Community

Charity lottery funding brings Pembrokeshire’s wild spaces to life

Published

3 months ago

September 1, 2025

FUNDING from the People’s Postcode Lottery is giving Pembrokeshire’s wildlife – and the people who love it – a huge boost.

The grant, awarded to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, is helping to conserve precious habitats, restore species under threat, and open up more opportunities for communities to connect with nature.

Katie Macro, director of the Trust, said: “Thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve been able to support projects that protect special habitats and species, while also breaking down barriers so more people can connect with nature. This funding has made a real difference for both wildlife and communities across Pembrokeshire.”

Meadows in bloom
At St Mary’s churchyard in Tenby, one of the county’s last surviving fragments of traditional grassland is being nurtured through careful meadow management. Similar work in St Florence has allowed wildflowers such as yarrow and knapweed to flourish and spread their seed.

In Marloes, a brand new meadow has been created using locally sourced seed, while at Nevern, more than 100 plant species have been restored to grazing land – boosting conditions for ponies and driving out invasive plants.

Protecting rare species
Volunteers in Roch have been ringing yellowhammers, one of Pembrokeshire’s last remaining populations of the once-common farmland bird. More than 50 have already been ringed, providing vital data to track their survival.

In the Gwaun Valley, local volunteers have been growing devil’s-bit scabious plants to provide food for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, ensuring the survival of one of the UK’s most threatened insects.

Opening up the outdoors
It’s not just wildlife benefitting. The funding also supported the Pathways programme, giving people from all backgrounds the chance to take part in conservation and heritage work. Over the past year, 83 sessions have delivered 865 volunteer days across 30 sites – from tree planting and hedge laying to community archaeology.

Volunteers have also received training in first aid, mental health awareness, and equality and diversity, giving them valuable skills alongside hands-on experience.

The Get Outdoors project has proved equally transformative, offering wellbeing walks for new parents and people with additional learning needs or disabilities. With specialist equipment such as beach wheelchairs and pushchairs, 42 walks have been held at stunning locations including Stackpole Quay, Rosebush, and Broad Haven – with over 290 people taking part.

One participant summed up the impact: “I felt normal for the first time in five years. I was able to walk with my grandson, something I never thought I’d do again.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 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)