PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and conservation organisations. This voluntary code, developed in collaboration with local operators, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and the RSPB, plays a crucial role in supporting the sustainable enjoyment of Pembrokeshire’s coastline by minimising disturbance to sensitive marine species and habitats.

Originally established to address the challenges of increasing recreational pressure, the Marine Code provides practical guidelines to help visitors and local communities enjoy the coastline responsibly. By promoting best practices in marine recreation, the Code assists in protecting the unique biodiversity of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The recent updates make the Pembrokeshire Marine Code more accessible and user-friendly, with enhanced resources available online and on-site through beachside noticeboards and the Wales Coast Explorer App. These tools ensure that everyone can understand and follow the guidance to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, highlighted the significance of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code: “As more people visit our stunning coastline, it’s essential that we protect the sensitive marine and coastal species within the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC. The Pembrokeshire Marine Code plays a vital role in guiding visitors on how to responsibly enjoy these areas, helping to sustain both recreational activities and our precious marine environment. The visibility of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code – through initiatives like beachside noticeboards and the Wales Coast Explorer App – has been instrumental in raising awareness, ensuring that more people understand the importance of protecting our marine habitats while enjoying all that Pembrokeshire has to offer.”

Kate Lock, Skomer Marine Conservation Zone Officer for Natural Resources Wales, also emphasised the Code’s value:

“Natural Resources Wales works to protect and enhance Wales’ natural environments, and the Pembrokeshire Marine Code is an essential tool in ensuring that our marine wildlife and habitats are protected. By supporting the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, we help reduce disturbance to sensitive species, aligning with our conservation goals and helping the public enjoy the coast responsibly.”

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, highlighted the Code’s alignment with regenerative tourism principles:

“The Pembrokeshire Marine Code represents best practice in the joint management of recreational pressures along our precious coastline. It continues to offer a balanced approach to supporting outdoor recreation providers, as a pivotal sector within the wider visitor economy, whilst safeguarding our fragile flora and fauna which needs protecting now more than ever. The Pembrokeshire Marine Code embodies the Park Authority’s commitment to regenerative tourism principles by ensuring that we leave the National Park in a better condition than we found it and, for this reason, it is vital that we all continue to support the Marine Code in retaining the highest standards of practice possible.”

By assisting in minimising disturbance and promoting education, the Pembrokeshire Marine Code is a key element of PCF’s Responsible Recreation programme. Its continued support from organisations like Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, RSPB, Wildlife Trust, and the National Trust underscores its effectiveness in fostering sustainable coastal recreation.

For more information on the Pembrokeshire Marine Code and the latest updates, visit www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk.

POLICE are appealing for information following a garage burglary in the School Lane area of Penally, which occurred between 8:00pm and 10:30pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Various items were taken, including:

• STIHL battery-operated hedge trimmer
• STIHL petrol garden strimmer
• STIHL petrol chainsaw (24-inch)
• STIHL petrol leaf blower
• Two beach casting fishing rods with reels

Anyone with information, or who may have been offered these items for sale, is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police. You can reach them online at Dyfed-Powys Police Contact, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, please text 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference number 24000934044.

A FIREWORKS display at Mynyddygarreg Hall near Kidwelly turned chaotic on Tuesday (Nov 5) as rockets flew into the crowd, hitting spectators and leaving families in distress.

Rhian, a mother at the event, recounted the terrifying experience, stating her children were traumatised after being struck by fireworks. Her seven-year-old son, Oliver, suffered a hit to his neck, while her other son, Charlie, aged eleven, was hit on the ear. “They were coming towards us and going off,” Rhian said. “We didn’t know where to turn, so we rushed back as fast as we could.”

Witnesses reported the incident occurred within three minutes of the display starting, but organisers failed to halt the event. Families expressed frustration, highlighting the lack of safety measures and staff assistance. Danielle Evans, another mother in attendance, shared: “Fireworks were repeatedly coming at us…an announcement should’ve been made for people to leave safely.”

Videos shared on social media depict chaotic scenes, with panicked parents shielding children from fireworks that continued to explode in close proximity. Parents reported hearing “the screams of terrified children and adults,” as they struggled to escape the display area.

Spectators, including a mother whose seven-year-old daughter was nearly hit in the face, are calling for a full investigation, questioning the event’s safety protocols and lack of immediate response. “The organisers displayed complete disregard for public safety,” stated Wendy Pearce, who left the venue after her five-year-old daughter narrowly avoided injury.

Outcry on social media

Attendees have flooded social media with criticism, some suggesting the organisers’ decision to continue the show was a deliberate attempt to avoid issuing refunds. One spectator, Adam Moreton, said: “Staff were just standing at the gate, oblivious to what happened. This needs answers.”

The Herald reached out to event organisers for a statement, but no response was received at the time of publication.

Many attendees are now calling for stricter safety regulations at public fireworks displays. Local parents argue that crowd safety measures, including fire safety officers and first aid staff, should be mandatory.