Community

Seal pups at Ramsey bring in wildlife tourists

Published

10 years ago

October 29, 2014

THE ATLANTIC grey seal (Halichoerus Grypus) is one of Wales’ iconic species, and is attracting wildlife tourists to Pembrokeshire with the start of the seal pupping season at RSPB’s Ramsey Island reserve.

South west Wales, which includes RSPB Ramsey Island just off the coast of St David’s in Pembrokeshire, has an estimated grey seal breeding population of 5,000 individuals, which is around 4% of the UKs population. The grey seal is one of the least common seals in the world. The male adult can grow over 2 metres and weigh up to 230kg (or around 36 stone) while the females are smaller at 1.8 metres and 150kg. They can dive up to 70 metres in search of food and can remain submerged for up to 13 minutes.

Every year between 500-700 pups are born on the reserve, with several hundred more on Skomer and around the Pembrokeshire coast path. The hope is that there will be a good number this year. Lisa Morgan RSPB warden on Ramsey said: “We had 656 born here last year and although the season looks slightly later than last year the signs are positive that we will have a similar number again in 2014″ The seals are born weighting a hefty 14 kg, just over 2 stone. But birth is the easy bit. Survival rate to adulthood is around 2 in 3.

One of the main threats to the pups’ survival are storms. Lisa said: “I always hope that the weather won’t be too stormy during the pupping season as some of the pups can get washed out to sea and then washed up on other beaches which makes it hard for the mothers to find them again”. Fortunately for hose that don’t get lost progress to independence is rapid. Lisa explains: “The milk of the females is very rich, around 60% fat which means that the pups put on an incredible 2 kg (the equivalent to two bags of sugar) of weight a day.

At 18 days old the pup has amazingly tripled its birth weight. At this stage the mothers head back out to sea leaving the pups to find their own food. They are fully independent at a very young 4 weeks old and start eating solid food. It’s a very short upbringing.” Although visitor numbers are limited on Ramsey, the grey seal is one of a number of iconic species that could help Wales hit the Welsh Assembly Government target of seeing an increase of 10% in tourism in Wales by 2020. Wildlife tourism has become an increasingly important way of attracting visitors with an increase of 10% across the world each year.

Visitor numbers to Natural Resources Wales’ Bwlch Nant yr Arian site in mid Wales before the start of red kite feeding were 30,000. But after five years of feeding, as well as opening a visitor centre, play areas and bike trails visitor numbers increased to 130,000 a year. There are multiple benefits to developing wildlife tourism. A report entitled ‘Wildlife Economy Wales’ commissioned by the then Environment Agency Wales (now NRW) with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales published in 2007, pointed out that wildlife tourism could have considerable knock on effects. Not least that increased awareness as a result of greater wildlife tourism has the potential to bring not only an increase in the number of conservation volunteers but also and most importantly an increase in actual conservation activities. So in this case an economic driver can create conservation as well as an economic benefit.

The report also rightly points out that ‘it is essential that any development of the sector will need to be managed in a way that safeguards and invests in the wildlife resource upon which it is based’. Indeed, without strict controls and codes of conduct, albeit on a voluntary basis, these activities can be detrimental to the very wildlife we are trying to promote. If wildlife tourism continues to grow as it has done over the last decade or so, and Wales can take advantage of the growing market, then we may see more habitat created, and in an ideal world more red squirrels scampering in the woodland canopies of Anglesey, ospreys swooping for fish in Machynlleth, black grouse burbling on the Berwyn and not least young seal pups being born on the spectacular rugged shoreline of Pembrokeshire. Indeed Lisa Morgan has no doubt as to the best place to seals. She said: “Ramsey for me is one of the best places in the UK to see young seal pups as the public are able to get close to them looking down on the beaches from the cliff tops without disturbing them. It’s a great sight for the public but also a real privilege for me to live with these great animals every day.” To find out more about seals and RSPB Ramsey visit the website http:// www.rspb.org.uk/ramseyisland And for the latest seal season news you can follow the island wardens on Twitter @RSPBRamsey

Community

Stricken vessel now off Broad Haven as pollution experts stand-by

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A dramatic turn of events has seen the survey vessel KMS Terramare redirected to Broad Haven, where it is set to be intentionally beached this morning (Jan 15) on the outgoing tide. Pollution experts are on alert as concerns mount over potential environmental risks.

The vessel, which was stranded at Newgale Beach on Tuesday (Jan 14), was successfully refloated last night and towed west of Skomer Island. However, its attempt to enter the Port of Milford Haven was reportedly denied, forcing it to return towards Broad Haven.

Vodafone connection

It has emerged that the KMS Terramare was conducting operations on behalf of Vodafone, reportedly surveying subsea cables to connect high-speed fibre optic services from Ireland to Brawdy Business Park. While Vodafone confirmed the vessel was managed by a licensed subcontractor, the company declined to provide further details, citing “commercial sensitivity.”

A spokesperson for Vodafone commented: “We can confirm that a licensed subsea cable survey ship being managed by a subcontractor experienced some technical difficulties when seeking to leave Newgale beach in Pembrokeshire at high tide yesterday. We expect the issue to be resolved soon.”

Timeline of events

The vessel’s troubles began when it suffered engine failure at Newgale, leaving it broadside on the beach and battered by high tides. Efforts by St Davids RNLI Lifeboat to tow the 100-tonne vessel and load salvage pumps were abandoned on Tuesday due to challenging conditions.

