News

Plans to conserve Welsh coastline

Published

9 years ago

February 11, 2016

Protection plan: A spectacular view of Cardigan Bay from the Outer Ward of Criccieth Castle

PART of the North Pembrokeshire coast line stretching up to the Llyn Peninsula, in North Wales including Ceredigion is set to become part of a new special area of conservation aimed at protecting harbour porpoises following a proposal from Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

The land known as the West Wales Marine site, is one of six main areas being put across as parts of the country to protect to ensure the survival of a range of species.

A report released by the NRW said: “The proposals to create six new marine protected areas come after NRW and other conservation agencies across the UK spent several years studying a number of species and where they spend their time.”

As part of the proposal, potential restrictions on some activities in the site could be put in place, but the report stated it is difficult to say at this stage exactly what action needs to be taken.

The report has however said: “The West Wales Marine site has been selected primarily on the basis of its long-term, preferential use by harbour porpoise in contrast to other areas of the UK portion of the Irish Sea.

“The implication is that the site provides good foraging habitat and it may also be used for breeding and calving.

“For that reason, the intent of this objective is to minimise the risk posed by activities within the site to the species viability.

“Activities that kill, injure or significantly disturb harbour porpoise have the potential to affect species viability within the site.”

These plans will join the Welsh coast with other parts of Europe already protecting their wildlife in an effort for sustainability: “Along with other European countries, Wales already has a series of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) on land and sea, and the proposed new areas will add to this network, called Natura 2000, which aims to conserve biodiversity right across the EU.”

Ceri Davies, the executive director for knowledge, strategy and planning for NRW, said: “These sites are not just valuable for wildlife, they also include some of Wales’ most beautiful and valued seascapes.

“They attract thousands of visitors every year and enhance the quality of life for the people who live in and near them.

“And Wales’ existing network of marine SACs and SPAs are also used for a variety of activities, including shipping, energy, fisheries and recreational activities.

“We work with all users of the marine environment to find ways that allow sustainable use of the sea, while protecting important parts of the environment.”

The proposal has been welcomed by wildlife groups who have said it is an important step in providing greater protection to marine animals and birds.

Scott Fryer, a Wildlife Trusts Wales officer said: “This is an important step towards Wales’s contribution to helping protect a range of sites for protected animals in Wales as part of the larger UK network.”

“The Wildlife Trusts in Wales are pleased that NRW recognises how essential it is to create special areas for marine wildlife. We must protect our seas so that they can continue to provide benefits for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy.”

“This is good news. Harbour porpoise are our smallest mammal so they tend to get overlooked compared to the larger dolphins. As they mostly live around the coast these sites are essential.” Added Gill Bell, the chair of the Wales Environment Link and a member of the Marine Conservation Society.

The NRW will be running their consultation until April 19, when a final decision on whether to implement the proposals will be made by the Minister for Natural Resources in the Welsh Government.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

35 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”