Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

The ppppp-patter of tiny f e e t a t F o l l y F a r m

Published

on

penguinJust one year after the pack of 24 Humboldt Penguins arrived at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire, two of its newest residents have become the proud parents of a newly hatched penguin chick. 

The exciting arrival is the offspring of Donna and Diavlo, who were one of the first sets of penguins to pair off and build a nest together back in February. The fluffy grey youngster, who hatched on Tuesday 20 May – one year to the day that the penguins were released into their new enclosure at the park, will now spend the coming weeks being cared for by its parents – with the help of the penguin keepers. It will then be enrolled into penguin school, where it will learn how to eat and fend for itself. Catrin Thomas, Penguin Keeper said, “We are so excited to have our first penguin chick at the park. We all feel like proud parents and are so happy for Donna and Diavlo. We haven’t named the chick yet as we do not know what sex it is but once we do we will give it a suitable name – it may have to begin with ‘D’ though to follow in its parents footsteps.” Fellow Penguin Keeper, Caroline Davies, added, “We hope this is just the start of a deluge of chicks in our Humboldt penguin enclosure. We currently have ten eggs being incubated by our penguin brood so are anticipating the arrival of more any day now.” In the first few weeks of their lives the keepers will need to be extremely hands-on with the chicks to make sure the new parents and their offspring get off to the best possible start. As first time parents some of the penguins will need help in rearing their young so the keepers will be on hand to give them some parenting tips and assist by hand feeding the chicks during the first few months of their lives. Tim Morphew, Zoo Manager, added, “The arrival of chicks in our penguin enclosure demonstrates that we have successfully created a healthy breeding environment for our penguins that is as close as possible to their natural habitat. We are delighted that our first breeding season has been a success and we look forward to welcoming more little ones to our penguin crèche.” Penguin Coast opened at Folly Farm last Easter. The two acre stateof- the-art development currently houses 24 Humboldt Penguins and contains a penguin nursery, beach area, 100m3 saltwater pool and play area with specialised plants and rocks. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo boasts a collection of over 400 species of exotic animals, many of which are endangered. The park also houses Europe’s largest indoor vintage funfair, a Go-Kart race track and an adventure playground as well as a petting barn. For more information, visit the website www.folly-farm.co.uk, like us on facebook www.facebook.com/ FollyFarm and follow us on twitter @follyfarmwales

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Rent in Pembrokeshire rises 7% over past year

Published

on

NEW figures reveal that private rental costs in Pembrokeshire have climbed by 7% in the past year, with the average monthly rent reaching £625 in October. This is a significant increase from £582 a year earlier and represents a 22% rise over the past five years, where the average rent was estimated at £511.  

The data, collected by Rent Officers Wales as part of the Housing and Regeneration Division, highlights growing pressure on tenants amidst rising costs. The collection aims to cover approximately 15% of the rental market by gathering data from landlords and letting agents.  

Across Wales, the average monthly rent has risen 8% year-on-year to £766. Cardiff recorded the highest rental cost in the country at £1,062 per month, while Powys had the lowest at £556.  

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented on the challenges faced by renters in a press statement sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald. She said: “Getting good news about your rent is about as common as discovering your housemates have washed up for you, or your landlord suggesting you get a dog. For many, the only way out of the endless cycle of rising costs is to buy, but that’s far easier said than done when rents absorb so much of your income.”  

The situation is compounded by a lack of available rental properties. Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, explained: “As we continue to see further increases in rental prices across the UK, our members emphasize the lack of rental stock versus an ever-growing number of tenants. Selling up or turning to the short-term letting market has become a more attractive option for landlords due to challenging legislative changes and increased financial liabilities.”  

Breakdown of Rental Costs in Pembrokeshire

The figures show a range of costs depending on property type and size in Pembrokeshire:  

– A one-bedroom property: £462 per month  

– A two-bedroom property: £576 per month  

– A three-bedroom property: £732 per month  

– Homes with four or more bedrooms: £934 per month  

By property type:  

– Detached houses: £768 per month  

– Semi-detached houses: £653 per month  

– Terraced houses: £629 per month  

– Flats or maisonettes: £521 per month  

In October, the average rent for private properties across Great Britain stood at £1,307 per month—up 9% compared to the same period last year. This equates to an increase of £105 per month.  

As landlords adapt to changing regulations and financial pressures, the shortage of rental properties continues to push prices higher, creating further challenges for tenants across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Continue Reading

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

on

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund.  This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable  irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Continue Reading

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

on

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Continue Reading

Crime9 hours ago

Detective Chief Inspector describes child’s death as ‘heartbreaking’

POLICE have described the death of seven-year-old Louis Linse at the hands of his mother as a “heartbreaking incident” that...

News18 hours ago

Teenager’s death not linked to bullying or social media, says coroner

A “KIND, strong” teenager who tragically took her own life was not driven to her actions by bullying or social...

Crime2 days ago

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility. Papaipit...

Business3 days ago

Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million...

News3 days ago

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid...

News3 days ago

Teachers were ‘absolutely horrible’ to a girl who died after cyber-bullying

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl who died following a harrowing cyberbullying campaign was “let down at every possible opportunity” by her school,...

Health3 days ago

NHS staff at risk during pandemic due to PPE issues, Covid Inquiry hears

NHS staff in Wales may have put their health at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic by treating patients without adequate...

News5 days ago

Snow falls in Wales: School closures, road blockages, and weather warnings

THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The...

News6 days ago

Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described...

Business6 days ago

Milford Haven Port Authority in Burry Port Harbour takeover talks

MILFORD Haven Port Authority is in the frame to take over the running of Carmarthenshire’s only harbour. The Trust Port...

Popular This Week