The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales’ natural crown. 

But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters.  As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history.

“It’s reached the point where enough is enough,” said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer.

“Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that’s being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau.  And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.”

At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death.

“If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what’s happening in our rivers.”

Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK’s rivers as a dangerous ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to  everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows.

But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality. 

Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales’ flagship ‘Paddle Out Protest’ in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage’s national protest on May 17.  The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the  the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire.

“A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that’s by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,” Ella told The Herald.

“But there’s also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it’s having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit.

 “We’re urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand it anymore.”

The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join.

A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm.

Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs. 

A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows.

“The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,” continued Ella.  

“I’ve been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I’ve become very passionate about.

“It’s important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.The more people who can join us on May 17 the better.”

After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community.

“Surfers Against Sewage,which was  founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,” concluded Lloyd.

“It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing.

“We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.”

A PEMBROKESHIRE solar farm scheme has been approved despite concerns about the use of high-quality agricultural land and the local village almost being “surrounded” by such developments.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee meeting of April 29, members were recommended to approve a scheme by Wessex Solar Energy (WSE Pembrokeshire Ltd) for a 9.99MW solar farm and associated works at Lower Nash Farm, near Pembroke Dock.

The proposed scheme would be spread over three fields, amounting to approximately 14 hectares with some 25,000 PV panels on site, some 120 metres from the national park.

The scheme was previously deferred from the February meeting so members could visit the site after concerns were raised about the loss of the most valuable agricultural land and again at the March meeting due to an issue with publicity of documents.

The development, some of it on Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Agricultural land, would provide approximately 3,296 households with renewable energy.

Local community council Cosheston has raised concerns about the use of BMV land.

A larger 22MW scheme covering 34.25ha was previously refused in 2021 due to the effect on BMV land.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) requires that BMV agricultural land “should be conserved as a finite resource for the future with considerable weight given to protecting it from development,” adding: “Such land should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the scheme and either previously developed land or land in lower agricultural grades are unavailable.”

At the April meeting, agent Charlotte Peacock, who had previously spoken at the February meeting, said there was an “overriding need for renewable energy,” and, quoting a statement from the farmer landowners, said the scheme -which would be grazed by sheep when the arrays were in situ – would “ensure the farm keeps going for the long run,” with a sustainable source of revenue.

“It isn’t about taking farmland away, it’s about ensuring the farm can survive,” the statement added.

Also speaking was local member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, who had also spoken in February when she successfully called for a site visit.

Cllr Hodgson, who again raised concerns about the loss of BMV land, reiterated a call to use alternative poorer quality land sites and also to use solar panels on household roofs rather than create a “glass and steel semi-industrial landscape,” adding there had already been a “significant impact on the community,” through previous solar farms in the vicinity, with “Cosheston almost becoming surrounded by solar parks”.

Approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, but concerns were raised by other members, including chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who had also previous expressed reservations.

“It does concern me; is anyone looking at the strategic national resource of land, as Mark Twain said: ‘Buy land, they’re not making any more’. These small-scale applications may be under the threshold [for central determination] but when you have them on mass it’s a huge cumulative effect; I’m very concerned about losing BMV land, it’s a finite thing.”

Members voted eight in favour, to five against, with one abstention, granting planning permission for the development.

NEW funding is now available to support organisations across Wales to develop Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), helping ensure the benefits of energy generation are retained and felt in local communities.

The £10m Ynni Cymru capital grants scheme forms a key part of Wales’ ambitious goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.

It provides financial support to community energy organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies, and SMEs developing innovative local energy projects.

The grant scheme builds on the work of Ynni Cymru, established by the Welsh Government in 2023, to promote community ownership of renewable energy and drive Wales’ transition to a low-carbon economy.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “This £10 million investment shows our continued commitment to putting communities at the heart of Wales’ clean energy transition.

“Smart Local Energy Systems are not just about decarbonising our energy supply – they are about lower energy costs, local job creation, and more resilient energy infrastructure for local communities.

“I am really pleased to open applications for the next funding round and want to encourage organisations across Wales to bring forward their innovative proposals.”

The scheme’s impact can be seen at Holywell Town Football Club in Flintshire where, thanks to funding during the last round, the club has transformed its energy infrastructure.

The grant allowed the club to add roof-mounted solar PV panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging points, smart LED floodlights, and an intelligent energy management system.

This integrated approach means it expects an 80% reduction in annual energy costs – savings that are being reinvested into grassroots sport and community initiatives.

Director of Holywell Town Football Club 1947 Ltd, Tracey Jones, said:

“We have built a strong foundation and legacy that is supporting local people within the local and wider area of Holywell and are grateful for the fund’s support towards our long-term sustainability.

“While this phase concludes, the club’s journey continues. We look forward to building on this momentum, expanding our reach, and ensuring the club remains a lasting asset for the community.

“Our expected reduction in annual energy costs also allows us to further support grassroots sport and initiatives. We currently have 155 boys from ages 6-17 playing within the club, have a new Females team with us for the new season ahead, and have a strong relationship with Achieve More Training delivering engagement programs and qualifications at the ground of our football club – reaching out to deliver alternate provision through ‘Goodwood’ which is based within our football club.”

The Energy Secretary added: “The success we have already seen from previous recipients is helping gain invaluable insights into the scale of benefits that can be secured for communities, which will help Ynni Cymru refine and expand systems to maximise their impact across Wales.”