Community

Dormouse discoveries bring new hope at Pentre Ifan

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

ENCOURAGING signs of dormouse activity have been recorded in the restored woodland at Pentre Ifan, North Pembrokeshire, as part of a new wildlife monitoring project.

Volunteers trained through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project spent the summer tracking the elusive hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) using specially designed footprint tunnels.

The method, developed by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, uses harmless ink pads placed inside plastic tunnels to capture the tiny, distinctive ‘pizza-slice’ footprints left behind by dormice as they explore.

The tunnels were installed in July 2025, following earlier nest box checks that had revealed only limited dormouse activity on the eastern side of the reserve. Over the summer and into early autumn, however, footprints were recorded in more than half the tunnels, suggesting that the dormice are becoming more active and expanding their range within the woodland.

The hazel dormouse is one of the UK’s most threatened native mammals, listed as Vulnerable on the Mammal Society’s Red List. Populations have fallen by more than 70% since 2000, largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Mary Chadwick, Conservation Officer at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said:
“These findings are a big step forward in understanding how dormice are using the woodland at Pentre Ifan. The footprint tunnels gave us a way to monitor the species without disturbing them, and the results will help us target future conservation work more effectively. This reflects the National Park’s importance as a safe haven for species that are disappearing from much of the UK – and shows that when habitats are restored, wildlife can return.”

The discoveries strengthen evidence of a resident dormouse population at Pentre Ifan and will guide the Authority’s ongoing habitat management. Shortly after the footprint survey concluded, a female dormouse was discovered in a nearby nest box – one of the clearest signs yet of a potential population recovery in this part of the National Park.

The project forms part of the Cysylltu Natur 25×25 initiative, funded through the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Caption: New monitoring techniques at Pentre Ifan have uncovered the clearest signs yet of a resident hazel dormouse population – offering fresh hope for one of the UK’s most threatened mammals.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

5 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

6 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).