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Natural Resources Wales struggling to meet its commitments on nature protection

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Staff shortages, data gaps and outdated digital systems holding back SSSI progress

NATURAL RESOURCS WALES (NRW) is falling behind on its commitment to enlarge and better connect Wales’s network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), according to a new report published today by the Auditor General for Wales.

The report examines whether NRW has an effective approach to designating SSSIs – areas protected for their important wildlife and natural features under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. NRW currently manages 1,083 SSSIs across Wales, with responsibility for both their designation and ongoing regulatory oversight.

NRW’s Corporate Plan commits to expanding and connecting SSSIs as part of the international ‘30 by 30’ target, to which the Welsh Government is signed up. The target aims to protect and effectively manage at least 30% of land, freshwater, and sea for nature by 2030. However, only 12% of Wales’s surface area is currently protected, leaving a significant gap to meet that goal.

Despite identifying many areas that could qualify, NRW has designated just 31 new SSSIs since it was established in 2013. The report concludes that staff shortages, critical data gaps, and outdated digital systems have severely restricted progress.

NRW’s digital systems are described as “fragmented and outdated”, hampering data sharing and monitoring. Large gaps remain in information about the condition of protected sites and their key features.

The report also highlights financial pressures within the organisation. NRW began the 2024–25 financial year with a £9 million staff budget deficit, forecast to rise to £17 million by 2026–27 unless savings were made. To reduce costs, NRW cut 8% of staff posts in April 2025 through its ‘Case for Change’ restructure.

Although NRW received additional funding later in 2024–25, including some specifically for SSSI work, it has yet to outline a clear plan or resource model for achieving its SSSI ambitions.

The Auditor General concludes that NRW must find a way to balance short-term financial pressures with the long-term environmental outcomes it aims to achieve, ensuring it maximises its impact on biodiversity protection.

The report makes eight recommendations, focusing on:

  • Developing a clearer strategic approach to SSSIs
  • Integrating and modernising digital systems
  • Strengthening oversight and performance monitoring

Auditor General Adrian Crompton said: “NRW’s functions are a fundamental part of Wales’s response to the climate and nature emergency.

I recognise the financial pressure NRW has been under and the competing priorities it faces, but SSSI designation is one of the key tools available to protect nature for future generations.

If NRW is to deliver on its commitment to enlarging and connecting the SSSI network, its approach needs a fundamental reset to drive increased activity in the years to come.”

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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