RESIDENTS across several south Pembrokeshire communities have reported encounters with a suspicious cold-calling van, prompting warnings for householders to remain vigilant.

Reports shared on local community groups describe a man arriving uninvited at homes in areas including Llanteg, Pembroke Dock, Penally, St Florence and Saundersfoot over recent days.

One resident in Llanteg said she saw the driver get out of the van and head towards the rear of her property before being challenged. She said he claimed he was looking for homes with large gardens to sell items from the van, before leaving quickly when questioned.

The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police. Other residents have since reported sightings of what is believed to be the same vehicle, including along Hopsill Lane in Saundersfoot.

Some householders alleged the driver offered discounted garden furniture or plants, sometimes claiming he was working locally for hotels or venues and needed to sell surplus stock before returning to England.

The vehicle is described as carrying branding for “Greengrove Garden Centre,” which appears to correspond to a company registered in Cranleigh, Surrey in 2024.

A website linked to the business advertises teak garden furniture and lists a mobile contact number, but contains limited information about any physical retail premises. The Herald has contacted the company for comment.

There is currently no suggestion that the registered company itself is involved in any criminal activity, and it is not known whether the vehicle seen locally is legitimately connected to the business.

At this stage there is also no confirmation that any criminal offences have taken place. However, police and trading standards authorities regularly advise residents to be cautious of unexpected doorstep sellers, particularly where individuals attempt to access private areas of a property or use persuasive sales tactics.

Residents are advised not to allow unknown callers into their homes or gardens, to verify businesses independently, and to report suspicious behaviour via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Quote police reference number DP-20260219-148.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or vehicle registration details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting the reference number.

Photo caption: Residents shared images of the van on social media after reports of cold-calling across south Pembrokeshire (Pic: Facebook).

Welsh youth icon to be celebrated with music release, Aberystwyth artwork and St David’s Day events

ONE of Wales’ most recognisable youth icons is marking a major milestone this year as Urdd Gobaith Cymru launches celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Mistar Urdd.

The red, white and green mascot — created in 1976 — has become synonymous with the Urdd and its mission to inspire children and young people through the medium of Welsh. To launch the anniversary year, the organisation has unveiled a series of projects including a newly recorded version of the anthem Hei Mistar Urdd!, a large public mural in Aberystwyth, and a community celebration linked to St David’s Day.

The new recording, released on Thursday (Feb 20), features singer-songwriter Aleighcia Scott alongside Dom James and Lloyd, with backing vocals by Mared Williams. The track has been newly arranged by Morgan Elwy and recorded at the iconic Sain studios in Llandwrog — the same studio where the original version was produced almost half a century ago.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the anniversary was a moment of pride for the organisation and for Wales.

“Mistar Urdd has remained close to the hearts of the people of Wales for 50 years, and that is something to be proud of,” she said. “The character has evolved into a symbol of hope and represents the friendship, fun and pride that we share with children and young people across the country.

“Over the decades, Mistar Urdd has travelled to space, helped the Urdd break a Guinness World Record, greeted presidents and prime ministers, and even lent his name to a brand-new train. He also plays a key role in opening doors to the Welsh language and showing that the Urdd belongs to everyone.”

Aleighcia Scott said she was honoured to be part of the new recording.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of the new version of Hei Mistar Urdd! — what an icon, what an anthem,” she said. “As a Welsh learner, I love the work the Urdd does to inspire children and young people across Wales, and it’s been a joy to celebrate that spirit through this song.”

Kev Tame, Chief Executive of Sain, said the collaboration continued a long-standing partnership between the label and the Urdd.

“The anthem was originally released on Sain in 1977, and we are very proud to release this new version almost 50 years later,” he said.

The anniversary programme also includes a major public mural in Aberystwyth, due to be unveiled on Wednesday (Feb 25). The artwork has been designed by internationally recognised Welsh artist Pete Fowler — known for his work with the Super Furry Animals — with support from Cardiff-based creative studio UNIFY.

Pete Fowler said: “Mistar Urdd brings a smile to everyone’s face, and it was a pleasure to reimagine him for this milestone. I wanted to create something colourful and joyful that feels contemporary while respecting the character’s history.”

The Aberystwyth celebrations will also include school visits by Aleighcia Scott and a live performance of the new anthem at the mural site, with Mistar Urdd making a special appearance. The event has received support from the Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Fund.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Mistar Urdd has been a part of so many childhoods in Wales and it is heartwarming to see him inspiring the next generation. This project shows how creativity, education and community can come together to celebrate who we are as a nation.”

Mistar Urdd was originally created by Wynne Melville Jones shortly after he became the Urdd’s publicity officer. By adding arms, legs and a face to the organisation’s triangular logo, he brought to life a character that would grow into a national symbol of Welsh youth and inclusivity.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wyn Mel said: “Fifty years later, Mistar Urdd is still a firm favourite among the country’s children and young people. I can say hand on heart that all the hard work has paid off.”

Further anniversary activities are expected to be announced throughout the year.

Hands-on coppicing sessions reconnect people with sustainable forestry heritage

PENGELLI WOODS in Pembrokeshire was filled with the sound of axes and saws last week as volunteers gathered to learn the traditional craft of coppicing during a hands-on woodland skills day organised by Cwm Arian.

Participants joined staff and students from Cwm Arian and Coppicewood College for a practical session exploring sustainable woodland management techniques that have been used in West Wales for thousands of years.

Coppicing — a method that involves cutting trees near ground level to stimulate new growth — was once central to how communities managed local woodlands. The cyclical process provided a reliable supply of timber for fuel, tools, fencing and craftwork while allowing forests to regenerate naturally.

During the session, volunteers watched experienced woodland workers fell trees using traditional tools including axes, billhooks and two-person saws, before taking part themselves in processing the timber. They learned how different sizes of wood can be used for a range of purposes, from small sticks for bread ovens and riverbank stabilisation to larger lengths suitable for furniture or construction.

Organisers said the day was not only about practical skills but also about reconnecting people with nature and heritage.

One volunteer said: “The session was a real reminder of how our ancestors cared for the land. It’s incredible to see how these low-tech methods were not only practical but also sustainable — lessons that feel increasingly relevant today.”

Between activities, participants took time to observe the woodland environment, listen to birdsong and reflect on seasonal changes, helping to build a deeper connection with the landscape.

The event forms part of the CoedUNO project, a Cwm Arian initiative that promotes sustainable land management, biodiversity and heritage skills across North Pembrokeshire. Further volunteering opportunities are planned in the coming weeks:

• February 25 (9:30am – 12:30pm), Felindre Farchog: Tree planting of fruit, nut and native species
• March 4 (1:30pm – 4:30pm), CoedUNO Tegryn: Agroforestry site session
• March 12 (10:00am – 4:00pm), Pengelli Woods: Processing a felled tree using billhook and saw

Organisers say the sessions demonstrate how low-tech, human-led forestry can be both productive and regenerative — offering valuable insights as communities respond to climate change and the transition to sustainable energy.

Cwm Arian is a Community Benefit Society based in West Wales, originally established through a community wind turbine project in Llanfyrnach. The organisation now supports homes, community buildings and local groups to develop renewable energy systems and reduce carbon emissions.

CoedUNO, based in Tegryn, is the first agroforestry demonstration site within the National Forest for Wales. Designed using permaculture principles, the site combines conservation, education and community engagement while supporting wildlife habitats across the Taf and Teifi catchments.

For more information or to book a session, contact Kevin, Volunteer Organiser at Cwm Arian: [email protected].

Photos supplied by Anna Mounteney.