Community

Blue Lagoon and Traeth Llyfn to temporarily close to protect seals

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2024

National Trust Cymru, in conjunction with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, has closed the public access route leading to Traeth Llyfn beach sooner than planned due to increased seal and seal pup activity at the beach. The Blue Lagoon is scheduled to close to the public as planned from 21 September 2024 until 2 November 2024.

Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymru’s Countryside Manager for Pembrokeshire said: “We are fortunate to host grey seals year-round here in Pembrokeshire and the breeding season is vital for the ongoing health of these colonies given that it is estimated that around half of the world’s population of grey seals breed on our coastline. The total number of grey seals in West Wales is estimated to be about 5,000, with some 1,400 pups being born each year, making it extremely important that we take care to ensure the safety of these colonies.

“With this in mind, we ask that visitors refrain from accessing Traeth Llyfn from 5 September 2024 and the Blue Lagoon from 21 September, whilst also following guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the rest of the coastal path. It is also imperative that dogs are kept on short leads and away from beaches during seal breeding season at the coast in Pembrokeshire.”

The Blue Lagoon closes to the public each year from late September to November, with recent years seeing increasing numbers of the grey seal population breeding in and around Traeth Llyfn as well, leading to its temporary closure in 2023. The Blue Lagoon’s sheltered location, making it so attractive to seals, combined with high visitor numbers in this area, creates a situation where there is a high potential for disturbance to seals.

The time seals spend resting on land is vital to their health and that of their pups as they digest recent meals, socialise, and feed their young. Visitors will still be able to watch these wild creatures in their habitat from a distance on the Wales Coast Path, but to avoid disturbing seals at this important time of year, National Trust Cymru recommend following the Pembrokeshire Marine Code: stay quiet, keep your distance (at least 50m away from seals), never come between a seal and her pup, or a seal and the sea, and don’t take dogs near a seal breeding area.

They also ask that if a seal is spotted in distress or alone, never approach the pup. Seals are often left alone on the beach and distress can be caused by contact with people. To raise any concerns about seals or seal pups, contact the conservation group Welsh Marine Life Rescue on 01646 692943 or 07970 285086 who will be able to offer you further guidance.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

11 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

23 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

24 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)