Community

Trainees learn hedgelaying techniques

Published

10 years ago

March 31, 2016

THE NEXT generation of National Park Wardens and Rangers have been learning sustainable woodland management skills with the help of the educational charity Coppicewood College.

The five Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority trainees were instructed how to lay a hedge using traditional hand tools in Kilkiffeth Wood in the Gwaun Valley, as part of the Skills in Action project.

The trainees worked over three days to lay a hedge of immature blackthorn and hawthorn that was planted by the Park Authority around five years ago alongside a footpath.

Skills in Action Project Coordinator for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Tom Iggleden, said: “It is fantastic that these trainees have had the opportunity to learn these traditional techniques while at the same time helping conserve a protected site which is so rich in biodiversity.

“This work with the Coppicewood College follows on from a hedgelaying project with Keep Wales Tidy’s Long Forest Project that was completed alongside Skills in Action trainees from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority”.

Hedgelaying is a traditional method of maintaining a hedge to create a secure boundary – in the past it would have been used to keep livestock in or out, but it is also an excellent way of extending the life of a hedge.

By cutting plants at the bottom and creating a fence-like structure using living, laid branches, it encourages new growth and provides food sources and shelter for a range of insects, birds and mammals.

Skills in Action is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Skills for the Future grant programme and sees trainees given the opportunity to learn new skills through work-based experience with the National Park Authority’s Warden and Ranger teams.

Kilkiffeth Wood is part of the North Pembrokeshire Woodlands Special Area of Conservation and is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is home to dormice and also the rare string of sausages lichen.

Hedgelaying: The Skills in Action trainees worked using traditional and sustainable techniques to lay a hedge in Kilkiffeth Wood in the Gwaun Valley.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

19 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

19 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

2 days 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).