Community

Welsh Government extends funding for coastal capacity building

Published

6 months ago

June 9, 2025

Coastal Capacity Building Scheme extended for two years to support fisheries and coastal communities with sustainable growth and diversification

COASTAL communities across Wales – including Pembrokeshire – will benefit from a fresh injection of funding as the Welsh Government extends its Coastal Capacity Building Scheme for another two years.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), will provide £260,000 per year from 2025 to 2027 to support grassroots environmental projects aimed at restoring and protecting the marine environment.

Since launching in October 2023, the scheme has already funded eleven projects that connect people with the coastal environment, helping communities understand their role in tackling nature loss. In Pembrokeshire, groups such as the local Biodiversity Partnership and marine awareness organisations are understood to be exploring applications for the next round of funding.

The next phase of the scheme will have a particular focus on fisheries, aiming to boost community capacity and ensure people living along the coast have the skills and evidence they need to support sustainable development and nature recovery.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This funding extension reflects our commitment to improving resilience in our coastal communities. These locally-led projects are exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need – bringing together communities, local authorities and businesses to protect our precious marine environment while creating sustainable opportunities.”

One of the current projects is the Coastal Connections initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council, which has delivered beach cleans, seashore safaris, and even a marine mammal medic course. The aim is to reconnect people with the coastline and highlight habitats that are often overlooked in post-industrial landscapes.

Rebecca Sharp, Countryside and Wildlife Team Leader for Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Neath Port Talbot’s coastline is generally associated with its rich industrial heritage rather than its habitats and wild spaces. The Coastal Connections project aimed to change that narrative – and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Locally, similar projects could include work with school children, harbour users, conservation groups and the fishing industry, particularly in areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard, Tenby and St Davids.

Applications for the next round of funding are now open. Interested groups should contact their Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator, who will act as the lead applicant. Further information is available by emailing [email protected].

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)