News

Tiny Tavernspite hoglet trio are back in the wild

Published

6 years ago

September 2, 2020

Three orphaned baby hedgehogs have been returned to the wild after two months of rehabilitation and care, including being hand-reared by RSPCA officers when they were only days old.

RSPCA Cymru took the hoglets into their care after their nest in Tavernspite in Pembrokeshire was accidentally disturbed. The tiny babies were left in situ for some time in the hope their mother would return – but sadly, she never did.

The hoglets came into the RSPCA’s care on 8 June, and the three boys weighed just a combined 89 grams at the time – tipping the scales at 27g, 30g and 32g respectively.

Hand-rearing was crucial to their survival – and the trio were initially fed electrolyte fluids from a syringe by RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Ellie West and RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben. They were then moved onto a special milk formula they were given every two hours – including, initially, overnight.

The hogs – once weaned – were transferred to Gower Bird Hospital for further rehabilitation and care, before they were big and strong enough to be returned to the wild on 3 August – almost two months after first coming into the RSPCA’s care.

ACO West: “These poor hoglets were found in a desperate situation – as without their mother, they’d have had zero chance of survival.

“Fortunately, we became aware of their plight and took them into our care. I’ve helped care for many different species of orphaned wildlife – but these hoglets were particularly special.

“Weighing as little as 27 grams, these hogs needed plenty of care – and feeding them every two hours was exhausting, but well worth the end result.

“After a period of time with Gower Bird Hospital, we were able to return these wonderful animals to where they belong – the wild. The family who had first found the distrubed nest were able to safely witness the release too – which was a really lovely moment.”

Gower Bird Hospital has fitted the hoglets with coloured markers on their spines, so they can be identified should the hospital or the RSPCA deal with them again.

Hedgehogs typically give birth between June and July, and can have another nest of hoglets around September or October time. They sleep in a daynest and overwinter in a special nest called a hibernaculum. Extra care should be taken when gardening to avoid disturbing hedgehogs, and other wildlife, with preferential nest locations being thick undergrowth, under or in sheds, and in piles of leaves, logs or compost heaps. Bonfires should also always be checked for nesting hedgehogs before lighting them. If you do accidentally disturb a hedgehog whilst gardening, if possible re-cover them with their nesting material and leave them alone.

Further advice is available on the RSPCA’s ‘Living with Hedgehogs’ factsheet available on the charity’s website, as well as on the young hedgehogs page.

RSPCA officers have remained on the frontline throughout the coronavirus pandemic responding to emergencies. Should you wish to help this work, you can donate online.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.