On Wednesday evening (Jan 15), St Davids Lifeboat was called out again at 7:59pm to provide salvage pumps and escort the vessel towards Milford Haven. Despite assistance from Angle RNLI and local Coastguard teams, the vessel failed to reach the port, instead anchoring off Broad Haven. St Davids Lifeboat returned to station at 4:10am.

However, the drama continued just hours later when lifeboats were called out for a third time at 10:35am to assist the KMS Terramare near Broad Haven.

Community response

Local photographers and onlookers, including Gareth Davies of Hidden Pembrokeshire, have captured the unfolding drama, which has drawn significant attention in the area. The vessel’s connection to a major fibre optic project has added another layer of intrigue to an already complex situation.

A vessel in distress

The 24.5-metre, 100-tonne KMS Terramare first became stranded on Newgale Beach after experiencing engine failure, leaving it unable to maintain its position and forcing it broadside onto the pebbles. High tides and pounding waves inundated the deck, creating a precarious situation for the vessel and its crew.

HM Coastguard requested assistance from St Davids RNLI at 6:28pm on Tuesday. The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched swiftly into challenging conditions, with three-to-five-foot surf waves crashing against the shingle ridge at high tide. Despite best efforts, salvaging the vessel proved impossible.

RNLI Coxswain Will Chant explained: “The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible. However, it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of the vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow. Once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.”

The crew of the KMS Terramare safely disembarked onto the beach, while the vessel remained grounded at Newgale until it was refloated late on Tuesday night.

Pollution concerns

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the vessel approaches Broad Haven. While no immediate pollution has been reported, the prolonged ordeal raises concerns about fuel leaks or other environmental damage. Pollution response teams are on stand-by to mitigate any potential hazards.

Refused entry to Milford Haven

Questions remain about the vessel’s future. The vessel is now off Broad Haven having been refused entry into Milford Haven for the time-being. Maritime experts will assess the vessel for damage and potential environmental risks before deciding the next steps.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “The Port is aware of and engaged with all relevant agencies, including owners, salvors, MCA, and HMCG, regarding a situation with a survey vessel.

“Due to there being no risk to life but potential for a damaged vessel to present a navigational and/or pollution hazard to the Milford Haven Waterway’s marine environment and its core energy cargo operations, permission to enter was refused.

“This will remain the case until a clearer understanding of the position is obtained.

“As the UK’s leading energy port, operating in a Special Area of Conservation, we must do all we reasonably can to protect the sensitive marine environment and ensure the safe continuity of the country’s energy supplies.

“We are working with all parties to support a successful outcome for the vessel.”

The Herald will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.

Community watches: Residents and authorities alike are bracing for the vessel’s beaching and its potential implications.

Cover photo: Carrie Garner

Community

Tenby named UK’s best seaside destination for couples

Published

12 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AS VALENTINE’S DAY approaches, Tenby has been named the UK’s top seaside destination for couples in new research. The study, carried out by OLBG, evaluated various factors such as entertainment, affordability, and user reviews from platforms including TripAdvisor, Google, and Kayak.

Tenby tops the list

With an impressive score of 7.71 out of 10, Tenby stands out among other coastal towns, excelling in several key areas:

6.4 pubs per 1,000 people, including 2.4 offering live music.
19.3 restaurants per 1,000 people, ranking second-highest on the list.
A stellar Google beach review score of 4.8/5.

This charming town offers both a vibrant nightlife and a diverse range of dining options, making it the ideal romantic retreat.

St Ives and Lyme Regis secure the runner-up spots

St Ives, Cornwall, ranks second with a score of 7.29. Known for its excellent weather, the town boasts the lowest annual rainfall of the destinations analysed (673mm) and just 97 rainy days per year. Key attractions include the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and St Ives Museum.

Lyme Regis, affectionately called the “Pearl of Dorset,” comes in third place with a score of 7.24. The town blends natural beauty with historic charm, featuring highlights like the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. With 4.3 pubs per 1,000 people and 1.9 offering live music, it’s an excellent choice for entertainment.

Key findings from the research

Best for Pubs: Southwold, Suffolk, leads with 11.6 pubs per 1,000 people, including popular spots like the Sole Bay Inn.
Best for Nature: Bamburgh, Northumberland, excels in natural attractions, offering 9.3 parks per 1,000 people, perfect for nature lovers.

Community

Carmarthenshire Council issue update on waste collection disruptions

Published

13 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council has issued an apology to residents affected by disruptions to recycling and waste collections during the Christmas and New Year period.

Residents are urged to report missed collections via the Council’s website to ensure prompt resolution. Additionally, major delays in specific areas can be checked on the waste disruptions webpage.

The Council acknowledged that collection services this festive season have fallen below expected standards. Efforts are underway to address the backlog, with teams working directly with collection crews to restore services.

A spokesperson highlighted longstanding challenges with bank holiday collections, including staff shortages. Crews are not contractually obligated to work on bank holidays or the following weekends, leading to difficulties in maintaining service levels.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Edward Thomas, said: “I sympathise with residents affected by the recent bin collection disruptions and understand their frustrations.

“We are working diligently to catch up on missed collections and are exploring solutions to prevent this from recurring. Engagement with staff and trade unions will be key to developing a plan that balances operational needs, staff views, and financial considerations.

“While most residual waste (black bag) and nappy waste collections were completed successfully, recycling collections faced significant challenges. High recycling volumes during the festive period, compounded by staff absences, vehicle breakdowns, and delays at transfer stations, led to widespread service failures.

“I apologise to residents once again and thank them for their understanding and patience during this challenging period.”

Residents are encouraged to log missed collections online and check for updates on delays.