A NEW North Pembrokeshire footpath that gives walkers a chance to see a variety of landscapes including oak woodland and meadows, as well notable local landmarks including Carningli, Newport Sands and Dinas Head was officially opened on 12 May.

The Llwybr Pwll Cornel route was created in 2021, following a collaboration Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority staff, volunteers and Members and with the permission of the local landowners Mr and Mrs Evans of Berryhill Farm and the owners of Llwyngwair Manor, who kindly permitted the establishment of the path over their land

The new 1.1 mile-long stretch of footpath is named after Pwll Cornel, the corner pool on the River Nevern (Afon Nyfer) that the path overlooks.

National Park Authority North Area Ranger, Richard Vaughan said: “The route was created by Authority Wardens and Rangers with a great deal of support from a small army of volunteers from a variety of local groups.

“The woodland section of the walk has some steep gradients, but the walker is rewarded with some great views of the estuary, Carningli and the coastline down to Dinas Head.

“As well as being an enjoyable short walk in its own right, it also provides links to the wider network of public paths in this area, giving people the chance to add this route to their usual walks.”

The work was funded by the Welsh Government’s Access Improvement Grant.

To view more information about the route and download a map, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/walking-in-the-park/web-walks/llwybr-pwll-cornel-newport/.

You can also find this walk listed alongside other walks in the Newport area by visiting www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/newport-walks.

(Picture at top of this page: The view of Newport Sands and Dinas Head which walkers of the new Llwybr Pwll Cornel route will encounter.)

THREE years after the launch of a project to enhance Withybush Woods, there are abundant signs that biodiversity is thriving.

Swathes of early purple orchid – a scarce wild flower – have been spotted in shadier parts of the tranquil woodlands while a pair of rare breeding stock doves have made the woods their home for the second year.

Song thrushes can be heard everywhere on the 1.5km accessible footpath together with chiffchaffs, willow warblers, nuthatch, woodpeckers, blackbirds, blue tits and many other woodland birds.

Mallards and moorhens and their young can be seen on the restored lower pond, together with the resident swans, and a new wetland area nearby is providing a new habitat for other species of invertebrates and pollinators.

The EU-funded improvement project was led by Pembrokeshire County Council, which owns the woods on the outskirts of Haverfordwest.

Dr Steven Jones, Director of Community Services, said: “Withybush Woods has always been a beautiful and special place to visit and even more so now, thanks to its increasing range of species and biodiversity habitats.

The enhancement work received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. 

The scheme also received funding through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, through the WCVA.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has been awarded a £10,000 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out Community Engagement on the future of Haverfordwest Castle.

This community engagement will inform planning over the future heritage redevelopment of the medieval castle.

The Council will engage with local people to ensure the project benefits the local community and shapes the castle’s future as a heritage asset for Haverfordwest.

This will aid the Council’s ongoing regeneration of the County Town and provide a popular space for local people and events.

A consultant will be appointed to assess local views; collate ideas and perspectives; capture local people’s memories and stories; identify audiences and ensure engagement with people of all ages and all sectors of the community.

Further information will be made available following the appointment of the organisation that will undertake this important work.

Built in about 1110, Haverfordwest Castle dominates the County Town visually from its hilltop site.

It is a Grade 1 listed Scheduled Ancient Monument and the extensive castle fabric that survives, dates mostly from the 13th century.

The castle was once owned by Queen Eleanor of Castile and within the castle is the Georgian former county gaol and governor’s house, both Grade II listed.

Mike Cavanagh, Head of Culture, Leisure and Registration Services said: “We’re delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players.

“The castle is an integral part of Haverfordwest’s rich history and this money will help ensure the community is at the forefront of shaping this magnificent piece of history to be an important part of the future too.”