Community

Assessment reveals concerns over pollution and habitat health in protected waters

Published

6 months ago

June 25, 2025

A MAJOR review of marine protected areas (MPAs) in Wales has highlighted the urgent need for further action to safeguard fragile habitats and species in Pembrokeshire’s coastal waters.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) this week released detailed condition assessments of 85 features across 17 special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protected areas (SPAs), including several off the Pembrokeshire coast. The results show that while some species are doing well, many habitats remain in unfavourable condition — with nutrient pollution and water quality flagged as key concerns.

The report covers 37% of Wales’s MPA network and includes key Pembrokeshire sites such as the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, Cardigan Bay SAC, and parts of Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries. These waters are home to grey seals, otters, sandbanks, reefs, sea lampreys and expansive mudflats and saltmarshes — all vital for local biodiversity.

According to NRW, dissolved inorganic nitrogen — often linked to agricultural runoff and sewage discharge — is one of the main reasons features at several sites are failing to meet conservation targets under the Water Framework Directive.

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, said the evidence now provides a crucial baseline: “Our coastal areas are treasured by local communities and are an important contributor to the Welsh economy through tourism and recreation. We must now prioritise the actions needed to improve the long-term health of our much-loved marine environment.”

Local conservationists have long raised alarms about pollution levels in parts of Milford Haven Waterway and St Brides Bay. The report is expected to increase pressure on Welsh Water, farming stakeholders and local authorities to implement stronger measures to reduce runoff and discharge into sensitive marine areas.

Twelve new conservation advice packages have been drawn up to guide the sustainable management of affected sites, including Pembrokeshire’s marine SACs, where the balance between tourism, fishing, and environmental protection remains delicate.

Pembrokeshire’s marine industries — from wildlife tourism operators to shellfish farmers — may also be affected if action is not taken. The findings could shape future planning, licensing and investment in marine infrastructure, including the Celtic Sea floating wind projects.

While NRW’s initial report does not include cross-border marine sites, a joint assessment with Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee is planned in the coming years.

The full reports and site-specific advice are now available on the NRW website. Locals and stakeholders are being encouraged to review the findings and take part in future consultations to ensure Pembrokeshire’s marine riches are protected for generations to come.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 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

2 days 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

2 days 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)