News
National Trust Cymru’s Blue Lagoon to close early to protect breeding Grey seals
EVERY year National Trust Cymru close the Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire to the public to protect breeding seals from disturbance, however due to some early arrivals, the conservation charity have closed the lagoon a week earlier than planned.
There’s been an increasing numbers of the Grey seal population breeding in and around the lagoon over recent years. This combined with the Blue Lagoon’s high visitor numbers and its sheltered nature, which makes it so attractive to seals, creates a situation where there is a high potential for disturbance to seals.
As a result, the former slate quarry at Abereiddi will close from Saturday 16 September through to 4 November.
Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymru’s Countryside Manager, Pembrokeshire said: “There are two species of seal that can be found in Britain; the Common seal and the Grey seal. Only Grey seals occur regularly in Pembrokeshire, where they are present all year around.”
“About half the world’s population of Grey Seal breed on our coastline and the total number in West Wales, mostly Pembrokeshire, is estimated to be about 5,000, with some 1,400 pups being born each year.”

“The breeding season is vital for our seal colonies here in Pembrokeshire, and we ask that visitors do not access the Blue Lagoon and that they follow the guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the coastal path.”
The time seals spend resting on land is vital to their health and that of their pups as they are digesting a recent meal, socialising, and feeding their young. In order to provide them with a safe environment to raise their pups, National Trust Cymru will be closing the Blue Lagoon to visitors from 16 September through to 4 November. Re-opening is subject to seal breeding activity at that time.
Visitors will still be able to watch these wild creatures in their habitat from the Wales Coast Path and coasteering activity providers who have signed up to the National Trust’s Coasteering Agreement and undertaken specific training on how to operate around seals, will still have access to the lagoon with groups of visitors who have booked in advance.
To avoid disturbing seals at this very important time of year, National Trust Cymru recommends following the Pembrokeshire Marine Code: Stay quiet, keep your distance and at least 50m away from seals and never come between a seal and her pup, or a seal and the sea and don’t take dogs near a seal breeding area.
They also ask that if a seal is spotted in distress or alone never approach the pup. Seals are often left alone on the beach and distress can be caused by contact with people. Sadly, also at this time of year some seal pups don’t survive. Whilst it’s distressing to find a dead seal pup, there are a number of natural causes that can cause them to lose their lives To raise any concerns about seals or seal pups contact conservation group Welsh Marine Life Rescue 01646 692943 or 07970 285086 who will be able to offer you further guidance.
Community
Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities
Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel
THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.
The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.
Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.
The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.












The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.
Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.
The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.
For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.
Pictures: Malcolm Richards
Community
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration
PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.
The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.
Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.



Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.
The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.
The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.
Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.
Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle
Community
Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town
MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.
The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.
Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.
Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.
One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.
The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.
St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.
In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.
They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.
The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”
The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.
The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.
Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.
After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.
The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.
There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.
Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.
The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.
Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.
Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

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