News

‘We can’t afford to wait any longer’: Senedd demands action on nature loss

Published

11 months ago

May 9, 2025

SENEDD Members called for urgent action to tackle the “frightening reality” of nature loss in Wales, with legally binding biodiversity targets still four years away.

Llŷr Gruffydd, who chairs the Senedd’s climate change committee, criticised the pace of change with biodiversity targets “unlikely to be in place much before 2029”.

He warned: “That will be eight years after the Welsh Government first committed to setting those targets and just one year… before the global 2030 targets need to be met.”

Leading a debate on May 7, the Plaid Cymru politician said it is difficult to reconcile the time frame with Welsh Government claims that addressing nature loss is a priority.

The committee’s inquiry heard Wales is “nowhere near” the key international “30 by 30” target of protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.

Mr Gruffydd said: “Work to scope out the targets started over two years ago. It seems inconceivable that it will take another four years.”

The Senedd’s climate change committee called for a more ambitious timeframe in its report, a recommendation that was rejected by Welsh ministers.

“The Welsh Government said this would be simply impossible to do,” said Mr Gruffydd, pointing to similar UK and Scottish Government proposals taking around a year.

He warned the 2023 “State of Nature” report showed Wales’ biodiversity, and wider environment, continuing to decline and degrade.

“That report details the devastating scale of nature loss across the country,” he said. “Welsh wildlife has decreased on average by 20% since 1994 and one in six Welsh species are under threat of extinction.”

Mr Gruffydd acknowledged the Welsh Government was quick to sign up to global biodiversity targets and declare nature loss as a priority.

“But, to use an old adage, actions speak louder than words,” he said.

“Our report highlights delays time and time again in delivering commitments, a lack of a clear plan to meet those goals and targets, a lack of capacity and resources within the Welsh Government and among its key partners too, and a vast nature funding gap.”

He said an estimated £5bn to £7bn will be needed to meet Wales’ nature commitments by the 2030s but ministers have “no plan to reach anywhere near the investment required”.

Mr Gruffydd raised concerns about the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 having “little material impact” on reversing the decline in biodiversity – a finding echoed by an Audit Wales report.

Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz speaking in the Senedd — Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservatives’ shadow rural affairs secretary, focused on the “critical role” of the sustainable farming scheme in nature restoration as well as agriculture.

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell warned: “I’m concerned that our society and the world has become used to the destruction. That’s the frightening reality. And as our report makes clear, we must see significant change if we are to protect our natural world.”

The shadow climate change secretary continued: “Before long, our country will fall silent as we lose more and more birds, as we lose rare species. Our vibrant living landscapes will be all the poorer as a result. We need to do all that we can to prevent the crisis.

“We can’t afford to wait any longer. For the sake of our world today, and for the sake of avoiding creating a dystopia for our children, the government must pick up the pace.

“We must save our world before it’s destroyed.”

The Welsh Government rejected six of the committee’s 30 recommendations in its formal response to the report, with the remainder accepted in full or in principle.

Responding to the debate, Julie James stressed that the Welsh Government remains committed to achieving ambitious international targets and tackling biodiversity loss.

The minister said: “I cannot emphasise that enough: when these targets come out, they must land well. They must land with vigour and… acceptance, so that people embrace them.

Julie James MS, counsel general designate and minister for delivery

“We do not want another five years of arguments about whether the targets are or aren’t OK for each sector. So, that’s what’s taking the time.”

She told the Senedd: “We’re in the final stages of developing the criteria for identifying the areas that will contribute to the 30 by 30 goal… we are determined to do this properly.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Cymraeg

National Eisteddfod unveils legacy framework to boost Welsh language and communities

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW national framework aimed at securing a lasting legacy from the National Eisteddfod has been published jointly by the festival’s organisers and the Welsh Government.

The plan sets out how the Eisteddfod’s impact will be strengthened before, during and after each annual event, bringing together partners from across education, community development, culture, the economy and the Welsh language sector.

While each Eisteddfod reflects the identity of its host community, the framework aims to ensure long-term benefits are consistently delivered nationwide, rather than limited to the festival period.

The legacy programme will cover a wide range of areas including education, inclusion, digital innovation, volunteering and economic development, with new national and local structures designed to coordinate delivery more effectively.

A national project board will oversee the strategy, setting direction and sharing best practice year-on-year. At a local level, a steering group will drive community-based work, helping turn the Eisteddfod into a catalyst for lasting change.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford said the festival’s impact goes far beyond a single week.

“The Eisteddfod is far more than a week-long festival. It is a multi-year project that leaves a lasting legacy for the Welsh language and culture in the area,” he said.

“By bringing together partners from across key sectors, this framework will help deliver real and lasting change for our communities and support our ambition of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

Nic Parry, President of the Eisteddfod Court and Chair of its Management Board, said the framework strengthens collaboration at both local and national level.

“It allows us to deliver on a long-held ambition to drive language planning through the lens of the National Eisteddfod,” he said.

“It also positions the Eisteddfod as a powerful tool for boosting local economies and supporting sustainable communities for future generations.”

Further details are expected later this year, with membership of the national project board due to be confirmed by mid-June.

A dedicated session at this year’s Eisteddfod will also gather evidence from the 2026 host area to help shape future plans for 2027 and 2028.

More information is available via the Eisteddfod’s legacy framework online.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

17 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).