Visitors and residents reminded to stay at least 100 metres away

VISITORS and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.

Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.

This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.

Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.

“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”

To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk/disturbance/

The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.

Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.

However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.

THE FIRST section of the Tywi Valley Path has officially opened to the public today (Friday, April 11), marking a significant milestone in one of Carmarthenshire’s most ambitious infrastructure and tourism projects.

Stretching approximately four miles from Abergwili to Nantgaredig, the newly completed western section is now accessible to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, offering a traffic-free route through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Wales.

A bird’s eye view of the route, between Nantgaredig and Whitemill, has also been released, showcasing the natural beauty and scenic value of the area.

Once fully completed, the Tywi Valley Path will run for 16.7 miles from Abergwili to Ffairfach, following the meandering route of the River Tywi as it flows from Llandeilo to Carmarthen. The route will pass through castles, country parks, historic estates, and tourist attractions such as Aberglasney Gardens.

The full path is expected to be open by autumn or winter 2025 and has been supported by £16.7 million in funding from the UK Government.

It is anticipated that the path will attract visitors from across Wales, the UK and beyond, with projections suggesting it could generate £4.4 million annually for the local economy. The council is working alongside existing and new leisure operators, accommodation providers, and event organisers to maximise the benefits of the new route.

Access to the western section is available from Abergwili Museum and the B4310 near Nantgaredig Rugby Club. Parking is provided at both the museum and the Railway Hotel in Nantgaredig, where refreshments are also available. Confident users can also access the path from Carmarthen town centre.

Bins have been installed at key points along the path, and users are reminded to dispose of litter and dog waste responsibly.

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said:

“We’re delighted to officially open this western section of the Tywi Valley Path in time for the Easter holidays. This first-class, traffic-free path offers families, day visitors, and tourists an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique and breathtaking beauty of the Tywi Valley.

“I am looking forward to opening the whole path, from Abergwili to Ffairfach later in the year. Once completed, the Tywi Valley Path will not only enhance the charm and access to our local towns and villages but also significantly boost tourism throughout the county, bringing significant economic benefits.”

A TUMBLE dryer fire at a home in Milford Haven has prompted a fresh warning from firefighters about the dangers of electrical overloading and white goods.

Fire crews from Milford Haven Fire Station were called to a domestic property in Steynton at 5:52pm on Wednesday (Apr 9), after a tumble dryer caught fire. The blaze was caused by the use of a block adapter.

Fortunately, the occupiers were at home at the time and were able to raise the alarm quickly. The fire service said the incident could have ended very differently had the property been empty.

Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) left the scene at 6:15pm.

Following the incident, MAWWFRS issued a safety reminder about the risks of using extension leads and adaptors incorrectly, and the importance of maintaining white goods safely.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Most households use extension leads or adaptors to increase the number of appliances that can be plugged into a wall socket. It is important that these devices are fused to minimise the risk of overheating and fire.”

The fire service shared the following advice:

• Never plug in appliances that together exceed 13 amps or 3000 watts.
• Don’t leave tumble dryers running when you go out or go to bed.
• Don’t overload your tumble dryer or dry items soaked in flammable substances such as cooking oil.
• If you smell burning or clothes seem excessively hot after a drying cycle, stop using the appliance and have it checked by a professional.

More information is available on the fire service’s website: www.mawwfire.gov.uk