News

New project to create saltmarsh habitat

Published

11 years ago

December 30, 2014

nrw-522117284 NATURAL RESOURCES WALES and the National Trust have begun working on an ambitious project to create a saltmarsh at Cwm Ivy that will provide a new habitat for wildlife.

The project, the first of its kind in Wales, will look at how best to recreate 39 hectares (almost 100 acres) of intertidal saltmarsh habitat which will provide a sustainable habitat for birds and wildlife. It will also secure compensatory habitat for future coastal fl ood defence works across the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Philll Pickersgill, Area Flood & Coastal Risk Manager for Natural Resources Wales said, “Some forms of sea defences can have a negative impact on the coastal environment by causing loss or deterioration of natural habitats. When this happens, we will always replace or enhance them through our Habitat Creation Programme.

“The new intertidal habitats at Cwm Ivy will provide important new feeding and resting sites for birds and other wildlife. It will also ensure that the special wildlife value and ecosystems of the Burry Inlet and Carmarthen Bay will be protected long into the future. “It will also allow us to carry out any new coastal protection schemes across the Carmarthen Bay SAC in the knowledge that any unavoidable damage to the natural environment will be compensated for by the new habitats being created.”

Alan Kearsley Evans, National Trust, Gower Coast and Countryside said told The Herald: “During the past winter the exceptional rainfall combined with high tides and storm surges caused signifi cant damage to the sea wall at Cwm Ivy. The wall thought to have medieval origins was built to keep the sea from the land so that it could be farmed with livestock. “However, as sea levels rise and with more winter storms it became increasingly evident that this wall was not a sustainable defence. Working in line with the National Trust’s ‘Shifting Shores adapting to change’ report we are looking at adapting to change and the long term future by working with natural processes.

“We are therefore pleased to be working with Natural Resources Wales helping with their goal of providing compensatory habitats while returning these fi elds back to its natural state of saltmarsh. While doing so we’ll also be working closely with Swansea City Council and the local community to maintain and enhance public access to Cwm Ivy.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

9 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.

Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.