A RECENTLY restored section of the Pembroke river, near Milford Haven, will be used as a demonstration site for future river restoration projects following a series of interventions to improve the health of the river and the estuary downstream.

Delivered by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in collaboration with the landowner, large woody material has been placed into a 200 metre stretch of the river in a bid to restore natural river processes and ‘re-wiggle’ the river.

This helps to create different flows within the river, and encourage natural bends, known as meanders, to form over time. These are currently lacking in the river as it has historically been straightened for human purposes.

The wood also traps silt and debris, encouraging the regeneration of habitat for invertebrates and other species. It provides shelter for migratory fish who travel upstream to reach spawning grounds.

To reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, 570 metres of fencing has been installed to prevent livestock from entering the river with new, alternative drinking water sources introduced.

With support and funding from the Pembroke River Restoration Project Partnership, 600 trees were also planted to create a woody corridor alongside the river. Once matured, the trees will provide a buffer zone between productive agricultural land and the river, reducing nutrient run-off impacting on water quality.

NRW now hopes to use the project to showcase river restoration practices using nature-based solutions.

Andrew Lewis, from NRW’s Marine Projects Team said: “Sadly, many of our rivers no longer function in their natural state due to human interference, climate change and pollution. This can have huge impacts on water quality, habitat and wildlife in some of our most protected rivers and estuaries.

“As well as impacting the environment, the recurring issues in the Pembroke River and the Pembroke Mill Ponds are having a negative impact on community wellbeing and local tourism.  

“The nature-based solutions delivered here are simple but effective, and will contribute to wider efforts and initiatives to drive down nutrient pollution in our waterways.

“The project highlights the importance of partnership-driven conservation efforts, and it is our ambition to showcase what we’ve achieved here so it can successfully be replicated elsewhere.”

The Milford Haven Waterway is designated as a Marine Special Area of Conservation, while significant stretches of its coastline are also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Both the Pembroke river, and the Milford Haven inner transitional water, are both failing to meet ‘good’ water quality status. High levels of soil erosion and nutrients cause sedimentation and algal blooms in the nearby Pembroke Mill ponds each summer. Mud also gets deposited on protected habitats such as maerl beds in the Haven, which is a protected feature of the SAC.

The project has been funded by the Welsh Government’s Water Capital Programme, which supports a number of environmental priorities including river restoration, metal mine remediation, fisheries and water quality.

CHARITIES not-for-profits, and voluntary organisations in Wales face mounting financial strain due to an increase in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, prompting calls for government intervention.

The UK Labour Government’s decision to raise employer NI contributions has drawn sharp criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who warn that the move will place an undue burden on charities and voluntary groups. While public sector bodies such as the NHS and local councils will receive compensation for the additional costs, charities providing essential services under local authority contracts will not be reimbursed.

A survey by the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) found that 84% of voluntary organisations are concerned about how they will manage the NI increase.

Senedd debate on reimbursement

Next week, the Welsh Conservatives will bring forward a Senedd debate urging the Welsh Labour Government to press Westminster for financial support for Welsh charities, not-for-profits, and voluntary organisations. The motion argues these groups should be classified under the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) definition of public sector employees to qualify for reimbursement.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:

“Welsh charities, not-for-profits, and voluntary organisations play a vital role in delivering public services that the most vulnerable in society depend upon.

“Labour’s decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions will have a detrimental impact on the future and viability of these organisations.

“The Welsh Conservatives are clear: Labour must ensure that Welsh charities, not-for-profits, and voluntary organisations are reimbursed for this rise in employer National Insurance contributions.”

Sector voices concern

The WCVA has also warned that the NI increase could put crucial community services at risk.

A WCVA spokesperson said: “WCVA is deeply concerned about the impact of increased Employers’ National Insurance contributions on voluntary sector organisations across Wales. Many of these organisations already face significant financial pressures, and this increase threatens to put additional strain on their resources and potentially jeopardise vital services delivered to communities.

“We have strongly urged both the UK and Welsh Governments to recognise the invaluable role the voluntary sector plays, especially in partnership with public services. We believe it is critical for voluntary organisations delivering public services to be treated equitably and included in any financial support measures, ensuring they are not disproportionately disadvantaged by these policy changes.

“WCVA welcomes the debate in the Senedd and hopes it will lead to productive discussions and practical solutions to protect the voluntary sector’s essential contribution to Welsh society.”

Motion to be debated

The Senedd motion, set for debate next week, states:

• Notes the UK Government’s increase to employer National Insurance contributions, coming into effect for the 2025-26 tax year.
• Recognises the detrimental impact the increase will have on Welsh charities, not-for-profits, and voluntary organisations.
• Calls on the Welsh Government to make urgent representations to the UK Government to ensure that these organisations delivering public services are included in the ONS-defined public sector category and are reimbursed for the rise in employer National Insurance contributions.

The debate will determine whether Welsh Labour will push for financial support to shield the voluntary sector from these additional costs.

MORE WEEKLY DEPARTURES TO THE COSTA DEL SOL

CARDIFF AIRPORT has announced a significant boost to its summer flight schedule with low-cost airline Vueling increasing its services to Málaga. The airline, which has been operating in Wales for over 12 years, will be adding extra weekly departures, providing travellers with more options to visit Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol.

Starting from 24 June 2025, Vueling will operate four flights a week from Cardiff to Málaga, with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This will further increase to five flights per week from 16 September to 25 October 2025, adding Sunday services to the schedule.

Growing Demand for Málaga Flights

Málaga, a key Spanish city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and world-class museums, remains a popular destination for Welsh holidaymakers. Cardiff Airport’s Head of Business Development, Lee Smith, welcomed the move, stating:

“Our customers have been asking for more choice of flights on key routes like Málaga. I am really pleased that Vueling has responded to the demand, and we look forward to welcoming more passengers on these services at Cardiff Airport.”

Strengthening Spanish Connections

Vueling currently operates direct flights from Cardiff to both Málaga and Alicante, strengthening travel links between Wales and Spain. The airline’s expansion is expected to further enhance tourism and business connectivity.

Cardiff Airport, which supports more than 4,000 jobs and generates over £200 million in economic benefits for Wales annually, continues to focus on improving its flight offerings. With 15 airlines currently operating and 35 direct routes available, the airport remains a crucial gateway for Welsh travellers.

For more information and to book flights, travellers can visit Vueling’s website or Cardiff Airport’s official channels.