News

Hunting for Wales’ missing wild plants: Pembrokeshire plays its part in botanical quest

Published

5 months ago

July 16, 2025

BOTANISTS across Wales are on a mission this summer to re-discover wild plants that haven’t been seen in decades – and Pembrokeshire is proving to be an important part of the search.

The two-year project, Priority Plants on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Wales, is led by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and funded by the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Programme. The goal is to track down plant species once recorded on protected sites but not seen in over 20 years.

Spotlight on Mynydd Preseli

Among the key areas being surveyed is Mynydd Preseli in Pembrokeshire – one of the few remaining strongholds for the elusive Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata), a rare plant that has disappeared from several other locations across Wales. Despite efforts to re-find the species at other historic sites, it now survives only in a handful of known spots, including in this iconic upland area of west Wales.

BSBI Wales Officer Alastair Hotchkiss said: “Although some plants remain missing, the rediscovery of species like the Marsh Clubmoss in places such as Mynydd Preseli is a glimmer of hope. These finds remind us that our protected sites are doing their job – allowing rare species to hang on.”

Vital role of local botanists

Local volunteers and amateur botanists across Pembrokeshire are playing a crucial role. Many of the county’s 60+ SSSIs – ranging from coastal headlands to marshes and moorland – are being revisited by those with deep local knowledge. These passionate plant-lovers are often the only people venturing into these hidden habitats, carefully comparing old records with today’s observations.

“Botanists in Pembrokeshire are helping to build the evidence base that conservation work depends on,” said Hotchkiss. “We’ve had real success stories, but we still need more eyes in the field.”

Re-finds give hope for recovery

While much of the recent attention has been on dramatic rediscoveries in north and mid Wales – such as Dwarf Willow in Gwynedd and Awlwort in Carmarthenshire – Pembrokeshire’s contributions are no less significant. The coastal climate and varied geology of the county make it a refuge for several rare or declining species, some of which may yet reappear as surveys continue.

One plant still on the “missing list” is the Small-white Orchid (Pseudorchis albida), a once widespread species now feared lost from many of its former Pembrokeshire sites. Botanists hope that with the right timing and conditions, this delicate plant might still be clinging on in an overlooked corner of moorland or heath.

Preserving biodiversity for the future

The project underscores the importance of safeguarding SSSIs – which cover around 12% of Wales – as havens for rare flora and fauna. In Pembrokeshire, this includes well-known landscapes like Ramsey Island, Stackpole, and the Preseli Hills, but also smaller, less visited sites.

Hotchkiss added: “We’re in a race against time, but these re-finds show nature’s resilience. Thanks to the work of our botanical community and the support of Welsh Government, we’re not just looking for plants – we’re building the foundations of their protection for years to come.”

Photo caption (top):
Mynydd Preseli: One of the last strongholds for the rare Marsh Clubmoss (Pic: BSBI).

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.