Farming
Pembrokeshire gets Nature Fund cash
THE MINISTER for Natural Resources, Alun Davies has set out how a £6m Nature Fund will be used to help halt the decline of wildlife and habitats in Wales.
The Minister said that the fund would support practical action to improve Wales’ environment and called on owners, farmers, conservationists and other interested parties to work together to take advantage of the funding and the associated economic and social benefits it could bring. Alun Davies said: “Last year’s State of Nature report was a big wake-up call and highlighted dramatic declines in a range of habitats and species across Wales. I am determined that we will use this £6m Nature Fund not just to tackle that decline, but also to enhance Wales’ biodiversity and improve our environment and crucially to do so in a way that supports the resilience of our communities and Wales’ economy. ‘It is evident from the State of Nature report that traditional approaches to managing our biodiversity haven’t worked and that more joined up inclusive approaches are needed. That is why we have been working with organisations across Wales already engaged in the day-today business of managing our natural resources and have used the 460 plus ideas we’ve received to develop the focus and priorities of the Nature Fund. ‘The fund will help us to deliver our commitment to the joinedup management of Wales’ natural resources and will complement our wider work to manage those resources in a way that improves our resilience and drives green growth. The Minister said that the £6m Nature fund would be used to support activity in seven selected geographical areas or Nature Action Zones specially chosen because of the challenges and opportunities they present for biodiversity and Wales’ natural resource action. The Nature Action Zones are: * Brecon Beacons – focusing on the Usk and Wye catchments * Cambrian mountains * Conwy Valley * Pembrokeshire coast * South Wales Valleys * Berwyn and Migneint * Llyn Peninsula The fund will support practical actions that are appropriate to the needs of each of the seven Nature Action Zones and will fund activity that tackles the decline in our biodiversity while delivering environmental, economic and social benefit. It will also recognise projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and good practice. Particular priority will be given to actions that improve river catchments, fisheries management and marine ecosystems, actions that enhance natural green spaces, actions that realise potential in the uplands and action that stimulates and develops the existing interest in a payment for eco systems service. Over the coming weeks the Welsh Government will work with partners to refine project proposals that will be funded during this financial year. The Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales will work closely with partners to deliver the Fund, which will complement work already underway in Natural Resources Wales’ three trial areas. A small number of proposals outside of the Nature Action Zones will be considered if they demonstrate innovation and collaboration and can deliver key outcomes. The Welsh Government will be holding events in the seven selected Nature Action Zones in order to support the development of detailed projects.
Farming
Battle over unauthorised buildings at Pembrokeshire farm set to continue

A PROLONGED dispute regarding unapproved structures erected at Cwm Farm in Llawhaden, Pembrokeshire, is poised to extend into next year, the Herald understands.
Pembrokeshire County Council has sought an injunction to demolish a substantial cattle shed constructed on the farm without obtaining planning permission.
Landowners Ryan and Declan Cole undertook the construction of a 96×29 meter cattle shed on their property without seeking the necessary planning consent.
Despite submitting two unsuccessful planning applications for a sizeable agricultural building, hardstanding, and access track in 2019 and 2020, the brothers proceeded with the construction.
On February 12, 2021, the council’s planning department issued an enforcement notice mandating the removal of the structures within four months.
The Planning Inspectorate subsequently extended this deadline to nine months.
However, the brothers failed to comply with the order.
In an attempt to rectify the situation, the Cole brothers applied for retrospective planning permission for the same developments.
Unfortunately for them, the council’s planning committee rejected their application in September of last year.
Consequently, Ryan, 24, and Declan, 23, both residing at Clifton Villa in Clynderwen, were each fined £1,000 by Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 9, for non-compliance with the enforcement notice.
Undeterred, the Cole brothers have now lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales against the council’s refusal to grant retrospective planning permission.
During a hearing on Thursday, May 18, His Honour Justice Jarman KC agreed to suspend the proceedings until the appeal process is finalized.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council stated, “In light of the Cole brothers’ appeal to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) against Pembrokeshire County Council’s refusal to grant them retrospective planning permission, both parties have mutually agreed to halt injunction proceedings until the appeal’s outcome.”
The parties involved will reconvene in court to provide an update on the progress of the appeal at the earliest available date after February 18, 2024.
The ongoing battle over the unauthorized structures at Cwm Farm remains unresolved, leaving the ultimate fate of the contested cattle shed hanging in the balance.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launches search for county’s top progressive farmers

