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

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

4 hours 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

5 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).