News

Storms ‘devastating’ for seal pups as two thirds die

Published

7 years ago

October 25, 2017

STORMS Ophelia and Brian have wreaked havoc on Skomer and Skokholm islands with the impact being devastating for the wildlife, buildings and equipment.

Over two thirds of the seal pups on Skomer perished in the storms and buildings on both islands were left unrecognisable.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales need your help now to raise at least £25,000 to reverse the impacts of these unforgiving storms. They need your help to monitor the impact on wildlife as well as to repair the damage and storm-proof the islands for the future.

Skomer and Skokholm Islands are internationally significant wildlife and heritage sites, home to many important species including over half of the world’s population of Manx Shearwater and the Puffin.

Skomer Island is an important breeding site for the Atlantic Grey Seal. The island staff monitors the seal population throughout the year. Natural events like this can have a profound impact and the monitoring is important in understanding the effects on the population.

Lizzie Wilberforce, Conservation Manager for Skomer and Skokholm, said: “These storms were the strongest since 1987 and unfortunately, violent storms like these are becoming more common as our islands are exposed and vulnerable to severe weather. It is vital that we start to put protocols in place to better deal with the potential impacts, on both the islands’ wildlife and infrastructure. Your donation would mean we can be better prepared for similar weather in the future.“

You can donate to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales by texting SEAL23 and your donation amount to 70070, or by calling them on 01656 724100.

They need your help to raise the £25,000 needed to:

Develop a protocol for dealing with seabird wrecks
Monitor the impacts on seals and seabirds
Repair the immediate storm damage
Storm-proof the Islands for the future

Any additional funds raised exceeding £25,000 will help replace essential equipment for the islands.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.