PLANS for works at a Pembrokeshire ‘bug farm’ to allow it “to maintain its high-quality farming, research, and educational facility” have been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Dr Sarah Beynon of Doctor Beynon’s Bug Farm Ltd, Lower Harglodd, St Davids, through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, seeks permission to for the removal and replacement of a shed on site with a modern one, which the applicant says will “allow the business to extend its season to the visitor experience”.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, just outside St Davids, is the vision of Dr Sarah Beynon, who wanted to combine her love of farming, academic research and education by setting up a centre of excellence in her hometown of St Davids.

It offers a ‘friendly quirky and unique attraction’ for nature lovers and foodies set on a historic Welsh farm.

It boasts a tropical bug zoo, a bug museum, a recently opened nature recovery centre, a farming history museum, a farm trail across wildflower meadows, wetland and woodland, a peaceful walled garden, an art gallery, an indoor play barn and gift shop.

The farm is also home to Grub Kitchen, the UK’s first edible insect café, which offers a nature-friendly menu created from largely organic and local produce, with plenty of non-insect options too.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says the post-war shed, originally used for farm machinery by the applicant’s uncle has long passed its ‘sell by date’, and is not practical or feasible to repair; its replacement “will allow the Bug Farm business to continue to use it to provide educational opportunity and match the building to the rest of the farm buildings”.

The statement adds: “The farm has been named as one of Wales’s top 10 farms for rare arable plants and was used as a 2026 PCNPA case study for a private Naturfa site. Ten percent of the farm has been planted with native woodland since 2023, and the farm has been invited to be designated as part of the National Forest of Wales and will apply for Naturfa status.”

It went on to say: “In creating the nature reserve Sarah has created an educational facility to showcase the work done and to explain the effects it has on improving the wildlife habitat. It has been a huge success.

“The existing proposed Nature Discovery Centre is an educational space to enthuse people about nature and what they can do to reverse the declines of wildlife by discovering just how fascinating it is.

“Over the last few years, work has been carried out on the Nature Recovery Education Centre. Phase 2- Fit Out is due to commence shortly.

“The current proposal to replace the shed will allow the site to maintain its high-quality farming, research, and educational facility.”

It finished: “Once complete the site will enhance the great agricultural, research and educational destination for schools, universities, conservation/ farming groups and day visitors alike.”

The application will be considered by Park planners at a later date.

A £500 donation has funded a new collection of historical clothing for visitors of all ages to try on at the popular Pembrokeshire attraction

VISITORS to Carew Castle can now step into the shoes of its former residents thanks to a new collection of medieval and Tudor costumes.

The clothing was purchased following a £500 donation from the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

The collection includes cloaks, tunics, dresses, hats and headwear based on styles worn between the 12th and 16th centuries. The costumes are now available for children, families and other visitors to try on and use for photographs during their visit.

They were supplied by specialist historical clothing companies Celtic Web Merchant and Get Dressed For Battle, which provide costumes and equipment to museums, theatres, heritage attractions, television productions and historical re-enactment groups.

Although based on authentic designs, the garments have been made to be practical and durable so they can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

Daisy Hughes, Visitor Services Manager at Carew Castle, said: “We’re delighted to have added these costumes to our collection.

“They are there for visitors of all ages to try on, take photos and really immerse themselves in the history of Carew Castle.

“We hope they’ll add an extra element of fun to every visit, giving families and friends the chance to step into the shoes of people from the medieval and Tudor periods and create some fantastic memories together.”

Katie Macro, Charity Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, thanked the Friends for supporting the project.

She said: “Partnerships like this demonstrate the value of organisations working together to enhance visitor experiences and connect more people with the incredible heritage of the National Park.

“The Friends have a long history of supporting projects that inspire people of all ages to discover and appreciate Pembrokeshire’s unique landscapes and history.”

Clare Dow, Chair of the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, said the costumes would provide young visitors with a hands-on way of learning about the area’s heritage.

She added: “Carew Castle is an important historical site. Understanding those who lived there, the clothes they wore and the fashions of the day all adds to an educational and enjoyable experience of Pembrokeshire’s heritage.”

The costumes are available to use during normal visits to Carew Castle.

Picture caption: Celebrating the £500 donation towards new historical costumes at Carew Castle are, from left, Elin Jenkins; Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust; Clare Dow, Chair of the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; and John Dow.

Visitors can meet local firefighters, watch live demonstrations and learn more about fire safety

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION will throw open its doors to the community for a free family open day next month.

The annual event will take place at the station on Merlin’s Hill on Saturday, August 29, from 10am until 3pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore the station and learn more about the work carried out by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

A range of attractions and activities is planned throughout the day, including live demonstrations, refreshments and family entertainment.

Firefighters will also be on hand to offer advice about fire safety and explain the service’s prevention work within communities across Pembrokeshire.

The event aims to give residents a closer look at the important role fire crews play in responding to emergencies and helping to keep people safe.

Families and friends are invited to attend, with admission free throughout the day.

Event details

Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: Haverfordwest Fire Station, Merlin’s Hill, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1PE
Admission: Free