News

New home secured for ‘spiky pair’ in Pembrokeshire countryside

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2023

TWO HEDGEHOGS have been given a new lease of life in the Pembrokeshire countryside thanks to Bluestone National Resort and Pembrokeshire Hogspital.

The resort came to the rescue by releasing the hedgehogs at Black Pool Farm, near to its Black Pool Mill dining venue.

The pair had been rescued by the ‘hogspital’ when they were very young and were rehabilitated before being released.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone and the resort’s Ranger Rob Mackeen, collected the them before releasing them.

“The two hedgehogs had been rescued when they were very young and once they reached one year old they needed to be reintroduced to the wild,” said Marten.

“Unfortunately, their original habitat was not suitable so we offered to release them into the countryside at Black Pool Farm which is close to the mill. It’s a natural environment for them and a perfect place to start their new lives.”

Marten and Rob collected the pair for Pembrokeshire Hogspital before taking them to the location for release.

“It was heart warming to see them wander off into the countryside. Hedgehogs are a vital part of our eco-diversity and we’re pleased we were able to help the hogspital with their vital work,” Rob said.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for the hedgehogs and have dedicated areas where they will be nurtured and monitored on release to their natural habitat.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of this heart warming journey of rehabilitation and release.”

Ginny Batt of Pembrokeshire Hogspital, said: “In my lifetime hedgehog numbers have declined dramatically, from an estimated 35 million to less than 500,000 now. They will become extinct if we don’t do something to help them.

“It’s important to make our gardens accessible and hedgehog friendly, covering drains and holes in the ground, reducing the use of garden chemicals, and making sure ponds have exit slopes. Hedgehogs are also being affected by climate change, triggering them to hibernate later.

“This means baby hoglets may not survive the winter. Putting out food all year around saves lives. If you see them out in the daytime, if they are lethargic, being harmed by birds, dogs or people, please pick up the hedgehog with gloves or a towel, put it in a high sided box with a towel, and water, then contact your local rescue centre.”

Ginny added: “At Pembrokeshire Hogspital we take in over 200 hogs a year, with a small but dedicated team of volunteers. Funding and support from Bluestone has been invaluable, helping us with our Hogspital and to set up our South Pembs emergency centre, ‘Pennys Pit Stop’; purchasing equipment, medication and essential supplies. Bluestone also provides an ideal release site for homeless Hedgehogs. We are grateful for Bluestone’s support and hope the Hedgehogs released are behaving themselves, we look forward to news of hoglets in the spring.”

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!