News

Recurring vandalism at Goodwick Moor Nature Reserve

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

GOODWICK MOOR, one of Pembrokeshire’s pristine natural reserves, once again falls victim to unwarranted vandalism merely weeks after its eagerly anticipated reopening. The reserve, adorned by a new 500-metre boardwalk and a wildlife pond, was refurbished and made accessible to the public last month following a nine-year closure, thanks to a £200,000 funding from the Local Places for Nature Challenge Fund project.

Nurtured back to life by the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales and supported by Pembrokeshire County Council, the reserve has been met with widespread admiration from the community. Aethne Cooke, from the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership, extolled its value, describing it as an “important area for nature” easily accessible and visible from Fishguard and Goodwick towns.

However, this reopening, cherished by local residents, has been tarnished by recurrent acts of vandalism, raising questions about the protection of public spaces and the conscious effort required to maintain them. Within a week of its reopening, information boards at the reserve were defaced and subsequently, in a seemingly mindless act, all of the panels were torn off and discarded into the reserve, along with damage to other signage.

A spokesperson for the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales expressed their disheartenment, stating, “It is most depressing when people just don’t show the respect our natural spaces deserve.” They conveyed the grave disappointment shared by many who have witnessed the destruction and disrespect towards the recently revitalized nature reserve.

The desolation left in the wake of these acts of vandalism is a stark contrast to the lush, peaceful landscape that once stood after the reopening, symbolizing a blend of community effort, love for nature, and preservation of local flora and fauna. Such acts of disruption not only detract from the physical beauty of the reserve but also dishearten the community that has looked forward to the moor’s rebirth.

These incidents invoke a pertinent dialogue about the preservation of natural reserves and public spaces, nudging communities and authorities alike to foster a culture of respect and care towards shared environments. Not only is it vital to instil a collective sense of responsibility and appreciation towards nature and shared public spaces, but also imperative to reinforce preventative measures, surveillance, and accountability to safeguard these areas from further destruction.

As the spokesperson requests the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, it echoes a broader call for collective efforts in preserving and respecting public and natural spaces. It is through unified community solidarity, reinforced by supportive legal frameworks, that such spaces can be protected and enjoyed by generations to come.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.