivery — and industry stands ready to work with government to make it happen.”

The action plan also calls for stronger planning frameworks, long-term leasing visibility, and a dedicated Welsh Government team to oversee delivery.

Pembrokeshire Council has previously supported renewable energy expansion at Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, and local leaders are expected to press for further investment in skills and infrastructure to ensure the county shares fully in the benefits of the green energy transition.

Health

Health board and university strengthen partnership to boost well-being in west Wales

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation

HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales.

The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise.

The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies.

The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes.

Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region.

To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership.

Dr Kloer said: “The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas.

“I’m delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.”

Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added:
“I’m very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations.

“For more than 150 years, our University’s teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this.

“As Wales’s first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.”

The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer.

Dr Leighton Phillips said: “This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

“We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales.

“These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.”

Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.

News

Haverfordwest Amateur rider qualifies for Horse of the Year in SEIB Search for a Star

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Herald Sport

AN AMATEUR rider from Haverfordwest, Grace Gibbon, and her horse, The Granite Way have qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October.

Hannah and The Granite Way had a 12.30am start for the journey to Pickering Grange in Leicestershire for the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on the 15^th June. They will now go on to compete under the bright lights of the HOYS Arena at the NEC in Birmingham in early October.

The pair competed in and won the Working Horse class under top judges Michaela Bowling and Samantha DeCaprio to earn their HOYS qualification.

Grace said: “This is the only HOYS qualifier we have done together! My mum and I work full time but we both were off today so we decided to give it a go! My mum and I share Fern, as we call The Granite Way at home, and we all aim to go out and have fun and anything else is a bonus! It’s brilliant to have this opportunity! I’d moved away for university and work and not ridden for 10 years. Then mum and I decided to get back into the horses! Fern came from a family friend Sarah Gould, he is brilliant – my mum takes him to West Wales Riding Club every week too! I did Search for a Star when I was 12 back in 2009 with my Show Hunter Pony, Small Land Screen Play and we took 4th place. Having read the rules recently I realised I could now come back to give it another go!” Grace works as a Chartered Surveyor.

SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “Search for a Star is all about the journey and learning and improving over time. Our team of judges and stewards are all invested in providing support and encouragement to help competitors and their horses and ponies perform to the best level they can.”

SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS.

Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live.

Please see www.seib.co.uk/competitions or the SEIB Search for a Star facebook page for updates. To enter please visit www.seib.co.uk/competitions/schedule which will link directly to the Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse entry page on Showing Scene.

SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years. Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind. For more information on their range of services and to explore their bespoke insurance solutions, please visit seib.co.uk.

(Pic – 1st Class Images )