THE Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust has received the final instalment of £10,000 from the Bannister Trust, concluding a generous £30,000 donation over three years that has supported critical woodland conservation efforts throughout the National Park. This funding has played a significant role in enhancing Pembrokeshire’s natural landscapes, supporting biodiversity, and protecting vital habitats.

Over the past year, the Bannister Trust’s contributions have enabled a variety of projects that have benefited a wide array of wildlife, while striking a crucial balance between expanding woodland cover and preserving other vital habitats. These efforts not only support carbon sequestration and biodiversity, but also foster ecological resilience.

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “We are deeply thankful to the Bannister Trust for their unwavering support. Their generosity has enabled us to undertake vital conservation projects that focus on natural regeneration and new plantings. Each initiative has been designed to meet the specific needs of diverse species, playing a crucial role in protecting and restoring the ecosystem as a whole.”

Achievements of 2024 include planting over 2,000 native trees near Goodwick and establishing a 270-metre streamside corridor near Lamphey. Tools were also provided to staff and volunteers at Carew Castle to maintain recently planted trees and restored hedgerows, ensuring dark flyways for its internationally important bat population.

Rhosfach, a crucial habitat for the marsh fritillary butterfly and willow tit, saw the installation of fencing to protect willow woodlands, while allowing traditional Dexter cattle to graze the marshy grasslands. At, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Mynachlogddu, traditional cattle grazing was reintroduced, with fencing protecting natural tree regeneration and a shelterbelt that benefits wildlife, serves as a biosecurity barrier, and connects riverine woodlands for otters.

Other accomplishments this year include planting 100 trees at Strumble Head to enhance habitat connectivity, and linking a species rich valley at Pontfaen to ancient woodland SSSIs nearby through the restoration of 90 metres of hedgerow.

Katie Macro added: “These activities will not only sustain the gains made in previous years but will also ensure that Pembrokeshire’s woodland and hedgerow habitats continue to thrive for generations to come. The Bannister Trust’s support has been pivotal in driving these efforts, and we look forward to completing these projects with the final instalment of their generous funding.”

Plans for the coming year focus on enhancing habitat connectivity and supporting key species across several locations. New hedges and in-field trees will be planted around the Preseli Hills to create a crucial flyway between Pengelli Forest and the Eastern Cleddau, with the aim of connecting two breeding populations of barbastelle bat, the only ones known in Wales. At Freshwater East and Cresselly, hedgerow expansions will improve habitats for the rare brown hairstreak butterfly, while wider hedgerows at Roch will provide additional habitat for the yellowhammer, a species of conservation concern.

Additional efforts will include planting roadside trees and new hedges at Abereiddi and Amroth to link existing hedgerow schemes, along with in-field planting at Strumble Head to create a more diverse landscape of meadows and trees. It’s hoped that new hedges at Mynachlogddu and Puncheston will support willow tits and protect SSSI sites from agricultural impacts. And finally, there are plans for tree planting at Brynberian to connect Tŷ Canol Nature Reserve to other woodland sites, forming wildlife corridors vital for species movement and genetic diversity.

To learn more about the work of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust and other conservation projects it supports throughout the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, please visit https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.

BUYERS are likely to swarm like bees to a hive for a chance to snap up an idyllic cottage at auction, Paul Fosh Auctions says.

Aptly named Beehive cottage, Ty Mawr, Llanybydder, is in a state of disrepair but after renovation could make a really sweet home..

The detached cottage, stripped out and ready for renovation, comes with a derelict, historically important Grade II listed 16th century labourer’s cottage.

Angie Davey, of South Wales based Paul Fosh Auctions. said: “This could be a dream come true for a buyer looking for a honeypot project in the heart of Pembrokeshire in stunning, wild and wonderful countryside.

“The detached cottage, which requires full refurbishment, includes a separate derelict cottage standing in a triangular plot of approximately 48 metres and all located approximately 12 miles from the Cambrian Mountains and with far reaching countryside views.

“We have not inspected the properties, but we are informed that the main detached cottage has been stripped out ready for refurbishment with one room to each floor and staircase. There is planning permission to add a 10m x 5/6m double storey extension.

“The second dwelling, a derelict Grade II listed 16th century labourer’s cottage has, we are informed by the vendor, had verbal confirmation from Cadw (Heritage Wales) for a single storey extension for a kitchen and bathroom to the rear. We advise interested parties to contact Cadw directly.

“The site has been partially levelled and all previous extensions removed. Utilities are present on the site – electric, mains water and drainage. Included in the sale are the architect drawings, structural engineer’s calculations plus several tonnes of original stone, removed by hand from the old extension.

“Once refurbished the cottages could offer excellent holiday let investment due to the tourism in the area.

The properties, listed with a guide price of £99,000, are located approximately 12 miles from the Cambrian Mountains, one of the few remote wilderness areas left in Southern Britain with some of the most scenic routes in Britain.

“The Cambrian Mountains rise up in the very heart of Wales, a place where hills, river valleys and meadows have sustained life for millennia. Surrounded by the counties of Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire, and encircled by three national parks, this is a landscape which is steeped in Welsh history and heritage.

“On a clear day, from Pumlumon Fawr (2,468ft/752m), where the River Severn and Wye rise, the Llŷn Peninsula and the highest peaks of Snowdonia can be seen to the north, the summits of the Brecon Beacons to the east, and the Preseli Mountains and the full sweep of Cardigan Bay to the west.

“The property is approximately a 30-minute drive from the coast at Aberaeron.”

Planning permission has been granted for a 10m x 5/6m double storey extension. Planning ref: PL/03524. Please contact Dyfed Local Authority for further information.

Beehive cottage is among some ninety properties which are being sold online in the Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts at noon on Tuesday, September 1 and ends from 5.30pm on Thursday September 3.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

IN a heartfelt tribute to local heroes, the first match of the annual Willington Slate rugby trophy was held yesterday at Pembroke RFC, featuring a unique display of sportsmanship and remembrance.

The match, now a key fixture in the local rugby calendar, is celebrated with a the passing of the rugby ball between the St Davids to Angle Lifeboat RNLI teams during a poignant training exercise.

The Willington Slate rugby trophy commemorates Gareth and Daniel Willington, a father and son duo who tragically lost their lives on 28 April 2016. Their vessel, the Harvester, sank near St Davids Head, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. On that fateful day, RNLI teams from St Davids, Angle, and Fishguard launched multiple lifeboats, including the Tyne, Tamar, and Trent classes, in a valiant effort to aid the stricken fishermen.

“It is our honour to participate in this commemoration,” said a spokesperson from the RNLI, reflecting the deep emotional connection between the lifeboat community and the annual event.

The tribute at Pembroke RFC not only highlights the bravery of those who risk their lives at sea but also serves as a reminder of the strong bonds within these coastal communities.