News

The man turning Pembrokeshire’s waters into a sea garden

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2023

SEAWEED enthusiast and Pembrokeshire Beach Food founder Jonathan Williams has built his business by harvesting foods from the sea. His award-winning Café Mor, a street food outlet now permanently located at his pub, The Old Point House on Angle, Pembrokeshire, specialises in seaweed-based food such as lobster rolls with seaweed butter or Welsh brekky rolls filled with bacon, egg, and laverbread patties.

The Old Point House’s indoor restaurant also specialises in seaweed dishes, ranging from house seaweed pasta to seaweed Welsh cakes, and the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company sells everything from seaweed salt to seaweed ketchup. National Laverbread Day, launched by Jonathan in 2022, is another part of his mission to champion seaweed as a delicacy.

Now Jonathan is switching from foraging for seaweed to farming it. His Secret Sea Garden, located in the waters off the Pembrokeshire coast, produces a range of seaweed including laver, dulse, kelp and sea lettuce, and mussels, which attract lobsters and spider crabs. There are further plans to grow scallops and other shellfish.

The aim is to supply the pub with a steady supply of shellfish and seaweed, and to demonstrate what a valuable resource the sea is. Jonathan has placed an emphasis on natural, environmentally friendly farming methods which he hopes will be replicated by others.

“The seaweed is naturally seeded on manila, sisal and hemp ropes rather than traditional fishing ropes that are made of plastics, meaning micro plastics and nano plastics enter the water,” he says.

“We’re also we’re applying polyculture techniques. Seaweed farming tends to follow what farmers do on lands in terms of monoculture, because growing one type of seaweed makes it easier to harvest. We’re growing a range of seaweeds because we want to create a rich and vibrant habitat. We’re not seeding it ourselves – it’s done by the millions and millions of seaweed and shellfish seeds that are floating looking for something to attach onto. We’re just letting nature do what it does best.”

By also growing shellfish on the ropes, he’s providing a truly local source of seafood for his kitchens. The Old Point House, which sits beside the sea and is reached by a tidal causeway, has a long history of serving local food in a setting once frequented by pirates.

“Local shellfish is hard to come by, with the exception of Atlantic Oysters, so growing our own will cut food miles right down,” he says. “This is also about pushing the pub into the 21st century. We have a typical garden with herbs and vegetables but to add the sea garden makes us even lower impact. It’s also about education and showing people this is a way to sustain ourselves for years to come.”

Jonathan has been working with Danny Curtis, a local Lobster fisherman and owner of Little Haven café Lobster and Mor, whose local knowledge of the coast is allowing the Sea Garden seeds to be sown. It is hoped the harvest will provide a year-round sustainable source of seafood.

“It’s early days but we are both very excited about the potential,” says Jonathan.

The first harvest from the Secret Sea Garden will be celebrated later this month with the

Secret Sea Garden Feast at The Old Point House. Anyone interested in attending can sign up for the Old Point House newsletter at https://www.theoldpointhouse.wales/

“We’ll be serving a tasting menu with seaweed and seafood being the main focus – it will demonstrate how feasible sea gardening is and give people a taste of seaweed that’s been naturally grown on our doorstep,” says Jonathan.

Crime

Begelly man sentenced for carrying metal bar during nightclub fight

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MAN has been sentenced after approaching a Pembrokeshire nightclub armed with a metre-long metal bar.

Just after 2:30am on July 21, police were called to Main Street, Pembroke, following reports of a large fight involving around 100 people outside ‘Out’ nightclub.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week: “Officers were told it was a large fight. They saw Walter Probert, 27, march purposefully towards a parked van.

“The van’s lights were on, and they saw the defendant pull out a long, green metal pole. He took ten steps back towards the nightclub and transferred the pole from one hand to the other.”

Another man approached Probert, removed the pole from his hands, and placed it inside the van.

“Because of the manner in which the pole was used by the defendant, it became an offensive weapon,” added Ms James.

CCTV footage of the incident was shown to magistrates.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Probert had no recollection of the incident.

“He doesn’t remember what he was doing, but he accepts everything that has been said. He was very drunk,” she said.

“He was brought up in the gypsy travelling community and doesn’t have an alcohol issue; he’s just a social drinker. He’s thankful to his friend who took the pole and placed it back inside the van.”

Probert, of the Caravan Site, Kingsmoor Common, Begelly, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.

“No threats were made by the defendant when he picked it up, but it was a stupid decision,” said Mr Lloyd. “As soon as he was challenged and asked what he was doing, he ceased.”

Probert was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge. Magistrates imposed a destruction order on the metal bar.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.