News

A cunning plan to pinch the Pembrokeshire puffin?

Published

9 years ago

May 10, 2016

PLASTIC puffins were placed on the Calf of Man last week as part of a project seeking to attract the bird back to Manx shores.

But this has left some puffin watchers in Pembrokeshire wondering if our favourite bird would now decline in numbers in west Wales due to the scheme. Puffin lover Rachel Jenkins contacted The Herald this week to ask if there would be an impact if birds were being ‘diverted’ to other areas.

plastic puffins Volunteers from the Manx Wildlife Trust, with support from Manx National Heritage technicians and volunteers, planted 100 decoys as part of their project to encourage puffins to nest on the Calf again. The Calf of Man is a 618-acre island off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man

According to the trust, global puffin numbers have been declining dramatically in recent years and are listed on the amber list of birds of conservation concerns in the UK and Ireland and more recently they have been added to the red list for endangered species.

Puffins were once numerous around the Calf of Man, with historic reports identifying more than 800 individuals seen in coastal waters in 1996, an exceptional year.

But numbers declined in recent years, with records of fewer than 10 birds observed each year.

The scheme could work.

In Pembrokeshire wardens used decoy puffins to lure the real birds back to Ramsey Island in 2011.

Around 200 look-alike models were placed on the island’s cliffs in a bid to persuade puffins that it is a safe place to breed.

Puffins disappeared from the island in the 1890s, easy prey for brown rats which arrived on ships.

Speaking to the BBC at the time, Lisa Morgan, Assistant Warden to Ramsey Island said: “The local boatman here thought that we had gone completely bonkers when we started putting plastic puffins on our cliffs, but actually it has worked elsewhere.

“There are several islands in Scotland where they have successfully used decoy Puffins. They were in a similar position to us.

“They had Puffins previously, and had lost them due to rats. But it worked, and Puffins returned to these island. So actually, it works. It’s a cheap and effective way of putting the ‘for sale’ up and attracting puffins back.”

Pembrokeshire County Council biodiversity officer, Trevor Theobald, said he did not think the Isle of Man project would have any great effect on the county’s puffin numbers.

He added: “Our puffin population here in Pembrokeshire is ok at the moment though puffins are having a hard time of it in Scotland and the east coast as a result of what some claim is over-fishing.

“Indeed it may lead to greater resilience for the species. One of the factors that is a necessity for puffins to breed is a rat-free environment so I would imagine they will have catered for that on the Isle of Man.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day 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.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

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 day 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.