News

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

Published

10 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).

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

17 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.