News

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

Published

5 years ago

March 17, 2021

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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

20 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.