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Climate

Environmental damage from solar farms sparks fears for Welsh wetlands

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Gwent Levels crisis raises questions over green energy projects on protected sites

FRESH concerns have been raised over the environmental cost of large-scale solar developments after new findings revealed serious damage to a protected wetland in south-east Wales.

The Gwent Levels, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Newport, have suffered what conservationists are calling “catastrophic” ecological harm from the Llanwern Solar Farm, a 145-hectare installation south of the former Llanwern steelworks.

Surveys have shown a collapse in breeding lapwing numbers, a sharp decline in rare bees, and the disappearance of Eurasian cranes from the area. Pollution from the site’s drainage channels is also believed to be affecting water voles, otters and aquatic plant life.

Although the Gwent Levels are over 100 miles from Pembrokeshire, the situation has raised alarm among local campaigners who fear similar damage could occur if solar developments are approved on West Wales wetlands or SSSI land.

The Herald understands that the Gwent Wildlife Trust is warning that attempts to protect wildlife at the Llanwern site have “failed catastrophically”, with only one active bat box found on-site and bee populations down significantly. Herbicide use and poor wildflower management have been cited as possible causes.

The trust is now urging the Welsh Government to halt further solar projects on protected land, including the proposed Wentlooge Solar Farm, which would be more than double the size of Llanwern.

Chief Executive Natalie Buttriss said: “The Levels’ waterways are home to many rare species, and high levels of pollution from solar plants will damage them irrevocably. If Wentlooge goes ahead, the ecological losses could be even greater.”

Ms Buttriss stressed the trust is not opposed to solar energy, but argued such developments should be placed on non-sensitive land, adding: “Only 12 per cent of Wales’ land is designated as SSSI – these fragments should be sacrosanct.”

The Welsh Government said it could not comment while the matter is being considered by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.

The news has sparked calls from environmental groups in Pembrokeshire for a review of local planning policies. One campaigner told The Herald: “We all want a greener Wales – but we cannot sacrifice our most precious habitats in the process. What’s happening on the Gwent Levels should be a wake-up call.”

 

Charity

Appeal launched after pigeon shot with air gun in Pembrokeshire town

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AN APPEAL has been launched after an injured pigeon was found on Charles Street, Milford Haven after being shot through its wing bone with an air gun,

The bird was discovered by a member of the public on April 21 and was taken to All Pets Vet Care.

This incident follows a previous RSPCA appeal as several cats were shot by an air gun in the Hakin area in March. At least one cat died and three were injured.

When examined by a veterinary surgeon, the pigeon was found to have a wound on his left wing, with infection and lots of swelling. A subsequent radiograph showed that a pellet had shattered through its wing bones.

“As a result the pigeons sadly had to be euthanised,” commented Dr Cethin Ravenhill of the All Pets Vet Care. “The RSPCA were informed and as far as I’m aware, this is the only bird we’ve treated with this type of injury “

Meanwhile staff have been asked to radiograph any more injured birds brought in to the veterinary practice.

“I am so shocked and saddened that any individual would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them,” added Dr Ravenhill. “This leads to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“It’ss very upsetting to think there is someone in the local area doing this to both cats, and sadly pigeons.”

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may have been targeted and is now calling on the community to look out for any suspicious behaviour and report potential offences.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are extremely concerned about reports of a pigeon and cats being deliberately targeted and killed in this way.
“Our hearts go out to the owners and to anyone who has been involved or discovered an animal injured in this way.

“It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

“Unfortunately at the moment we only have limited information and so we hope an appeal for information will help with our enquiries.

“We would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who may have any further information, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We would also ask parents and carers to speak and educate young people about this.”

Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01794965.

Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases, and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air gun attacks.

Cats and wildlife are the animals most vulnerable to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as the charity would like. The injuries caused by such attacks can be horrific and often fatal.

Keith added: said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”

 

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Climate

Chris Packham backs Carmarthen ‘nature crisis’ climate screening

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BROADCASTER and environmental campaigner Chris Packham has backed a free public screening in Carmarthen aimed at encouraging local discussion about the climate and nature crisis.

The People’s Emergency Briefing will be shown at St Peters Civic Hall, Carmarthen, on Friday, May 22, at 7:00pm.

The screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion involving residents, local leaders and invited decision-makers.

The event forms part of a UK-wide programme intended to help the public and policymakers better understand the risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

The film follows the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered to hear evidence from leading experts.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examined the impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

It has since been adapted into a 50-minute public film, which launched nationally in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.

Chris Packham said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing.

“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”

Organisers say the Carmarthen event comes at a time of growing local concern over flooding on the rivers Towy and Gwili, as well as biodiversity loss linked to pollution incidents.

After the film, those attending will be invited to take part in a structured discussion about the issues raised and what they may mean locally.

Local MPs, councillors and other influential figures have also been invited.

Philip Hughes, one of the organisers, said: “This is about creating space for people to come together, look at the evidence, and begin a more open and informed conversation about what it means for our community.

“It is also about how we can support the bolder action now called for by the science, which will also do so much to improve lives, as the film explains.”

Tickets for the Carmarthen screening are free, but advance registration is encouraged.

 

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Climate

Welsh windfarms to power major construction materials firm

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A MAJOR construction materials company has signed a long-term deal to use renewable energy from Welsh windfarms as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Energy firm RWE has agreed a 15-year contract to supply electricity to Breedon Group plc, which operates sites across Great Britain producing materials including concrete, asphalt and cement.

Under the agreement, RWE will provide around 70 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year from its windfarm portfolio.

The power will initially come from the Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm, about 24km off the coast of North Wales in the Irish Sea. From 2033, supply will switch to the Brechfa Forest West onshore windfarm in Wales.

The electricity will support the production of key building materials, helping Breedon reduce emissions linked to its energy use in a sector widely regarded as difficult to decarbonise.

RWE said the agreement highlighted the role renewable energy can play in helping heavy industry move towards lower-carbon operations.

Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions at RWE, said: “This agreement underlines our commitment to supporting the construction materials sector on its journey towards a more sustainable future.

“By supplying renewable electricity from our wind portfolio, we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Breedon’s operations.”

Breedon said the deal would also provide long-term energy stability while supporting its wider sustainability plans.

Donna Hunt, the company’s sustainability director, said the agreement marked “a meaningful step forward”.

She said: “It secures long-term energy supply and helps accelerate the reduction of emissions from our operations.”

The company has set targets to cut emissions across its business by more than 20% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.

The agreement reflects a growing trend of major industrial firms turning to renewable energy to help meet climate targets while managing rising energy costs.

 

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