News

Folly Farm announces plans to offset carbon emissions in latest ‘Green Drive’

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2020

FOLLY FARM, one of Wales’ most well-known farm and zoo attractions, has announced its plan to offset over 20 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year – the equivalent of driving 167,167 miles.

The decision to carbon offset comes as part of its extensive sustainability efforts, which aims to reduce its impact on the environment and to support conservation programmes at home and abroad.

In making this move, Folly Farm also becomes the first family attraction in the UK to take part in Flogas Britain’s Carbon Offsetting Initiative, which gives businesses the chance to offset 100% of their gas carbon emissions, and help support conservation and renewable-energy projects around the world.

Spanning 120 acres, Folly Farm uses Flogas LPG to power its cafes, eateries and food stalls, and heat buildings across the site. It’s these emissions that are then offset through the Carbon Offsetting Initiative.

Chris Ebsworth, managing director at Folly Farm, said: “Having achieved a ‘Green Key’ award for three years running, conservation and improving the environment is at the heart of what we do. We had no hesitations when Flogas offered us the chance to offset our emissions.

“We pride ourselves on our industry-leading green policies, which we’ve introduced throughout all areas of the business. As well as choosing LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), as an efficient fuel source for our catering facilities, we’ve also invested heavily in the use of solar panels, biomass heating and low energy light bulbs in our funfair. Choosing to carbon offset is yet another step in reducing the impact the park has on the environment.”

Giraffes, Meekats, Lions

Recently launched as part of its ‘2040 Vision’ – Flogas’ Carbon Offsetting Initiative allows businesses to offset the unavoidable carbon emissions created during day-to-day operations. Businesses can purchase ‘carbon credits’ based on their energy use which are put towards activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To date, Flogas have helped offset over 17,000 tonnes of CO2e.

David Taylor, Head of Corporate Affairs and Innovation at Flogas, said: “Introducing Folly Farm to the benefits of our Carbon Offsetting Initiative is just another example of how we can help businesses to achieve their sustainability targets.

“Carbon offsetting has proved extremely popular with our customers since its launch and remains an important part in achieving our ‘2040 Vision’ – which is our endeavour to supply customers with 100% renewable energy solutions by 2040.”

“The Carbon Offsetting Initiative isn’t just for business customers but homeowners too. We recognise that more of us are looking to do our bit and reduce the impact our homes have on the planet. By offsetting, we can all be proactive in making a change when emissions are unavoidable.

“The conservation work that the park undertakes is a huge achievement and we’re glad that Folly Farm has yet another green credential to add to its ever-growing list.”

For more information on Flogas’ Carbon Offsetting Initiative or any other Flogas offering, visit www.flogas.co.uk/business or call 0800 574 574.

Community

Paul Lucas receives British Empire Medal for services to education and charity

Published

17 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE of the driving forces behind the creation of Haverfordwest High VC School has been honoured with the British Empire Medal.

Mr Paul Lucas received his insignia from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, at a special ceremony at County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday, January 20^th.

Mr Lucas was named in the New Year Honours for services to education and charity in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Lucas was Chairman of Governors at the newly created Haverfordwest High VC School at the time of its official opening by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in 2022.

Mr Lucas oversaw the amalgamation of the former Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward schools into Haverfordwest High and the building of the fantastic new school on the former Sir Thomas Picton site.

Hosting the event, the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council Cllr Steve Alderman noted that many, many thousands of students for decades to come will enjoy first class educational facilities at the new school, thanks to the dedication of Mr Lucas.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, said: “On behalf of His Majesty The King, it was an honour and an enormous privilege to present Mr Paul Lucas with the British Empire Medal.

“Mr Lucas has provided incredible service to Pembrokeshire and Haverfordwest in particular and has been a driving force for educational improvement. His work will have a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Assisting the Lord-Lieutenant for the ceremony was Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Sergeant Mariana Lemon.

Also in attendance for the special occasion were the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey; the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Helen Jones, and Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Col Martin Green, along with Mr Lucas’ family and invited guests.

Community

County Show calling all Pembrokeshire parents and teachers

Published

19 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the county are invited to the next Food Story event, Nutritious, Delicious & Local, which will take place at the Pembrokeshire County Showground on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, 2025.

This exciting event, suitable for pupils from Year 2 to Year 11, will offer a hands-on learning experience focusing on health and well-being, as well as the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in local food production. Topics will include how weather and climate impact farming, the growth of crops, and the daily challenges faced by farmers.

Children will also have the chance to cook and sample local produce, making it a truly interactive and educational experience.

All primary and secondary schools across Pembrokeshire will receive an invitation and booking form to attend. If teachers have not received the email and would like to participate, they are encouraged to contact the Pembrokeshire Showground Office at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation about the importance of nutritious, local food!

Charity

RSPCA issues advice as Storm Éowyn moves in across the UK from today

Published

56 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE RSPCA is urging animal owners to follow urgent advice to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe as the Met Office warns Storm Éowyn will bring very strong wind gusts across the UK from today (Thursday 22 January).

Most parts of England and Wales are likely to experience the storm with the Met Office predicting the worst impacts from Storm Éowyn to be felt early on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in southwestern parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall. This is forecast to quickly spread northeast to other parts of the UK during Friday morning.

Yellow weather warnings predict heavy rain will move from the west to east of England and Wales – bringing strong and gusty winds, expected to reach 50-60 mph (80-96 kph) over exposed coasts and hills, whilst amber weather warnings are in place in some locations for Friday (24 January), with wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (145km per hour) along the northwest and northeast of England.

***Thursday’s wind warning (Image: MET OFFICE)***

The RSPCA has approximately 32 specially-trained officers and a fleet of emergency rescue boats that can be launched for water rescues of animals. The water rescue teams are trained to operate in fast-flowing and contaminated water, and can be called upon to assist in rescuing animals, people and provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.

Animal owners are advised to keep an eye on local forecasts and check for warnings, and the animal charity is also calling on people to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of animals – as rising water levels and strong winds take a toll on the natural habitats of wild fowl and other wildlife.

RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator said: “It’s really important we once again help our animal friends get through this bout of bad weather this week, which could possibly lead to flooding and other damage caused by very strong gusts of wind. Animals must not be forgotten as the country prepares for Storm Éowyn.

“Floodwater can rise very quickly so if there is a flood warning in your area then act early – make sure you have a plan so that you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding.

“We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe, and we’d urge animal lovers to help us by spreading these potentially lifesaving messages.

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough supplies for their needs. Horses or livestock in flooded fields is also a big concern whenever there is heavy rain forecast, so while we’ve not had to launch any rescues yet, we are urging pet owners and farmers to act now to ensure the safety of their animals.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they can leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

RSPCA tips for pet owners during heavy rainfall and flood risk

Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency;
Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted;
Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation;
Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry;
Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost and ensure microchip details are up-to-date and registered;
Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies;
If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue.

If the worst does happen and if flooding does leave animals in danger, members of the public should be careful not to take risks with their own safety by attempting animal rescues.

It is best to leave that to the experts. The RSPCA’s trained officers are equipped to deal with flood-stricken animals and work as part of Defra’s National Flood Response to help rescue stranded animals.

Jason added: “Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and instead call us and other response agencies for help in an emergency.”

Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents should seek updates from Natural Resources Wales..

To see all RSPCA flood advice for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s guide online: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods.

There’s information on the RSPCA website about what to do if you see an animal in distress.