A LICHEN success story is being celebrated in an area of ancient rainforest in Cwm Gwaun thanks to the conservation efforts of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Cwm Gwaun is one of the treasures of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, renowned not only for its deep-rooted Welsh language and culture but also for its ancient Celtic rainforest. This unique landscape is home to five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), each nationally significant for its lichen-rich woodlands.

Lichens thrive in well-lit, humid environments with exceptionally clean air. However, in recent decades, these delicate ecosystems have declined due to changes in traditional woodland grazing practices and the impact of agriculture and industry on air quality.

One of the most striking lichens, Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), was recorded on only five trees in the valley in 2007. Encouragingly, recent signs suggest that conditions are once again becoming favourable for its recovery.

A breakthrough moment came in 2017 when a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Conservation Officer discovered a small fragment of Tree Lungwort on the ground following a storm at the Sychpant picnic site. Using netting from a fruit bag, they secured the fragment to a nearby ash tree, where it has since thrived. This unexpected success inspired a larger-scale effort to restore this vital species.

As part of the Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project, a lichen expert has now transplanted 46 small, windblown fragments of Tree Lungwort onto 20 trees across three carefully selected sites in Cwm Gwaun. These locations were chosen following thorough surveys, which confirmed the presence of other old-growth forest lichens with similar habitat needs.

Each tree has been mapped and labelled, allowing volunteers to monitor the progress of the transplants in the months and years ahead. The storm that once dislodged a fragment of Tree Lungwort may ultimately help breathe new life into Cwm Gwaun’s extraordinary lichen communities.

Mary Chadwick, Conservation Officer for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, remarked, “Tree lungwort is a stunning lichen that embodies the essence of Atlantic rainforests. It’s exciting to contribute to its gradual recovery across Cwm Gwaun.

This project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.

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.

PEMBROKE and District Male Voice Choir shared the stage with the renowned Band of the Welsh Guards during the band’s tour of Wales, delivering a stirring performance at Harri Tudur School hall.

A capacity audience enjoyed the collaboration, with the choir and band uniting for powerful renditions of Welsh classics Cwm Rhondda and Gwaddoloddiad. The Band of the Welsh Guards also performed a medley of traditional Welsh folk tunes and music from the acclaimed film Wicked.

Choir MC Matthew John introduced the evening in his distinctive style, while the choir’s set—featuring newly added pieces Let A New Day Dawn and Tell My Father—was selected by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter. Accompanist William Lambert, a recent addition to the choir, provided support on the keyboard.

The event was co-ordinated by Councillor Aden Brinn, with distinguished guests including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sharon Lusher, Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Councillor Steve Alderman, Mayor of Pembroke Councillor Ann Mortesen, Senedd Member Sam Kurtz, and mayors from neighbouring communities.

Proceeds from the evening were donated to the Welsh Guards Charity. A special guest was David Silcox of Haven Self Storage, whose company has sponsored an impressive banner to promote choir concerts.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the choir’s senior member, Frank Harries, who recently passed away at the age of 95.

The following evening, the choir performed again at Monkton Priory Church, raising funds for the RNLI in another well-attended concert.