A NEW scheme has been launched to help farmers and landowners across the National Park work together – improving habitats, protecting wildlife and building long-term landscape resilience.

Ffermio Bro, funded by the Welsh Government and running through to March 2028, forms part of a wider effort to strengthen collaborative land management across Wales’s Designated Landscapes.

Rooted in the farming community, the scheme brings people together to deliver meaningful environmental improvements – supporting nature-friendly practices and helping to create healthy, connected ecosystems across the Park.

Arwel Evans, Farm Conservation Liaison Officer at the Park Authority, said: “Pembrokeshire has a rich agricultural heritage that has shaped our landscape – from the milk and beef produced on lush pastures to our famous ‘Tato Newy’ (early potatoes). Farmers have been custodians of the land for generations, and through our new Ffermio Bro scheme, we hope to support them in building resilient enterprises while helping our declining wildlife thrive in the future.”

The scheme offers several ways for farmers and landowners to collaborate, depending on their location and shared priorities. Some projects will focus on thematic goals, with farms across the Park working toward common outcomes without needing to form formal clusters. Others may involve catchment-based collaboration, where farmers along the same river or stream coordinate efforts to improve water quality. There is also support for more locally based work, such as joint initiatives on common land or projects that help connect habitats across the landscape.

Applications for funding under £10,000 will be assessed by the Ffermio Bro team, while larger projects will go before a dedicated panel.

Ffermio Bro focuses on a number of interconnected priorities that support sustainable land management. These include improving fresh water management to protect rivers, streams and aquatic ecosystems; promoting regenerative farming techniques that build soil health and support long-term food production; and safeguarding shared grazing land through commons protection.

The scheme also supports the restoration of traditional boundaries, such as hedgerows and stone walls, which are a distinctive feature of the Pembrokeshire landscape. In addition, funding is available for projects that help conserve and enhance the Park’s wildlife through targeted species protection.

Arwel Evans added: “This is a farmer-led scheme, and we welcome all ideas for improving habitats and nurturing wildlife.”

Farmers and landowners within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park can now submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the first funding window, which closes on Monday 23 June 2025.

For more information or to start an application, contact the Ffermio Bro team at [email protected] or complete the Expression of Interest form online at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/ffermio-bro.

Youth pilgrimage to blend fun, faith, and fellowship in scenic coastal retreat

YOUNG people from across west Wales are being invited to take part in the Annual St Davids’ Youth Pilgrimage this summer, as the Diocese of St Davids prepares for five days of faith-filled adventure along the ancient coastal paths once walked by Wales’ patron saint.

Taking place between August 4 and 8, the pilgrimage is open to all young people aged from rising 11 (Year 6) to 17, and promises a blend of walking, worship, games, storytelling and reflection. The group will be based at the St Davids Bunk Barns, just outside the city on the A487, with daily excursions to explore the landscape that inspired St David’s ministry.

Led by Reverend Sophie Whitmarsh, the Diocese’s Children, Youth & Families Missioner, the week-long event is designed to offer a meaningful experience of Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

“Each day will include walking parts of the coastal path, engaging activities to explore faith and time for reflection, fun and laughter,” said Reverend Whitmarsh. “We hope this will be a truly Holy Spirit-filled experience for our young people.”

The cost of the pilgrimage is £80 per child, covering food and accommodation for four nights. Thanks to support from the diocese and a new sponsorship scheme called Angels and Archangels, subsidies are available to ensure no child misses out due to financial hardship.

Booking packs include medical and permission forms, a kit list, and a participant contract to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.

For more information call 07870 415378.

A 37-YEAR-OLD woman from Pembroke Dock has denied possessing a sock stuffed with snooker balls during an alleged town centre street fight.

Frances Wallace, of King Street, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week charged with possession of an offensive weapon and using unlawful violence towards others during an incident in Pembroke Dock on June 15, 2024.

She is accused of arming herself with the makeshift weapon—a sock containing snooker balls—during what prosecutors described as a “serious public order offence” witnessed by around 20 members of the public.

Also in the dock was Stephen Charge, 52, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, who faces a single charge of using threatening and unlawful violence. He entered no plea.

Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court: “Both defendants were involved in a street fight that took place in Pembroke Dock. Police carried out extensive investigations, including reviewing video footage, which showed Frances Wallace armed herself with the sock containing snooker balls and used it as a weapon.

“You can imagine what it must have been like in Pembroke Dock at the time.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the case and it will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 20.

Both defendants were released on unconditional bail.