Community

Dormouse discoveries bring new hope at Pentre Ifan

Published

3 months ago

November 1, 2025

ENCOURAGING signs of dormouse activity have been recorded in the restored woodland at Pentre Ifan, North Pembrokeshire, as part of a new wildlife monitoring project.

Volunteers trained through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project spent the summer tracking the elusive hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) using specially designed footprint tunnels.

The method, developed by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, uses harmless ink pads placed inside plastic tunnels to capture the tiny, distinctive ‘pizza-slice’ footprints left behind by dormice as they explore.

The tunnels were installed in July 2025, following earlier nest box checks that had revealed only limited dormouse activity on the eastern side of the reserve. Over the summer and into early autumn, however, footprints were recorded in more than half the tunnels, suggesting that the dormice are becoming more active and expanding their range within the woodland.

The hazel dormouse is one of the UK’s most threatened native mammals, listed as Vulnerable on the Mammal Society’s Red List. Populations have fallen by more than 70% since 2000, largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Mary Chadwick, Conservation Officer at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said:
“These findings are a big step forward in understanding how dormice are using the woodland at Pentre Ifan. The footprint tunnels gave us a way to monitor the species without disturbing them, and the results will help us target future conservation work more effectively. This reflects the National Park’s importance as a safe haven for species that are disappearing from much of the UK – and shows that when habitats are restored, wildlife can return.”

The discoveries strengthen evidence of a resident dormouse population at Pentre Ifan and will guide the Authority’s ongoing habitat management. Shortly after the footprint survey concluded, a female dormouse was discovered in a nearby nest box – one of the clearest signs yet of a potential population recovery in this part of the National Park.

The project forms part of the Cysylltu Natur 25×25 initiative, funded through the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Caption: New monitoring techniques at Pentre Ifan have uncovered the clearest signs yet of a resident hazel dormouse population – offering fresh hope for one of the UK’s most threatened mammals.

Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

Published

3 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

Published

4 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.

Community

New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre

Published

7 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.

The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.

The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.

Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.

Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.

The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.