News

Newborn dolphins feed in the bay

Published

8 years ago

September 2, 2016

NEW QUAY Sea Watch Foundation witnessed a rare sighting of a bottlenose dolphin calf feeding from its mother last Thursday (Aug 4) offering an exciting opportunity for the UK-wide research charity to widen their knowledge of Cardigan Bay’s dolphin inhabitants.

Volunteers begin their shift at 7am and work through to 9pm when the light and weather conditions allow. Sonia, of the research charity, began her shift on Thursday (Aug 4) and was welcomed by a collection of six dolphins, including a tiny newborn calf.

Although it is not uncommon for the bay’s bottlenose dolphins to appear very close to the harbour wall in New Quay, this occasion was extraordinary as six appeared seemingly out of nowhere and to Sonia’s astonishment, one was a tiny newborn dolphin calf.

On occasion, bottlenose dolphins do use the sheltered waters of Cardigan Bay to have their young. However, Sonia was overjoyed to witness the rare site of the youngster feeding from its mother.

Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises (collectively termed cetaceans), are mammals and produce milk which they feed to their young.

Sonia, Research Assistant for the charity this summer, described the event, stating: “I didn’t know where to look! There was so much happening all at the same time and I could not believe that I had the opportunity to witness a newborn calf being fed.”

Aside from the opportunity to see this special behaviour, there were also four other dolphins in the mix, including ‘Berry’ and her calf, ’Pip’.

Scientists are able to identify individual dolphins by photographing their dorsal fins. Over time, the fins build up nicks and notches which are unique to each animal, similar to a finger print in humans.

Once an animal is photographed and identified, its life history can be determined; which habitats does it prefer, which months is it seen, where does it travel to, how old is it, does it have any young?

Pip was named last year by the public who took part in a naming competition both online and from the pier in New Quay. With three youngsters having been seen in the past couple of weeks, the foundation will be again offering the opportunity to name one of these youngsters.

Using the photo-identification technique, the charity is able to offer an ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ scheme which offers adoptees the chance to follow the fortunes of real wild bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay.

The charity is reliant on the scheme for funding, which directly contributes to the well-being of Cardigan Bay dolphins.

Two new calves had been previously spotted in the bay, the first of which was witnessed during a Sea Watch all day survey on July 30, during which its mother was identified as ‘Trouble’ who has been followed by the team of researchers since 1989.

The other calf was photographed by the staff on board Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips on August 3 and the researchers will be working with the boat company to identify the individual’s mother in order to calculate just how many baby dolphins there are in the bay.

Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

**Stopped twice for allegedly using blue lights: Ajay Owen (Image: Facebook)**

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.

News

Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.

Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.

Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.

Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.

She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.