News
Skomer gets national seal of approval
IT’S OFFICIAL, The Wildlife Trusts’ Skomer Island is the UK’s favourite nature reserve!
This wildlife haven located less than a mile off the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast was the only Welsh nature reserve nominated in this highly competitive category by LandLove Magazine Awards UK.
Dr Lizzie Wilberforce, Conservation Manager for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said: “Skomer is internationally important for its seabird populations, and without a doubt it is the best place to see seabirds in southern Britain.
It is a real privilege to care for a nature reserve which is so very important, but where we are also able to welcome so many visitors, and to know that the island’s wildlife makes such a profound impression on so many people.”
These are the second LandLove Magazine Awards; they aim to celebrate the very best things about the British countryside. Last year the awards received over 25,000 votes.
Skomer Island is home to an abundance of wildlife including 21,000 Puffins, 23,000 Guillemots, 7,000 Razorbills, Harbour Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and has the world’s largest population of Manx Shearwaters.
The island is covered in a carpet of Bluebells during the spring, a spectacular site not to be missed. A shade of pink is added to the island’s colour during the summer as swathes of Campion cloak the landscape.
Gina Gavigan, Marketing and Development Manager for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said: “We are absolutely delighted that Skomer has been recognised as the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve. It’s an amazing place to visit and stay for a unique wildlife adventure. The island attracts a variety of visitors including wildlife enthusiast, photographers, and walkers.
“Proceeds raised by visitors and overnight guests support our vital research and conservation work. We’d like to thank everyone that took the time to vote and we hope to see you on the island
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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