News

Centuries of industry have transformed Wales’ coastline, study finds

Published

24 seconds ago

May 21, 2026

Researchers say marine restoration must look forward rather than back as historic damage revealed

WALES’ coastlines and estuaries have been so heavily altered by centuries of industrial development that attempts to return them to a “pristine” natural state may no longer be realistic, according to new research.

A major study led by bioscientists at Swansea University has revealed the staggering scale of historical damage to Welsh coastal environments, with nearly four in five estuaries significantly altered through engineering and industrial activity over the past 300 years.

Researchers found that 79 per cent of Welsh estuaries – 33 out of 42 examined – have undergone major physical changes, including land reclamation, channel rerouting, embankment construction and industrial expansion.

The study, published in the journal Natural Resources Forum, argues that many of Wales’ marine environments were fundamentally transformed long before modern ecological monitoring began, meaning today’s conservation efforts may already be working from an altered baseline.

Industrial legacy

The research team used historical ecology techniques to map centuries of change across the Welsh coastline, analysing archival records, historic maps and written accounts.

Among the findings were the direct loss of more than 13,400 hectares of marine and estuarine habitat, widespread destruction of productive intertidal areas and the disappearance of vital ecosystems such as salt marshes, seagrass meadows and oyster beds.

Researchers said much of the damage accelerated during the nineteenth century, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in Wales, when ports expanded and coastlines were reshaped to support growing industry.

Some estuaries were effectively erased altogether, while former islands – including Barry Island – became permanently connected to the mainland through large-scale development.

The study also highlights the long-term environmental impact of overfishing, particularly the destruction of oyster reefs, as well as persistent pollution caused by historic mining activity.

‘Blank ecological canvas’

Lead author Dr Richard Unsworth said Wales now faced the challenge of restoring ecosystems that had already been dramatically altered generations ago.

He said: “By recognising the true extent of historical change, we can move beyond outdated notions of conservation.

“These degraded ecosystems should be embraced as the foundations for future recovery, ensuring blue growth is aligned with social, ecological, and health outcomes.”

Rather than attempting to recreate an unattainable historical landscape, the researchers are calling for what they describe as a “One Health” restoration approach.

This would focus on rebuilding biodiversity, improving ecosystem resilience and recognising the link between healthy marine environments and the wellbeing of coastal communities.

The study suggests restoration efforts should prioritise improving water quality, restoring habitats that help store carbon and reduce coastal erosion, and supporting wildlife recovery in ways that also benefit local economies.

For communities along the Pembrokeshire coast – where concerns over sewage discharges, marine conservation and coastal resilience remain high – the findings are likely to add to the debate about how Wales balances environmental protection with economic development.

Photo caption:

Squeezed coastline: Researchers say centuries of development have left less space for nature in Wales’ coastal waters (Pic: Dr Richard Unsworth).

Local Government

Youngest mayor in century takes office in Haverfordwest

Published

7 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner makes history as town’s first millennial mayor and first from a diverse background

HAVERFORDWEST has welcomed a new mayor after Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner officially took office, marking several historic firsts for the county town.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said he was “incredibly honoured” to become Mayor of Haverfordwest, describing the moment as bigger than one individual and a sign of the town’s changing future.

He is believed to be the youngest Mayor of Haverfordwest in the twenty-first century, the first millennial to hold the role, and the first mayor from a diverse background in the town’s history.

The mayoral ceremony was attended by more than 100 pupils from Fenton Primary School and Prendergast School, who performed during the event.

Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Thomas-Turner said: “This moment is far bigger than one individual. It is a reflection of how far our community has come and the future we are building together — a future based on unity, opportunity, compassion and community spirit.”

He thanked residents, supporters and local organisations involved in the event, including catering company The Platter Box Co, and announced that his chosen charity for the year will be Snap Specialist Play.

A raffle held during the day raised £387 for the charity.

Giving back

Following the mayor-making ceremony and luncheon, the new mayor, Sheriff of Haverfordwest Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Mayor Adam Benson-Davies, Mayor’s Crier Gareth Jones and Town Clerk Vanessa Lewis-Camacho visited Withybush Hospital to donate leftover food from the event to NHS staff.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the gesture was intended as a small thank-you to healthcare workers for their dedication to the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Our NHS staff are heroes within our community, and it was important to me that today’s celebrations also gave something back,” he said.

The new mayor pledged to serve residents with “dedication, humility and pride” during his year in office.

Caption:

New mayor: Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner during his mayor-making ceremony in Haverfordwest (Pic: Supplied)

Community

Pembroke Fair set to return after last year’s success

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STALL HOLDERS INVITED AS HORSE DRIVE PLANNED

PEMBROKE Fair is set to return this weekend following the success of last year’s event, which drew families, visitors, horses and stalls to Monkton.

The fair will take place on Saturday (May 23) at the Community Centre Field, Pembroke, SA71 4LS, with free entry and everyone welcome.

Last year’s gathering was praised locally for its community spirit, with Pembroke Street Pastors paying tribute to organiser Charlie Price and county councillor Aaron Carey describing it as “very well organised”.

The event brought together horse owners, stall holders and local families, despite poor weather at times.

This year, organisers are again inviting stall holders to take part. A horse drive is also planned from 12:00pm on Sunday (May 24).

Anyone interested in further information or hosting a stall is asked to contact Charlie Price.

Community

Local lettings policy helps sustain rural communities and Welsh language

Published

6 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW affordable housing developments in North Pembrokeshire are helping local people remain in their communities while supporting rural schools and the Welsh language.

Since 2022, West Wales Housing Association has completed new social housing schemes at Parc Brynach in Dinas Cross and Golwg y Llan in Eglwyswrw.

A further development, Parc Nantwen in Dinas Cross, is nearing completion, with new tenants expected to move in within weeks.

The homes have been welcomed locally in an area where affordability remains a significant challenge for many residents.

West Wales Housing Association introduced a local lettings policy giving priority to applicants with strong links to Eglwyswrw and Dinas Cross.

For the Parc Nantwen development, applicants from the Dinas, Newport and Bro Gwaun communities were prioritised.

The approach has meant a number of local people have been able to secure homes who may otherwise have lost out to applicants with weaker links to the area.

The policy is also seen as important in communities where the Welsh language remains strong. Eglwyswrw and Dinas are served by Welsh-medium primary education at Ysgol Eglwyswrw and Ysgol Bro Ingli in Newport.

The impact is already being felt. Following the completion of Parc Brynach, pupil numbers at Ysgol Bro Ingli rose from 86 to more than 100.

Newport and Dinas county councillor Huw Murphy praised West Wales Housing Association for working closely with Dinas Community Council on the lettings policy.

Cllr Murphy said: “The recent lettings policy developed by WWHA, following close liaison with Dinas Community Council, has worked well in enabling houses to be allocated to local people with strong links to their community, where in the past they may have lost out to applicants with more tenuous connections.

“The benefit of a robust local lettings policy has resulted in increased pupil numbers at Ysgol Bro Ingli, while also placing a strong emphasis on protecting the Welsh language, which is very much welcomed.

“I hope that any future affordable housing developments will mirror the recent lettings policy implemented in Dinas Cross and serve as a template elsewhere in Pembrokeshire.”

Supporters say the developments are helping young people and families stay in rural Pembrokeshire, supporting village schools and safeguarding the social and linguistic fabric of North Pembrokeshire’s communities at a time when many rural areas face an ageing population.