News

Latest phase of Welsh seabirds count completed

Published

9 years ago

July 26, 2016

THE LATEST phase of the massive effort to count all seabirds along the Welsh coast has just been completed.

Over the last month, Natural Resources Wales’s (NRW) counts focused on the Anglesey coast and Llyn peninsula.

The seabirds count started last year.

It will be completed next year when the last pieces in the jigsaw are filled, with seabird counts in South Wales.

The information will feed into the latest census of Britain and Ireland’s breeding seabirds – a programme that started 45 years ago to identify long-term trends in seabird populations.

Having accurate evidence means that NRW can provide the best possible advice on the marine environment and issues that could affect it.

Matty Murphy, NRW’s Senior Maritime Ornithologist said: “Protecting wildlife is fundamental to our aims as an organisation.

“Gathering this information is really important to assess long-term trends in our seabirds and the biodiversity they rely on.

“Already this year we’ve recorded local changes including the disappearance of a colony of 500 kittiwakes on the east coast of Anglesey, and a doubling of guillemots from 2,500 to 5,000 on Middle Mouse, an island off north Anglesey.”

Since 2000, auk species have increased, with guillemot, razorbill and puffin increasing by 69 percent, 80 percent and 62 percent respectively.

However, some of Wales’ most iconic species of seabird have declined: shag by 24 percent, fulmar by 16 percent, lesser black-backed gull by 35 percent and kittiwake by 41 percent.

This census work is being done more efficiently these days, using NRW’s survey boat ‘Pedryn’, which allows monitoring staff to cover a lot of the coast in one day and react quickly to changes in the weather.

Over the years, the programme has also relied on the help of volunteers including staff from RSPB Cymru and local authorities.

The seabird data covering Britain and Ireland, collected by various organisations and groups, are collated by the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee and are available on their Seabird Monitoring Programme database.

The first census, Operation Seafarer, took place in 1969 to 1970, the second The Seabird Colony Register in 1985 to 1988, whilst Seabird 2000 was carried out between 1998 and 2000. The current Seabirds Count started last year and will be completed next year.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.