News

Oyster reef restoration could benefit West Wales waters, new study shows

Published

5 months ago

July 28, 2025

Blueprint from RWE and The Oyster Restoration Company hailed as game-changer for marine biodiversity

A NEW feasibility study from energy giant RWE and The Oyster Restoration Company has demonstrated that large-scale native oyster reef restoration is viable inside offshore wind farms—a development that could have implications for coastal biodiversity in West Wales.

The project, which ran for six months, focused on testing various substrates, engineering reef-base designs, and assessing regulatory hurdles. The goal was to find a practical method to restore native flat oyster populations in European waters—species which once thrived along the Welsh coastline, including Cardigan Bay, Milford Haven, and the Cleddau estuary, but have now dwindled to less than 5% of their historic levels due to overfishing and pollution.

Although the trials were carried out at TORC’s hatchery in Scotland, the findings offer a blueprint that could be applied across UK waters. The Herald understands that Welsh offshore zones, including those planned for floating wind in the Celtic Sea, could become prime sites for biodiversity-led restoration projects in the near future.

Dr Nik Sachlikidis, CEO of TORC, said the study proves oysters can be restored at scale. “We’ve delivered a pathway for measurable biodiversity gain. Practically, affordably, and now.”

Dr Umberto Binetti of RWE added: “This work sets the basis to speed up the deployment process, and provides a tool to facilitate engagement with all relevant stakeholders.”

The move comes as pressure mounts for wind farm developers to deliver not just low-carbon energy, but also net-positive biodiversity outcomes. In West Wales, this could mean a return of habitat-forming species like the flat oyster, which supports a wide range of marine life.

Environmental groups in Pembrokeshire have long called for a “rewilding of the sea”, particularly in areas affected by scallop dredging and port development. Local campaigners say restoration projects like these could complement marine protected areas and bring long-term ecological and economic benefits.

If adopted locally, the method could provide new opportunities for marine conservation jobs, aquaculture, and nature-based tourism.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

26 minutes 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

48 minutes 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

54 minutes 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.