Community
Huge response received to help NRW develop new outdoor recreation strategy
THE Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s (PCF) Stakeholder Manager Tom Luddington and the wider PCF team have been working with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to engage with people across Wales, and further afield, to help design a new Outdoor Recreation Strategy for the land under the care of NRW – which amounts to roughly 7% of Wales – over 130,000 hectares of land.
The stakeholder engagement process has been a great success so far allowing for more than 4000 people to provide their ideas, concerns, support, and input for the new strategy.
The strategy hopes to answer the question: ‘What is the future of outdoor recreation on the land cared for by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), considering the climate and nature emergencies, sustainability, and the well-being of future generations?’
PCF joined NRW to help facilitate multiple workshops across Wales, including a workshop for Chairs of all the Local Access Forums in Wales, and online focus groups to develop ideas for the strategy.
Following this, NRW and PCF worked with partners to invite over 250 representative organisations and key stakeholders to complete an online survey to inform the strategy development. This survey was shared widely, and we received 3465 responses to the survey, of which over 100 were from organisations and 3365 were from individuals representing the whole outdoor recreation sector and a wide variety user groups.
Dawn Thompson who is leading the project for NRW said: “We are really pleased to have had such a huge response for the workshops, focus groups and online survey. It shows the true importance of recreation on land under the care of NRW and has provided valuable insight from a wide variety of user groups, individuals, and organisations to help NRW develop the new strategy. The strategy will really help evolve how we work in partnership with others to effect change and drive positive outcomes in outdoor recreation for the future.”
During the next phase, NRW will use all the feedback received to create the strategy which will set a vision to 2050 for outdoor recreation on land cared for by NRW and highlight priority areas for focus to 2030 in line with the current NRW Corporate Plan – Nature and People Thriving Together.
Charity
Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign
THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.
Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.
The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:
- Privates are private.
- Always remember your body belongs to you.
- No means no.
- Talk about secrets that upset you.
- Speak up; someone can help.
After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign
He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.
“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”
Community
Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.
Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.
The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.
Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.
Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.
For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.
Community
Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards
CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”
The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.
Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.
For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.
Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.
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