Community

Wildfire preparation works inspected by Pembrokeshire Community Fire Safety Team

Published

3 years ago

March 18, 2023

IN EARLY March, members of the Pembrokeshire Community Fire Safety team and Haverfordwest Station visited Carningli Mountain to oversee preparation works and a control burn, in readiness for the summer and as part of responsible land management.

Wildfire Preparation Works: PXL 20230302 120329440 2

During their first visit of the week, they saw firebreaks being cut by a remote-controlled ‘iCutter’ flail, which can cut grass, weeds, shrubs and branches. Working in conjunction with the Carningli Graziers Association and rangers from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, areas were being prepared for prescribed burning.

On their second visit, the Graziers Association were conducting a controlled burn and were joined and assisted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), with the prescribed area lit in a controlled manner and supervised throughout.

Every year, fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of hectares of countryside, open space, and wildlife habitats. From the beginning of January to mid-March alone, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has attended 84 grass fires.

Temperature records were shattered during 2022, with parts of Wales breaking the 40°C threshold for the first time in recorded history during a series of heatwaves. As is often the case with hot weather, many people visited Wales’s world-renowned coastline, however this did not come without issues. MAWWFRS attended hundreds of grassfires during this period and sadly, over half of these were reported as being deliberate.

In July last year, the popular coastal resort of Newgale was turned black as fire tore through the dry undergrowth twice, destroying 11 hectares of countryside and numerous wildlife habitats. While extensive damage made it difficult to determine a cause, the most likely source of ignition seems to have been a discarded barbecue.

August proved to be an even busier month for MAWWFRS, with a wildlife incident near Whitesands caused by a discarded glass bottle, as well as yet another major grassfire in Newgale – this time burning 60 hectares and requiring the assistance of crews from as far afield as Brecon and Llandrindod Wells.

Newgale before and after the 2022 wildfires

Although the landscapes and wildlife are expected to fully recover over time, these incidents form part of a more worrying pattern of climate change, where changing conditions are aiding the spread of fires and on a far more frequent basis.

Many wildfires are preventable and there some simple steps that can be taken to avoid another summer blighted by them, these include:

Never use barbecues or light fires in national parks, including beaches. Apart from the fire risk, the hot coals and sharp edges of discarded barbecues pose a hazard to wildlife and people.
Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking material properly.
Clear away bottles, glasses, and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.

MAWWFRS has recently reformed Operation Dawns Glaw, a multi-agency taskforce of specialists from key agencies across Wales who are committed to reduce, and where possible eliminate, the impact of grass fires across Wales. More information on #DawnsGlaw can be found here.

In 2022 the fire services across Wales attended 3,269 grassfire incidents – this was an increase of 62% on the previous year, with deliberate grass fires increasing by 1,542 (47%) to 2,263.

Starting a deliberate fire is a criminal offence. You can report a deliberate fire anonymously by calling Cymru/Wales CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Controlled burn on Carningli Mountain

Community

Murals legacy honoured at Town Hall

Published

16 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Artist Jeanne Lewis recognised as Pembroke celebrates 20 years of historic artwork

MRS JEANNE LEWIS and her daughter were guests of honour at a special presentation at Pembroke Town Hall on Tuesday to mark the 20th anniversary of the historic murals installed inside the building.

Two handcrafted benches, gifted by Pembroke Town Council, were presented in appreciation of the artwork created by Jeanne and her late husband, George Lewis, whose striking panels have become a defining feature of the Hall over the past two decades.

The murals, which vividly depict scenes from Pembroke’s past, have long drawn praise from residents and visitors alike for their scale, colour and intricate storytelling.

The Mayor of Pembroke, Gareth Jones, joined councillors and volunteers from Pembroke Museum to present Mrs Lewis with a Certificate of Appreciation and a bouquet of flowers in recognition of the couple’s lasting artistic legacy.

Councillor Jones said the town was “extremely fortunate and deeply privileged” to house the collection.

He added: “People often walk into the Town Hall and simply stop to look. The detail and the history captured in these murals are remarkable. They give visitors a real sense of Pembroke’s story and reflect the dedication and talent Jeanne and George brought to the project.”

Twenty years on, the artwork continues to enrich the civic building, ensuring the Lewis family’s contribution remains at the heart of the town’s heritage.

