A £180,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales has helped bring a new eco-friendly tourism development to life overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges, created by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julia Percival, opened this autumn and offers high-quality, accessible and environmentally responsible accommodation designed to support the local visitor economy.

Having moved to Cardigan in January 2022, Tim, a retired architect, and Julia, who continues to work in social housing, set out to transform their 2.5-acre site into a small-scale, nature-led destination inspired by the surrounding Teifi Marshes.

Following full planning consent in 2023, the couple developed two five-star timber-framed lodges, alongside a garage with loft apartment, landscaped grounds, guest pathways and new drainage infrastructure. While most of the construction was self-funded, the £180,000 loan from the Development Bank’s Wales Tourism Fund supported completion of the Seren loft apartment and the final phase of hard landscaping and guest facilities.

The project has been delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social value. Local tradespeople and specialist contractors were used throughout, while independent businesses from the surrounding area supplied furnishings, artwork, tree planting, ecological consultancy and guest services.

A wide range of low-carbon technologies has been incorporated, including photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, air-source heat pumps, sheep’s wool insulation, ground-screw foundations, eco stoves and sedum (green) roofs. Materials from existing buildings on site were reused wherever possible, and more than 35 new trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture.

The development aligns with sustainable tourism priorities set by Ceredigion County Council and has also benefited from a £50,000 Cynnal y Cardi grant, supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Accessibility has been central to the design. The Tir and Afon lodges offer level access throughout, step-free entrances, level-access showers, and clear orientation features for guests with mobility or visual needs. Wheelchair-friendly pathways lead to a riverside deck and a purpose-built bird hide, Bwthyn Adar, overlooking the Teifi and its wildlife.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges can accommodate up to 12 guests across the two lodges and the Seren loft apartment, targeting visitors seeking modern, luxurious and sustainable accommodation in west Wales.

Each lodge features open-plan living areas, adjustable beds, digital access, luxury bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and welcome hampers showcasing seasonal local produce. The business also holds fishing rights on the Teifi and is listed with Canopy and Stars, connecting the site to audiences seeking high-end, nature-focused stays.

Julia Percival, co-founder of Fronteifi Nature Lodges, said: “The support from the Development Bank has enabled us to complete the final phase of the project while staying true to our environmental and community principles. We’re proud to have worked with so many local businesses and to offer guests the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Teifi Valley.”

David Knight, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, added: “Fronteifi Nature Lodges is a great example of a locally driven tourism project that combines sustainability, accessibility and community benefit. It aligns closely with the aims of the Wales Tourism Fund in supporting distinctive, high-quality destinations across Wales.”

The Wales Tourism Investment Fund is a £50 million fund, financed by the Welsh Government, offering loans between £100,000 and £5 million to support standout tourism projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and a commitment to the Economic Contract.

A NUMBER of roads and coastal footpaths across Pembrokeshire will be temporarily closed this month due to live firing exercises at military training ranges.

Live firing is scheduled to take place at Castlemartin on January 6–9, 12–16, 19–23 and 26–30. Additional night firing will also be carried out on January 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29.

Exercises are also planned at Manorbier between January 19 and 23. No night firing is scheduled at Manorbier.

As a result of the activity, several public routes will be closed at various times. The road between Bosherston and St Govan’s Chapel, along with the coastal footpath from St Govan’s Head to Broadhaven, will be shut on January 12–16, 19–23 and 26–30.

Stack Rocks Road, together with the connecting footpath to St Govan’s, will be closed on January 6–9, 12–16, 19–23 and 26–30. The Lower Warren area will also be inaccessible on January 6–9, 12–16 and 26–30.

Pembrokeshire County Council said access restrictions may change if there are alterations to the firing programme, with closures either lifted or extended as required.

Members of the public are being strongly advised not to touch any objects found on the range, nearby beaches or in the sea, as unexploded ordnance may be present.

Residents and visitors are also being warned to expect increased military vehicle movements on local roads throughout January. Red flags flown during the day, and red warning lights at night, will indicate when the ranges are active and access is prohibited.

Judge tells 20-year-old arsonist to “grow up” after dangerous outburst

A YOUNG man who set fire to his girlfriend’s clothes following a drunken argument was told by a judge to “grow up” after admitting arson.

Callum Rees, aged 20, had been living with his partner of four months at an address in Johnston when the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday (June 16).

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told Swansea Crown Court that Rees returned home shortly after midnight after drinking with friends. An argument quickly developed between the couple, prompting his partner to leave the property to allow tensions to ease.

When she later returned, the house was filled with smoke.

Mr Simpson said Rees had gathered a pile of his partner’s clothes inside the property and deliberately set them alight.

Police were called at around 1.20am. As officers attended the scene, they spotted Rees walking nearby and arrested him.

During interview, Rees told officers he had started the fire after an argument in which his partner refused to return his passport and wallet. He claimed he extinguished the flames himself after realising the seriousness of what he had done.

Rees, of St Peters Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to arson.

Defence barrister Jon Tarrant said his client was of previous good character and had no prior convictions.

“Although a fire was started, it was small in scale and the defendant stamped it out almost immediately,” he said.

Sentencing Rees, Paul Thomas KC was highly critical of his behaviour.

“He’s 20 years old but acting like a 14-year-old,” the judge remarked.

Addressing Rees directly, Judge Thomas added: “What you did was spiteful, foolish, and potentially very dangerous. You are fortunate that your former partner no longer supports this prosecution.”