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Pembrokeshire joins UK’s fastest-growing food partnership network

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PEMBROKESHIRE is the latest region to join the UK’s rapidly expanding Sustainable Food Places network, a national movement dedicated to transforming local food systems and promoting healthy, affordable, and sustainable food for all.

The county joins over 100 other areas across the UK that are working together through cross-sector partnerships to use food as a catalyst for positive change — tackling everything from food poverty and ill-health to climate change and local economic resilience.

Locally, the Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership is led by PLANED, PAVS, and Pembrokeshire County Council, and includes community organisations, local businesses, and public sector partners. The group is supporting producers, encouraging community growing, and promoting sustainable food initiatives across the county.

“Pembrokeshire is an inspiring example of how communities, councils, and businesses can come together to make access to good, affordable food a defining characteristic of a place,” said Leon Ballin, Programme Manager for Sustainable Food Places. “They’ve shown real ambition and drive, and we’re delighted to support them on this journey.”

The partnership will soon launch a new website and a programme of summer events aimed at getting more people involved in shaping Pembrokeshire’s food future.

Sue Latham, the Local Food Partnership Coordinator, said: “We are so proud to be part of this exciting partnership. It truly belongs to the whole community, and we want more people to get involved and help shape a healthier, more sustainable food future for Pembrokeshire.”

The Sustainable Food Places programme is coordinated nationally by a consortium of organisations including the Soil Association, Food Matters, Sustain, Nourish NI, Nourish Scotland, and Food Sense Wales. It is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme focuses on six key areas:

  1. Promoting healthy and sustainable food to the public
  2. Tackling food poverty and diet-related ill health
  3. Building community food knowledge, skills, and projects
  4. Supporting a vibrant and diverse local food economy
  5. Transforming public sector catering and procurement
  6. Reducing food waste and the environmental impact of food

The broader network aims to address major challenges such as rising food insecurity, the decline of independent food businesses, and the urgent need to cut emissions from the food system.

For more information, visit: www.sustainablefoodplaces.org

 

Community

Weather presenter spotted filming in Pembrokeshire

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A WELL-KNOWN Welsh weather presenter was spotted in Pembrokeshire as he filmed scenes for a new series celebrating the county’s coastline.

Derek Brockway, who has been a familiar face on BBC Wales since 1995, was in St Davids recently working on another instalment of his popular walking series along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Local resident Thomas Tudor said it was “lovely” to meet the broadcaster during filming, posing for a photograph alongside his mother, Beryl Tudor, and sister, Bethan Thomas Price.

Brockway, who is based at BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, is widely known not only for his weather forecasts across television, radio and online, but also for his programmes showcasing Wales’ landscapes and coastal paths.

The latest filming in St Davids is expected to form part of an upcoming series highlighting the natural beauty and walking routes of Pembrokeshire, an area long regarded as one of the jewels in Wales’ tourism crown.

 

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Broad Haven volunteers secure ‘national asset’ status for nature reserve

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A SMALL stretch of woodland and former opencast coal mine has been transformed into a nationally recognised biodiversity site, in a major first for Wales.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve has been awarded ‘Naturfa’ status, becoming the first community-managed site in Wales to receive the designation.

The recognition, confirmed by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, classifies the reserve as an “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure” (OECM). This means the volunteer-led work of the Support the Boardwalk group will now contribute directly to Wales’ 30×30 target – the global commitment to protect 30% of land, freshwater and sea for nature by 2030.

In a further boost, the site has also been included in the National Forest for Wales, recognising its role in strengthening a connected network of woodlands and habitats across the country.

Once a simple local walkway, the Slash Pond has developed into a thriving wildlife haven. The reserve now supports a wide range of species, including critically endangered European eels, otters, ten species of bat, and more than fifty species of birds, alongside diverse aquatic plants and insects.

Huw Irranca-Davies said: “These special places are a testament to the care and dedication of people working on the ground – securing a legacy for future generations. Nature can only thrive where habitats are resilient, protected and effectively managed.”

The new status is expected to unlock future funding opportunities, supporting long-term plans for maintaining the boardwalk, monitoring biodiversity and water quality, installing new signage, and expanding environmental education work with Broad Haven Primary School and the wider Havens community.

Andy Drumm, a volunteer with Support the Boardwalk, said: “We’ve always known how special the Slash Pond is, but this recognition puts it firmly on the map as a national asset. It’s a tribute to years of hard work and shows that local communities can lead the way in tackling the nature crisis.”

To mark the achievement, a Spring Family Fun Day will take place on Friday (May 9) from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Slash Pond car park.

The event will feature guided nature walks, pond dipping, a wildlife treasure trail, live music, and family activities including crafts and face painting. The official unveiling of the Naturfa certificate and new reserve branding will also take place, alongside the launch of a new book, From Culm to Calm: A History of the Slash Pond by local author David Meanwell.

Karen Riggs, a long-time volunteer, said: “This achievement belongs to everyone in Broad Haven who has supported the site over the years. We’re not just celebrating a new title – we’re celebrating what our community has built together.”

The day will also see the installation of new benches at the observation decks and the launch of a floating island habitat to support wildfowl and other bird species. Visitors will also be invited to share feedback on plans for an improved picnic area designed to withstand local flooding.

Naturfa is a Welsh Government initiative recognising areas outside traditional protected sites, such as SSSIs, that are managed in ways which deliver long-term benefits for biodiversity.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve is managed by the Support the Boardwalk group in partnership with The Havens Community Council, and is maintained entirely by volunteers.

Further information and updates are available via the Support the Boardwalk Facebook page.

 

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Milford Haven salon named national awards finalist

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A local beauty therapist earns recognition in prestigious UK competition

A MILFORD HAVEN beauty therapist has been shortlisted for a major national award celebrating excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

Charlotte Mitchell-Johns, of The Attic Hair & Beauty, has been named a finalist in the Hair Extensions Specialist category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.

Ms Mitchell-Johns, who is a Level four beauty therapist, also works as a hair extensions specialist and beauty educator with HB Training.

Speaking about the recognition, she said she was “truly honoured” to be named among the finalists.

She added that she believes the industry thrives on collaboration rather than competition, and that supporting others is key to long-term success.

Ms Mitchell-Johns has been recognised for her technical skill, commitment to clients, and efforts to maintain high standards within the beauty sector.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards highlight leading professionals from across the country, celebrating talent, creativity and dedication within the industry.

 

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