Photo caption: Jeanne Lewis receives a certificate from Mayor Gareth Jones at Pembroke Town Hall, marking 20 years since the installation of the town’s historic murals (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald).

Community

Celebrating nature recovery through Cysylltu Natur 25×25

Published

22 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Richard Lewis

A CELEBRATION event was held on Saturday, January 24 in Cwm Gwaun to mark the achievements of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project, bringing together volunteers, farmers and staff involved in delivering nature restoration across North Pembrokeshire.

The landscape-scale project was funded by the Welsh Government through the Nature Networks Programme, delivered by the Heritage Fund. The Programme aims to strengthen ecological connectivity and resilience by restoring habitats at scale.

Those attending the event heard about the wide range of conservation activity delivered through the project across the north of the National Park. This has included practical works to restore grazing to Rhos pasture to benefit marsh fritillary butterflies and southern damselflies, specialist work to conserve rare lichens, volunteer chough, dormouse and harvest mouse monitoring, safeguarding greater horseshoe bat hibernation sites, and targeted action to tackle invasive species threatening important sites.

Volunteers, farmers, land managers and contractors played a vital role in the success of the project, contributing local knowledge, practical skills and ongoing commitment to caring for Pembrokeshire’s unique landscapes and wildlife in the long term.

Mary Chadwick, Conservation Officer for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “Cysylltu Natur 25×25 has shown what can be achieved when farmers, volunteers and conservation specialists work together with a shared aim.

“From monitoring some of our most elusive species to restoring and protecting habitats, the dedication of everyone involved has made a real difference for nature across the National Park.”

Although the Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project is now coming to an end, the important work it has supported will continue. Building on its successes, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will carry this momentum forward through the next phase of nature recovery work under NNF4 Cysylltiadau Naturiol / Naturally Connected, ensuring ongoing protection and enhancement of habitats for future generations.

Community

Princess of Wales praised for ‘skill’ during local wool mill and factory visit

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Royal tour shines spotlight on west Wales textile heritage and local jobs

CATHERINE, Princess of Wales was told “she’s got the skill” after trying her hand at traditional textile work during a visit to west Wales on Tuesday (Feb 3).

The royal spent the day meeting staff and apprentices at two well-known manufacturers – Melin Tregwynt in Pembrokeshire and Hiut Denim in Cardigan – highlighting the region’s long-standing reputation for craftsmanship and small-scale, high-quality production.

Stitching and mending at historic mill

At Melin Tregwynt, a family-run woollen mill that now operates as an employee-owned trust, the princess was guided through each stage of production, from weaving to finishing.

In the quality control room she was invited to mend a blanket using a needle and thread, carefully repairing the fabric under the watchful eye of experienced staff.

Paula Harding, who has worked at the mill for more than a decade, praised her technique, saying: “She did it right – and she didn’t go through the other side. That’s skill. She’s got the skill.”

Laughing, the princess told workers: “You make it look so easy,” adding that the craft was clearly “a labour of love”.

She asked questions about the history of the business, which has produced Welsh-designed blankets and throws for more than a century, and spoke with several generations of the same families who have worked at the mill.

‘Made in Wales’ denim

Later, the princess travelled to Hiut Denim, the Cardigan-based firm credited with bringing jeans manufacturing back to the town after large factories closed in the early 2000s.

The company now focuses on small-batch, premium denim and employs skilled cutters and machinists locally.

During a tour of the factory floor, the princess tried cutting out a pair of jeans and helped stitch a “Made in Wales” label onto a finished pair that staff said would be presented to the Prince of Wales.

“He will love those,” she replied.

She joked that there was “no pressure” when handed the cutting tools and said she enjoys making clothes herself, admitting the most adventurous project she had attempted was sewing a pair of pyjamas.

The royal also stopped to greet Barney, the factory’s English cocker spaniel, drawing smiles from staff.

Meeting well-wishers

Crowds gathered outside both sites to catch a glimpse of the visitor, with the princess spending time chatting with families and children before moving on.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the royal household to showcase traditional industries and skilled manufacturing across the UK, with west Wales’ textile sector recognised as a key part of the region’s heritage and economy.

For workers at both businesses, the message was simple: the spotlight on locally made products and homegrown skills was just as important as the royal presence itself.