News

Rare red squirrels under threat from Carmarthenshire energy park plans

Published

9 months ago

September 18, 2025

THE WILDLIFE TRUST of South & West Wales (WTSWW) has launched a campaign against a proposed energy park development which it warns could wipe out one of the last remaining red squirrel populations in Wales.

Once widespread across the country, red squirrels now survive in just three isolated Welsh populations. The Mid Wales group, which inhabits forests in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, is especially important as it is the only population not reinforced by released animals. This means its unique genetic make-up is vital for the species’ long-term survival.

Red squirrels have suffered drastic declines over the last century due to disease and competition from non-native grey squirrels, combined with habitat loss. They are classified as Endangered in Wales.

The Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership (MWRSP), led by WTSWW, has worked since 2002 to protect this fragile population through habitat management, grey squirrel control, and long-term monitoring. Camera traps and field surveys confirm the area continues to provide foraging, nesting and breeding sites for the species.

“Our camera traps have given us a rare window into the lives of these shy animals and demonstrate just how important this area is as a stronghold,” said Adam Dawson, Conservation Officer at WTSWW. “The response from the local community has been inspiring, and it’s clear how much affection people have for these squirrels.”

The proposed Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park, put forward by Galileo Empower Limited, would cover 1,120 hectares near Lampeter and Llanwrtyd Wells with solar and wind installations alongside battery storage systems. The scheme is currently in its statutory pre-application consultation phase, with a final submission to Welsh Government expected before the end of 2025.

Conservationists say the development would destroy one of the last areas of suitable habitat for red squirrels and force survivors into surrounding forests where they would face the deadly squirrel pox virus carried by greys. Proposed mitigation, such as new tree planting, would not provide viable habitat for decades.

The site also borders multiple protected areas – including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and nature reserves – and is home to other rare species such as pine marten, otter, water vole, bats and a wide range of birds.

“We recognise the urgent need for renewable energy in the face of the climate crisis,” said Sarah Kessell, CEO of WTSWW. “But developments must be designed and located in ways that restore nature, not drive its decline. Wales is already facing a biodiversity emergency, with one in six species at risk of extinction. We cannot afford to lose another iconic species from our landscapes.”

The Wildlife Trust has launched a public campaign urging people to object to the Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park before the consultation closes on 1 October 2025.

Climate

Offshore wind ‘could bring new generation of jobs to Milford Haven’

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire ports and Celtic Sea projects placed at centre of Wales’ green energy ambitions

MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock could be at the heart of a new offshore wind boom after Wales’ new energy minister said the sector could drive jobs, investment and coastal regeneration.

Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, told the Global Offshore Wind 2026 conference that Wales was “open for business” and ready to work with industry, the UK Government and The Crown Estate.

For Pembrokeshire, the announcement is particularly significant. The Milford Haven Waterway is already being positioned as a key base for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with Pembroke Port earmarked as a major renewables hub. Plans for a dedicated floating offshore wind storage compound at Pembroke Dock have already secured planning permission.

Mr Price said: “I believe that the offshore wind sector has the potential to deliver high quality sustainable career opportunities for people in Wales.

“The offshore wind sector has a key role to play in bringing about the regeneration of coastal communities in both north and south Wales.

“Our role is to remove the blockers faced by the sector — whether in planning, access to finance or infrastructure.”

The Celtic Sea floating wind programme is expected to create major supply chain opportunities for Welsh ports, engineering firms, vessel operators and training providers. Marine Energy Wales has said the first 4.5GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea could create more than 5,300 jobs during construction.

The Port of Milford Haven has previously said the Haven’s existing energy expertise, heavy engineering base and deep-water port facilities make it well placed to support the industry.

Mr Price also welcomed UK Government support for Port Talbot, but Pembrokeshire businesses will be watching closely to ensure Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock receive a fair share of the investment.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said offshore wind was “Wales’ next big industrial opportunity”, adding that it could be worth almost £5bn to Welsh businesses and deliver more than 3,000 long-term secure jobs.

For Milford Haven, long associated with oil, gas and marine industry, floating offshore wind could mark the next chapter in the Haven’s energy story.

News

Welsh Conservatives call for overseas spending to be redirected to public services

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Darren Millar says taxpayers’ money should be spent on Welsh priorities, not foreign projects

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has been urged to stop spending taxpayers’ money on overseas projects and instead focus every pound on public services and the Welsh economy.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said ministers should scrap what he described as costly international schemes and overseas offices, arguing that the money would be better spent on hospitals, roads and businesses in Wales.

The Conservatives have repeatedly criticised Welsh Government spending on international projects, including tree planting in Nigeria, solar-powered canoes in the Amazon, and the maintenance of overseas offices.

Mr Millar said the Welsh Government had no responsibility for foreign policy and should concentrate on devolved priorities.

He said: “At a time when patients are being treated in hospital corridors, our road infrastructure is creaking and businesses are taxed to the hilt, it is simply wrong that Welsh taxpayers’ money is being wasted on overseas vanity projects.

“The first duty of the Welsh Government is to the people it serves. Plaid’s Finance Minister is being evasive over how to fund flagship policies, but could save millions of pounds by scrapping wasteful spending on non-devolved areas.

“Tree-planting schemes in Africa, solar-powered canoe projects in the Amazon and the maintenance of Welsh Government offices in exotic locations around the world, including three in China, represent spending on non-devolved areas, which are the responsibility of the UK Government.

“There’s no such thing as government money, only taxpayers’ money, and we should be able to see how every penny is spent.

“The Welsh Government must prioritise the needs of the people of Wales and focus spending on public services and building a stronger economy.”

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.