News

Plans to conserve Welsh coastline

Published

10 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.

Ministry of Defence

Castlemartin range set for heavy activity as winter live-fire exercise begins

Published

11 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Army warns of late-night firing and increased traffic

CASTLEMARTIN Training Area will be extremely busy over the next few weeks as the Army begins a major live-fire exercise running from now until to 5 December.

The winter training block will see troops carrying out critical preparation ahead of future deployments, with extensive armoured manoeuvres and both daytime and night-time firing.

Extended firing hours

Live firing will take place between the following times:

Monday: 8:00am – 6:00pm and 8:00pm – 3:00am
Tuesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm and 8:00pm – 3:00am
Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm and 8:00pm – 3:00am
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm and 8:00pm – 3:00am
Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm

There will be no live firing at weekends, although military vehicles will still be moving around the area.

Residents are being reminded that these times are the earliest and latest possible firing windows. Not every day will start or finish at the maximum hours listed.

Traffic expected on rural roads

The Army says there will be increased vehicle movements on local roads—particularly in Angle, Castlemartin and the Freshwater West area—in the week leading up to the exercise and throughout the training period.

A spokesperson said the support of local people is appreciated: “These exercises are essential for maintaining readiness and ensuring our troops are fully trained for any future operational requirement.”

Crime

Two Milford Haven men sent to Crown Court on GBH charges

Published

12 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Court Reporter

The incident stems from a violent incident outside The Vibe public house, Milford Haven involving three men – a woman was also wounded in the incident

TWO Milford Haven men have been sent to Swansea Crown Court charged with section 18 wounding after an alleged incident in the town on November 15.

David McCallum, 41, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday (Nov 17). He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a woman in Milford Haven with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

McCallum also faces a second section 18 charge alleging that, on the same date in Milford Haven, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, with the prosecution conducted by Nia James.

On Tuesday (Nov 18), Nathan Abbott, 31, also of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Abbott is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a man in Milford Haven on November 15 with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

He was represented by Mike Kelleher, of Welch & Co.

Abbott also gave no plea, and his case was likewise sent to Swansea Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both McCallum and Abbott were remanded on conditional bail.

McCallum’s bail conditions include a curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00am, to be electronically monitored, not to contact directly or indirectly witnesses, and not to enter any public house, licensed club or off-licence.

Abbott’s bail conditions include living and sleeping each night at his home address , not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, and not to enter licensed premises.

Both men must appear for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing at Swansea Crown Court on December 19, 2025, at 9:00am.

No pre-sentence reports were ordered and no indication was given regarding any victim personal statements at this stage.

Crime

Aberystwyth man remanded after admitting cocaine supply

Published

12 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Court Reporter

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing

AN ABERYSTWYTH man has been remanded in custody after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply and having £7,000 in criminal cash.

Luke Hutton, 25, of Corporation Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17) for his first hearing. The case was heard by a bench of Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. He was represented by Jessica Hill and Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.

Hutton pleaded guilty to two offences arising from a police incident at Yr Hafan, Princess Street, Aberystwyth, on November 14.

The first charge was possessing £7,000 in criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The second was possessing a quantity of cocaine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply.

Magistrates were told that Hutton indicated guilty pleas to both matters on the day of his appearance.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, the bench committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence under Section 14 of the Sentencing Act 2020. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

Magistrates refused bail, citing the likelihood of further offending, the seriousness of the offences and the likely custodial sentence. Hutton was remanded into custody.

He will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on December 1, 2025, at 9:00am, for a committal for sentence hearing, listed for 30 minutes.