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New Natural Resources Wales conservation project looks to restore native oysters in the Milford Haven estuary

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AN EXCITING new conservation project led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is investigating the viability of restoring the native oyster.

This pioneering project aims to trial different approaches to restore the environmentally important native oyster and associated habitat. It is the first native oyster conservation project of its kind in Wales and if successful, could be used as a blueprint for larger scale restoration projects.

Native oysters filter and clean water and provide essential habitats for fish, crustaceans and other species. They lock away carbon, and filter particles and nutrients from the water, so they play a vital role towards offsetting the effects of climate change. Oysters help to improve the resilience of our marine ecosystems so restoring these habitats will provide benefits for people and for the wider environment.

Once widespread across Wales, there have been significant declines of oyster habitats over the last century. Historic over-exploitation, changes in water quality, and disease are likely to have driven this decline. These factors left too few individuals in the wild to produce new offspring and bring about natural population recovery – it is unlikely the species will recuperate without intervention.

Working with a team of marine scientists and aquaculture experts, including a local oyster farming business (ABPmer, Aquafish Solutions, Aquatic Survey and Monitoring and Atlantic Edge Oysters), NRW have introduced juvenile oysters and clean shell material in a series of trials over several historic oyster grounds. The areas will be monitored to check that oysters are surviving, growing and if there is evidence of reproduction.

Ben Wray, Project Manager and marine ecologist at NRW said:

“Restoring native oysters and associated habitat in Wales is extremely important. It improves the condition of the surrounding area and it is great for the wider environment which benefits people too. We are very hopeful that the project will be a success – the native oyster is a threatened and declining species. And it’s a main priority for biodiversity restoration in Wales.

“We are using current and former oyster habitats in the Milford Haven waterway to test if it is possible to introduce native oysters to boost the population. So far, we have introduced around 25,000 juvenile oysters in the estuary and we will monitor how they progress. If the project is successful, oysters could be introduced on a larger scale and across additional sites”.

Dr Andrew Woolmer of Atlantic Edge Oysters said: 

“We are really pleased to be able to support this important restoration work in the Milford Haven estuary by supplying the native oysters for restocking. It has been challenging, but we have worked hard over the last few years developing new techniques to produce them.

“Native oysters are an important part of the ecosystem, as well as the heritage of the waterway and we are proud to play a part in their recovery.”

Welsh Government and WEFO provided funding for the important conservation project.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said:

“I am very pleased we have been able to back this conservation effort at oyster habitats in Wales, which will help improve the health and resilience of our marine ecosystems.

“Our Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Management Framework sets out how we will continue to improve management and quality at MPAs across Wales over the next five years, playing a vital role in our efforts to improve the resilience of our marine habitats and biodiversity.”

Monitoring the native oyster restoration project will take place over the next two years. Results will be analysed and examined by March 2023. If successful, NRW will look to work with other organisations to reintroduce native oysters across Wales.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

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THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

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Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

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NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

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The King’s Christmas message reflects on personal challenges and global struggles

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THE KING delivered a heartfelt Christmas message at 3:00pm today, reflecting on his and the Princess of Wales’ battles with cancer, global conflicts, and the enduring power of compassion and hope.

His Majesty spoke from the Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, now a vibrant community space, sharing gratitude for the healthcare professionals who supported him and his family through illness.

Full text of the King’s speech:

“Earlier this year, as we commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, the Queen and I had the enormous privilege of meeting, once again, the remarkable veterans of that very special generation who gave of themselves so courageously, on behalf of us all.

“Listening to these once-young service men and women touched us deeply as they spoke of their comrades, drawn from across the Commonwealth, who never returned and who now rest peacefully where they made the ultimate sacrifice. Their example of service and selflessness continues to inspire, across the generations.

“During previous commemorations, we were able to console ourselves with the thought that these tragic events seldom happen in the modern era.

“But, on this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods.

“We also think of the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to bring vital relief. After all, the Gospels speak so vividly of conflict and teach the values with which we can overcome it.

“The example that Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives and so bring hope where there is despair.

“As the famous Christmas Carol, ‘Once In Royal David’s City’ reminds us, ‘Our Saviour holy’ ‘came down to Earth from Heaven’, lived among ‘the poor and mean and lowly’ and transformed the lives of those he met, through God’s ‘redeeming love’.

“That is the heart of the Nativity Story and we can hear its beat in the belief of all the great faiths in the love and mercy of God in times of joy and of suffering, calling us to bring light where there is darkness.

“All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another – and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none – is a measure of our civilisation as nations.

“This is what continually impresses me, as my family and I meet with, and listen to, those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.

“I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.

“On our recent visit to the South Pacific to attend the Commonwealth summit, I was reminded constantly of the strength which institutions, as well as individuals, can draw from one another. And of how diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith provides strength, not weakness.

“Across the Commonwealth, we are held together by a willingness to listen to each other, to learn from one another and to find just how much we have in common. Because, through listening, we learn to respect our differences, to defeat prejudice, and to open up new possibilities.

“I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair. To repair not just buildings, but relationships. And, most importantly, to repair trust; by listening and, through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all.

“Again, listening is a recurrent theme of the Nativity story. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, listened to the Angel who revealed to her a different future full of hope for all people. The message of the Angels to the shepherds – that there should be peace on Earth – in fact echoes through all faiths and philosophies.

“It rings true to this day for people of goodwill across the world. And so it is with this in mind that I wish you, and all those you love, a most joyful and peaceful Christmas.”

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