IF you farm in Pembrokeshire, are under the age of 45, and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.
Brian Jones, Pembrokeshire County Show President, said, “We are looking for a local Pembrokeshire farmer who can demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county.”
Last year’s winner of the Award was Michael Williams, a dairy farmer from Puncheston. He farms conventionally using regenerative farming practices. His emphasis is longevity of herd and sustainability of on-farm food production using low inputs and low disturbance methods. Producing food and enhancing the environment to make for happy cows. Michael is signed up to the Regenerative Farming Plan with a net zero commitment by 2040.
The de Rutzen family have had a considerable influence in Pembrokeshire through their agricultural estates and diverse businesses interests over many years. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society gratefully acknowledges the generosity of J H Llewellin & family, of Kilbarth, Rudbaxton, Haverfordwest, for kindly presenting the Baron de Rutzen Trophy to the Society.
Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.
This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2023. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply: Baron de Rutzen Award | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)
The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
Farming
Animals seized from Pembrokeshire farm as man arrested by police

A DRAMATIC animal welfare operation has taken place in Pembrokeshire, resulting in the seizure of almost 100 animals and the arrest of a man. The operation was a joint effort by the RSPCA, Dyfed-Powys Police, and inspectors from Pembrokeshire’s animal health and welfare team, who were called to land at the Ridgeway in Lamphey on Tuesday, April 18.
Concerns had been raised about the welfare of the animals, which included one cow, five dogs, 19 various poultry, 26 sheep and 43 pigs. The seizure was carried out under the authority of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with the aim of preventing suffering.
According to Pembrokeshire County Council, the operation was linked to the prosecution of Richard Scarfe, of Pembroke Dock. Scarfe had been convicted of multiple animal welfare offences on January 26, 2022, and was disqualified from keeping cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and donkeys for five years. Animal health officers from the council visited the land and acted after vets issued a Section 18 determination, meaning the animals were suffering or were likely to suffer if they were not removed.
All of the animals have now been taken to safety, where their veterinary needs were assessed and their care will be monitored.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a disqualification order made under the Animal Welfare Act. The 42-year-old man was later released under investigation.
A spokesperson for the force said: “On Tuesday, April 18, Dyfed-Powys Police Rural Crime Team Officers assisted RSPCA, Pembrokeshire Animal Health and Welfare Inspectors with the seizure of a number of animals at an address in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a disqualification order under the Animal Welfare Act. He has since been released under investigation.”
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that further proceedings will now follow. Cllr Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing operations and regulatory services, praised the actions of council officers and partners. “I commend the actions of council officers and partners to remove these animals, prevent suffering and protect their welfare,” she said. “I hope this action will serve as a deterrent to others that Pembrokeshire County Council will act decisively where serious cases of animal neglect and suffering arise.”
-
News5 days ago
Homeowner prosecuted by National Park nearly £3k out of pocket
-
News15 hours ago
Police confirm body found in search for Huw
-
Business6 days ago
A glimpse of the new ferry soon to serve Pembrokeshire as it arrives in Ireland
-
News4 days ago
Former councillor’s pub works expected to be refused
-
News2 days ago
Milford Haven couple found guilty in waste disposal case
-
News2 days ago
Pembrokeshire College staff member struck off for unacceptable professional conduct
-
Charity7 days ago
Child swept out to sea rescued by kayakers as lifeboat launches
-
News7 days ago
Reports of a child fatality in devastating house fire near Crymych