News

Park partnership continues the battle against invasive species

Published

5 years ago

June 7, 2021

Balsam flowers turn into pressured seed pods and pop when touched, dispersing seeds across a large area.

A PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park Authority-run project to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS) has gathered momentum over the recent weeks, and the Authority is now asking members of the public for their support.

The Stitch in Time project began in 2015 with a pilot in the Cwm Gwaun catchment, and has since been extended across four other local catchments, as well as smaller sites across the National Park.

In partnership with management, local community volunteers and contractor West Wales Sustainable Woodland Services, a highly effective and consistent approach can be applied across the project areas, replicating the work in the original pilot catchment on a full site scale.

As well as changing the appearance of an area, as highlighted by these before and after photos of the Penrallt site, Himalayan balsam also reduces diversity in the floral landscape.

During the recent Invasive Species Week, held during the last week of May, volunteers and staff worked hard to remove Himalayan balsam from land adjacent to Penrallt Garden Centre in Moylegrove.

Once seen as an exotic addition to Victorian gardens, Himalayan balsam is now widely spread throughout the British Isles, thanks to its ability to discharge thousands of seeds into the surrounding landscape and nearby waterways. As an invasive non-native species it can outcompete other plants, quickly establishing a monoculture and reducing diversity across sites and even entire catchments. Himalayan balsam has also been shown to impact pollinators by diverting flight paths and reducing nutrient intake where it is the dominant resource.

The Authority’s Invasive Non Native Species Project Coordinator Matthew Tebbutt said: “A central aim of this project is to increase awareness among individuals, communities and landowners about INNS, and to build capacity to monitor the situation once this investment brings land into a more manageable state.

The coastal catchment of Porthgain is another area where this strategy is being applied successfully.

“We really need to know where Himalayan balsam is present, but also know where the plant is absent. So we’re asking members of the public, residents and visitors to get in touch with Presence and Absence records, particularly from areas near water, public footpaths and hedges, as this creates a strategic picture of a site or catchment.

“It also helps us pinpoint where to focus limited resources and ensures that re-infestation doesn’t occur, extinguishing the seed bank within a couple of seasons. We have applied this strategy successfully in the coastal catchment of Porthgain.”

This work has been made possible thanks to support from the Welsh Government’s Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing grant, Natural Resources Wales and a Local Places for Nature grant secured by the Park Authority.

To submit records or get advice on Invasive Species, contact Matt Tebbutt at [email protected] or phone 01646 624800.

More details about the Stitch in Time project can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/stitch-in-time.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.