THE AIR around a historic mill on the Bluestone National Park Resort estate has been found to be cleaner than any site currently monitored by the UK Government.

Black Pool Mill, an early 19th-century water mill that now houses a restaurant near Canaston Woods, has been recording air quality since 2024 as part of Bluestone’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

According to the data, the mean average of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter – at the site is just three micrograms per cubic metre. That is significantly below legal limits in Wales (25) and England (20), and cleaner than any figures recorded at official UK monitoring sites.

PM2.5 particles can come from aerosols, vehicle fumes and industrial emissions, as well as natural sources such as dust and pollen. The health impacts of long-term exposure to these particles are well documented, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Professor Paul Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer at Health and Wellbeing 360 and Clean Air Programme Regional Champion for Wales, is leading the research. He said: “Black Pool Mill is clearly way below the legal thresholds. South Pembrokeshire benefits from westerly sea winds and very low levels of man-made pollution. The mill is surrounded by ancient woodland, in a sheltered estuary valley, and sits within Bluestone’s car-free resort – all of which contribute to these outstanding results.”

Environmental scientist Marten Lewis, director of sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re delighted but not surprised. This confirms that our efforts to protect the environment and put the wellbeing of our guests and staff first are paying off. Following our recent King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development, this shows why Bluestone stands out as a model for regenerative tourism.”

Mr Lewis added that Bluestone is now looking to trial new low-particulate cleaning products and expand monitoring to indoor areas including lodges, the resort pub, and children’s play facilities.

Black Pool Mill reopened in 2023 following extensive restoration and now forms part of Bluestone’s visitor experience, offering seasonal food in a historic riverside setting.

Photo caption:
Clean air: Black Pool Mill sits in ancient woodland near the River Cleddau (Pic: Bluestone)

HENRY TUFNELL MP has sharply criticised the state of Wales’ water sector, demanding comprehensive reform to address a “culture deaf to crisis.”

In a strongly-worded statement following the release of a new Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report, Mr Tufnell condemned the substantial bonuses awarded to water executives, specifically highlighting those at Dŵr Cymru.

He said: “With water bills soaring and service performance at an all-time low, how on earth can these water companies justify forking out millions of pounds paying inflated salaries and bonuses to executives? It’s completely wrong.”

Earlier this year, the MP called out the bonus payments at Dŵr Cymru as “unjustifiable,” a criticism reinforced by the committee’s report published today. The document outlines several recommendations, urging the Independent Water Commission to address systemic issues in the industry.

“Our failing water sector needs root and branch reform,” Mr Tufnell stated. “We must break the cycle of poor service and excessive executive remuneration.”

The report comes amid increasing public frustration over rising water bills and declining quality of service across the country. The committee’s findings call for increased transparency and accountability in executive pay structures and more rigorous oversight to ensure that consumer interests are prioritised over profits.

“We need immediate action,” Mr Tufnell insisted. “Customers deserve far better than what they’re currently receiving

New movement restrictions and testing regime come into force from June 20

PEMBROKESHIRE livestock keepers are being urged to prepare for imminent changes to Bluetongue virus (BTV) control measures as Welsh Government updates its policy to prevent further spread of the disease.

From Thursday, June 20, any cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas or alpacas being moved into Wales from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will require:

A specific movement licence (available on gov.uk)

A valid pre-movement test, at the owner’s expense

Animals showing clinical signs of illness on the day of travel must not be moved into Wales.

To allow time for preparation, exemptions to pre-movement testing have been extended until Wednesday, June 19. After that date, the new rules will be strictly enforced.

Additional temporary measures introduced during the low vector season remain in place until July 1, including:

No requirement to use insecticides at approved markets, abattoirs, or in livestock transport

No requirement for slaughterhouses to be designated for Restricted Zone intake

However, from July 1, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England, significantly increasing the number of animals subject to movement controls.

What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting ruminants and camelids. It is spread by certain types of biting midges (Culicoides species), which are active in the UK from April to November.

Animals may be infected and contagious without showing symptoms — particularly adult cattle, which can carry the virus for weeks.

Clinical signs in sheep may include:

• Mouth and nose ulcers
• Eye and nasal discharge
• Drooling
• Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck, and hooves
• Lameness, breathing issues, fever, and sometimes death

In cattle, signs include:

• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Crusting and redness around the muzzle and nostrils
• Reduced milk yield and abortions
• Nasal discharge and erosions on teats

In pregnant animals, BTV can cause miscarriage, deformities, blindness, or death of newborn calves.

Controlling the spread

The Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through:

• Infected midges
• Infected animals (including imports)
• Contaminated biological materials (blood, semen, embryos)

Livestock keepers are advised to:

• Source animals responsibly
• Monitor livestock closely
• Use insect-proof housing, particularly at dawn and dusk
• Maintain high standards of biosecurity and hygiene

Vaccination

Three BTV-3 vaccines are permitted for use in the UK. Two are authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; a third may only be used under licence. All vaccination must comply with current licensing rules.

More information is available at: Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination – gov.uk

Tracing and licensing

All livestock must be registered and traceable. If you’re planning to move animals into or out of a Bluetongue-affected area, you must check if a movement licence is required.

Animal keepers should consult their vet before importing animals or biological products from any country with a known or suspected Bluetongue risk.

Report suspected cases

If you suspect Bluetongue:

📞 Call APHA immediately on 0300 303 8268

An APHA vet will investigate and confirm suspected cases.

For local advice, contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Welfare Team at:
📧 [email protected]