THE Welsh Government says it has launched a consultation on plans to end a tax break for some fee-charging schools.

The move would withdraw charitable non-domestic rates relief from private schools from 1 April 2025.

The proposal seeks to bring independent schools with charitable status in line with other independent schools in Wales, for the purposes of non-domestic rates. In Wales, private schools are registered as independent schools.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We believe that independent schools with charitable status in Wales should be treated in the same way as those which are not charities, which is why we are proposing removing this tax relief.

“It would bring Wales into line with Scotland and the UK Government is also planning to make similar changes in England.”

There are 83 independent schools registered in Wales; 17 receive charitable non-domestic rates relief worth around £1.3m every year. The funding released by ending this tax relief would be available to support local public services.

The consultation sets out the Welsh Government’s proposal and asks for views. It will run for 12 weeks from 23 September and responses are requested by 16 December 2024.

The consultation is available at: https://www.gov.wales/charitable-non-domestic-rates-relief-private-schools

SPORT Pembrokeshire’s recent Young Ambassador Conference brought passionate and motivated learners together from 22 Primary schools.

The young ambassadors are dedicated to promoting sport and physical activity in their schools and communities.

Nearly 70 Bronze Young Ambassadors took part in a number of workshops delivered by the Sport Pembrokeshire team including understanding leadership, action planning and inclusive games inspired by the Paralympics.

The Year Five and Six pupils also took part in a first aid workshop and heard from two former Young Ambassadors – Carys Ribbon and Rhys Llewellyn – about their journeys with the Sport Pembrokeshire team.

Special Olympics Berlin Gold medallist, Bleddyn Gibbs, presented volunteer lanyards and activity booklets to all schools and pupils attending.

Sport Pembrokeshire Manger Matthew Freeman said: “Our Young Ambassadors are role models for their peers and help encourage more involvement in sport and physical activities and healthy lifestyles. It is fantastic to see them brought together to share ideas from across their schools.”

The Young Ambassador scheme is sponsored by Valero, and Stephen Thornton attended the conference to see the work the young people are doing.

Mr Thornton added: “This programme is an essential way of encouraging physical activity in schools and communities. Sport is often a way for young people to learn about achievement and well-being and participation leads to improved academic results. Valero is delighted to sponsor a project which helps to improve the health and well-being of young people in Pembrokeshire.”

There will be aSecondary Schools Young Ambassador Conference in October and any schools or pupils interested in more information can contact [email protected]

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/.