News

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

Published

11 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).

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.