Community

Otter spotter films fishy goings-on in Solva

Published

11 years ago

January 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Fantastic creature: Pembrokeshire otter

THE NATIONAL PARK has received many unusual sightings in response to its otter spotting appeal, but one intrepid animal has caused quite a stir in the village of Solva. Local resident Ella Black decided to set up a camera in her garden after around half of the fish in her pond went missing in a single night in September. The National Park Authority teamed up with Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Officer Sue Burton in late 2013 to ask people to report coastal otter sightings for a county-wide research project.

Since then more than 130 sightings have been logged at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids, with each sighting marked with a pin on a special map, showing how they are distributed around the Pembrokeshire Coast. National Park Authority Ranger Ian Meopham said: “We’ve received a number of sightings from people surfing, kayaking or swimming off the coast, but the photo and video evidence captured in Solva shows otters are also exploring the areas around the coast as they search for food.”

“The log book is still at Oriel y Parc so if you spot any evidence of an otter please let us know so we can continue to monitor the movements of these fascinating animals.” As otters are nocturnal, you are more likely to see them at dawn or dusk, although daytime sightings in the sea are not uncommon. The Park Authority also uses information about current sightings to advise outdoor activity providers about particularly sensitive areas of coastline, so they can avoid disturbing the otters and their habitat. The Park is asking that members of the public report otter sightings at Oriel y Parc (open daily, 10am- 4.30pm) or call Sue Burton on 01646 696108 or email SACofficer@ PembrokeshireMarineSAC.org.uk, giving the date, time and place where you spotted your otter.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)