A VAN collided with a chalet at Freshwater Holiday Park in Pembroke last month.

The incident occurred on October 29 at approximately 5:45pm. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision at Freshwater Holiday Park at around 5:45pm on October 29. No injuries were reported, and there are no further police enquiries.”

According to a local resident, the crash left a dent on the front of the chalet, marking the fourth time such an incident has occurred. The resident expressed frustration, saying: “This is an accident waiting to happen, and it doesn’t seem that anybody on the management team is doing anything about it.”

CONNETING THE COAST, an ambitious three-year Nature Recovery project backed by Welsh Government funding, is drawing to a close, having taken impressive strides in protecting and enhancing the fragile ecosystems of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The project, designed to safeguard coastal habitats and enhance biodiversity in farmland adjacent to the iconic coastline, works in close collaboration with local farmers and landowners, to restore habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and promote sustainable land management.

Connecting the Coast has yielded impressive results, with land management changes creating flourishing habitats for wildlife. This is evident in the reappearance of coastal wildflowers like centaury and sheep’s bit where conservation grazing has been implemented and the appearance of scarce arable plants, such as weasel’s snout and bugloss, in crop margins that have been left unsprayed.

New hay meadows are also thriving, offering sanctuary to pollinators and birds, while species-rich pastures are helping to secure soil health and protect carbon stocks. These biodiversity-rich areas form vital buffers in the coastal ecosystem, offering increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Connecting the Coast Project Officer Clare Flynn said: “At the heart of Connecting the Coast is a strong partnership with the local farming community and landowners, ranging from large dairy farms to smallholders with just a few fields – and we’ve been met with overwhelming support and a warm welcome from everyone.”

Throughout its duration, Connecting the Coast has achieved several significant milestones in its mission to restore and protect habitats. These include installing almost 19,000 meters of fencing to improve conservation grazing and safeguarding over 80 hectares of coastal slopes to protect iconic coastal species. In addition, over 50 hectares of hay meadows and 50 hectares of species-rich permanent pasture have been created, enhancing biodiversity and supporting soil health.

As the project enters its final months, the team will continue to provide tailored support and advice to landowners, while closely monitoring the ecological outcomes of habitat restoration efforts. The project is committed to deepening conversations with both farmers and the Welsh Government to secure sustainable farming support and ensure that nature recovery remains a top priority in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Connecting the Coast has received financial support from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places fund.

Although applications for funding are now closed, further information about the project can be obtained by emailing Clare Flynn at [email protected].

What a night!

Last week Pembrokeshire recognised and celebrated its Tourism Champions at the 2024 Visit Pembrokeshire  Croeso Awards, hosted by Jamie Owen and held at Pembrokeshire College. These are businesses and organisations who deliver memorable experiences for visitors to Pembrokeshire throughout the year. Many congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted:

Accessible & Inclusive Award | Winner: Windswept Paddle Ability Water Sports
Runners Up: Blue Horizons CIC Surf Club, Havard Stables

Best Activity, Experience or Tour | Winner: Sweet Home Alpaca
Runners Up: Llyn Llys Y Fran Lake, Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking

Best Attraction Award | Winner: Carew Castle and Tidal Mill
Runners Up: Heatherton World of Activities, Picton Castle Gardens

Best B&B, Inn and Guesthouse | Winner: Elm Grove Country House
Runners Up: Roch Castle, Penrhiw Priory

Best Camping & Glamping Award | Winner: Florence Springs Glamping and Camping Village
Runners Up: Beavers Retreat Glamping, Nights Under Canvas

Best Caravan Park | Winner: Trees Caravan Park
Runners Up: Redford Caravan Park Ltd, Lawrenny Quay Holiday Park

Best Dog Friendly Award | Winner: The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery
Runners Up: Sleekstone Holidays, Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages

Best Event Award | Winner: 4theRegion
Runners Up: Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

Best Place to Eat  Award | Winner: Fernery Restaurant 
Runners Up: The Really Wild Emporium, Blas Restaurant 

Best Self-Catering 1-3 Units | Winner: Sleekstone Holidays
Runners Up: Manorbier Castle – Self-let Accommodations, Dyffryn Conin Farm Holiday-Let, Preseli Hills Cottages 

Best Self-Catering 4+ Units | Winner: Bluestone National Park Resort
Runners Up: Musselwick Farm Cottages, Florence Springs Luxury Lodges

Bro a Byd (Environmental & Sustainable) Award | Winner: The Really Wild Emporium
Runners Up: Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill

Best Hotel Award | Winner: Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront
Runners Up: Grove of Narberth, Twr y Felin Hotel

Pub of the Year Award | Winner: The Wolfe Inn Wolfscastle
Runners Up: The Cove Bar & Restaurant, Ferry Inn

Rising star Award | Winner: Charly Dix, Lan y Mor Restaurant

Sustainable & Immersive Experience for Cruise Passengers Award | Winner: 
Fishguard Bay Welcome

Tourism Service/Product Supplier Award | Winner: The Really Wild Emporium
Runners Up: The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery, St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery

Emma Thornton CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire commented: “This event was a result of an exciting partnership between Visit Pembrokeshire, the Seren collection and Pembrokeshire College who worked together to deliver an exceptional experience for our guests serving a delicious 3 course meal featuring locally sourced Pembrokeshire produce. This was partnership working at its best. A big thank you to all our Category sponsors and supporters without whom this event would not have been possible.”

 The winners will now go forward to the Southwest Regional Awards later this year, followed by the National Visit Wales Awards in Spring 2025.

To see highlights from the event visit https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/croeso-awards/gallery-2024/