News

£15m boost for nature recovery across Wales

Published

2 months ago

March 17, 2026

Projects to protect wildlife, restore habitats and strengthen biodiversity

TWENTY-EIGHT projects across Wales have secured more than £15 million to protect wildlife and restore biodiversity on land and at sea.

The funding, totalling £15,186,716, has been awarded through the Nature Networks Fund, with individual grants ranging from £50,000 to £1 million. Projects include efforts to protect the brown long-eared bat, restore vital wetland habitats and safeguard threatened plant species.

The scheme is delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). It aims to strengthen the resilience of protected sites and accelerate nature recovery across the country.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for climate change, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to international targets such as 30by30, increasing the scale and pace of delivery to protect Wales’s natural heritage.

“By supporting these projects, we are not only preserving precious ecosystems but also empowering communities to become stewards of their local environments. The Nature Networks Fund is a crucial tool in our response to the nature emergency.”

The latest round of funding will focus on improving connectivity between protected sites, creating stronger ecological networks where habitats and species can thrive and adapt to environmental pressures.

Since launching in 2021, the Nature Networks Fund has supported 147 projects with a combined investment of more than £54 million.

Among the successful projects, the Bat Conservation Trust has been awarded £249,630 for a Wales-wide initiative to protect the brown long-eared bat, often known as the “whispering bat”. The project will support woodland management, tree roost surveys, improved data collection and community engagement activities.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has secured £823,320 to safeguard vulnerable plant species. The funding will expand the National Seed Bank of Wales, which currently conserves just 11% of Welsh flora, and support improvements at the 150-hectare Waun Las National Nature Reserve.

Meanwhile, wetland charity WWT will receive £548,406 to restore habitats at WWT Llanelli and along the Tir Morfa coastline. The project aims to improve conditions for wildlife, including internationally important wintering birds, while also supporting climate resilience in the wider Burry Inlet.

Andrew White, Director of Wales at the Heritage Fund, said: “To protect Wales’ habitats and wildlife, we need long-term, sustainable action built on genuine collaboration. These awards reflect both the scale of ambition behind the Nature Networks Fund and the vital role communities play in creating a more resilient future for nature.”

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resources Management and Policy at NRW, added: “We are delighted to see such a strong range of high-quality projects receiving support. From marine and coastal environments to rivers, wetlands and terrestrial habitats, the breadth of ambition across Wales is inspiring.

“These initiatives use innovative approaches to tackle some of our most pressing nature and climate challenges, helping to maintain, restore and enhance protected sites while building resilient ecological networks.”

The programme forms part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework “30 by 30” target, which aims to protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and marine environments by 2030.

Below is a full list of projects being funded.

£50,000 – £250,000 grants:

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Community Interest Company awarded £249,584, Pembrokeshire
Merthyr Mawr Estate awarded £249,929, Bridgend
Fieldwork Studio CIC awarded £248,414, Bridgend
Carmarthenshire County Council awarded £209,950, Burry Port
Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts awarded £249,898, Bangor
British Trust for Ornithology awarded £249,968, Bangor
Denbighshire County Council awarded £247,225, Mold
The Penllergare Trust awarded £194,600, Swansea
Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland awarded £249,988, Welshpool
Cyngor Gwynedd awarded £250,000, Caernarfon
Zoological Society of London awarded £249,991, Isle of Anglesey
Friends of the Upper Wye awarded £174,633, Hay on Wye
The Bat Conservation Trust awarded £249,630, Ceredigion
Tir Natur awarded £222,030, Ceredigion
Llanymynech Golf Club awarded £249,998, Oswestry

£250,000 – £1million

Milford Haven Port Authority awarded £959,180, Pembrokeshire
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty awarded £998,766, Bangor
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust awarded £548,406, Wales-wide
Black Mountains Land Use Partnership awarded £995,152, Black Mountains
The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust awarded £952,350, Powys
The Zoological Society of London awarded £997,771, Llŷn Peninsula
The National Botanic Gardens of Wales awarded £823,320, Carmarthenshire
Monmouthshire County Council awarded £999,974, Gwent
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales awarded £926,905, Wales-wide
Vale of Glamorgan Council awarded £574,850, South Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority awarded £999,758, Brecon Beacons
Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust awarded £921,700, Powys
Welsh Dee Trust awarded £942,746, Denbighshire

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

10 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.