Climate
Wales’ flagship ‘Paddle out Protest’ gains momentum at Broad Haven beach
The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales’ natural crown.
But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters. As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history.
“It’s reached the point where enough is enough,” said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer.
“Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that’s being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau. And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.”
At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death.
“If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what’s happening in our rivers.”
Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK’s rivers as a dangerous ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows.
But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality.
Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales’ flagship ‘Paddle Out Protest’ in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage’s national protest on May 17. The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire.
“A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that’s by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,” Ella told The Herald.

“But there’s also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it’s having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit.
“We’re urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand it anymore.”
The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join.
A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm.
Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs.
A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows.
“The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,” continued Ella.
“I’ve been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I’ve become very passionate about.
“It’s important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.The more people who can join us on May 17 the better.”
After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community.
“Surfers Against Sewage,which was founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,” concluded Lloyd.
“It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing.
“We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.”

Charity
Appeal launched after pigeon shot with air gun in Pembrokeshire town
AN APPEAL has been launched after an injured pigeon was found on Charles Street, Milford Haven after being shot through its wing bone with an air gun,
The bird was discovered by a member of the public on April 21 and was taken to All Pets Vet Care.
This incident follows a previous RSPCA appeal as several cats were shot by an air gun in the Hakin area in March. At least one cat died and three were injured.
When examined by a veterinary surgeon, the pigeon was found to have a wound on his left wing, with infection and lots of swelling. A subsequent radiograph showed that a pellet had shattered through its wing bones.
“As a result the pigeons sadly had to be euthanised,” commented Dr Cethin Ravenhill of the All Pets Vet Care. “The RSPCA were informed and as far as I’m aware, this is the only bird we’ve treated with this type of injury “
Meanwhile staff have been asked to radiograph any more injured birds brought in to the veterinary practice.
“I am so shocked and saddened that any individual would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them,” added Dr Ravenhill. “This leads to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.
“It’ss very upsetting to think there is someone in the local area doing this to both cats, and sadly pigeons.”
RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may have been targeted and is now calling on the community to look out for any suspicious behaviour and report potential offences.
RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are extremely concerned about reports of a pigeon and cats being deliberately targeted and killed in this way.
“Our hearts go out to the owners and to anyone who has been involved or discovered an animal injured in this way.
“It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.
“Unfortunately at the moment we only have limited information and so we hope an appeal for information will help with our enquiries.
“We would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who may have any further information, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We would also ask parents and carers to speak and educate young people about this.”
Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.
Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01794965.
Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases, and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air gun attacks.
Cats and wildlife are the animals most vulnerable to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as the charity would like. The injuries caused by such attacks can be horrific and often fatal.
Keith added: said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.
“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”
Climate
Chris Packham backs Carmarthen ‘nature crisis’ climate screening
BROADCASTER and environmental campaigner Chris Packham has backed a free public screening in Carmarthen aimed at encouraging local discussion about the climate and nature crisis.
The People’s Emergency Briefing will be shown at St Peters Civic Hall, Carmarthen, on Friday, May 22, at 7:00pm.
The screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion involving residents, local leaders and invited decision-makers.
The event forms part of a UK-wide programme intended to help the public and policymakers better understand the risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
The film follows the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered to hear evidence from leading experts.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examined the impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
It has since been adapted into a 50-minute public film, which launched nationally in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.
Chris Packham said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing.
“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”
Organisers say the Carmarthen event comes at a time of growing local concern over flooding on the rivers Towy and Gwili, as well as biodiversity loss linked to pollution incidents.
After the film, those attending will be invited to take part in a structured discussion about the issues raised and what they may mean locally.
Local MPs, councillors and other influential figures have also been invited.
Philip Hughes, one of the organisers, said: “This is about creating space for people to come together, look at the evidence, and begin a more open and informed conversation about what it means for our community.
“It is also about how we can support the bolder action now called for by the science, which will also do so much to improve lives, as the film explains.”
Tickets for the Carmarthen screening are free, but advance registration is encouraged.

Climate
Welsh windfarms to power major construction materials firm
A MAJOR construction materials company has signed a long-term deal to use renewable energy from Welsh windfarms as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.
Energy firm RWE has agreed a 15-year contract to supply electricity to Breedon Group plc, which operates sites across Great Britain producing materials including concrete, asphalt and cement.
Under the agreement, RWE will provide around 70 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year from its windfarm portfolio.
The power will initially come from the Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm, about 24km off the coast of North Wales in the Irish Sea. From 2033, supply will switch to the Brechfa Forest West onshore windfarm in Wales.
The electricity will support the production of key building materials, helping Breedon reduce emissions linked to its energy use in a sector widely regarded as difficult to decarbonise.
RWE said the agreement highlighted the role renewable energy can play in helping heavy industry move towards lower-carbon operations.
Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions at RWE, said: “This agreement underlines our commitment to supporting the construction materials sector on its journey towards a more sustainable future.
“By supplying renewable electricity from our wind portfolio, we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Breedon’s operations.”
Breedon said the deal would also provide long-term energy stability while supporting its wider sustainability plans.
Donna Hunt, the company’s sustainability director, said the agreement marked “a meaningful step forward”.
She said: “It secures long-term energy supply and helps accelerate the reduction of emissions from our operations.”
The company has set targets to cut emissions across its business by more than 20% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.
The agreement reflects a growing trend of major industrial firms turning to renewable energy to help meet climate targets while managing rising energy costs.
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