Education
Largest ever global air sampling maps fungal spread
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Yr-Athro-Gareth-Griffith-scaled-e1720623873623.jpg)
MUSHROOMS and other fungi spread their spores in a more localised way than once thought and more similar to how animals and plant species migrate, new research has found.
Published in the journal Nature, it is the largest ever global air sampling project and analyses how the climate affects the growth and spread of fungi.
The study used air samplers to collect airborne fungal spores at 47 locations on every continent apart from Antarctica over a two-year period.
Most fungi spread by releasing airborne spores and detection of these spores with air sampling can tell us when they are released and how far they travel.
Mapping of the global distribution of fungi can establish the ecological ranges of rare or threatened species to be observed. This allows us to detect changes in these patterns caused by climate change or habitat destruction.
It also means the spread of fungi which are potentially harmful to humans or crop plants can be monitored.
Fungi are essential to how ecosystems work but they are mostly invisible to the naked eye, so the factors determining their distribution and activity remain poorly understood.
It is estimated that there could be up to five million different species but most of these remain unknown.
For decades scientists debated which factors drive the distribution of fungi and other microbes.
It was originally believed that the long distance dispersal of fungi in the air meant they could reach all parts of the planet, but would only grow in suitable conditions.
This contrasts with animals and plants whose spread is more strictly limited by mountain ranges, seas and other geographical barriers.
However, the new research paper shows that the spread of fungi, like animals and plants, is determined by climatic factors, and that they too are distributed locally, not only in where they grow but in how their spores are spread.
Professor Gareth Griffith from the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “Sampling of airborne DNA in the way we have for this study is a huge step forward in the understanding of the how fungi grow and disperse in different parts of the world. Overall, our results suggest that the factors that affect where microbes live and grow are similar to those determining the distribution of plants and animals.
“The very diverse kingdom of fungi follows globally highly predictable patterns. These patterns resemble those described for other major groups of organisms. This research makes a major contribution to that long-standing debate.”
The study found that species of airborne fungus found in different regions was most strongly affected by the mean annual air temperature of the site, with diversity and numbers increasing from the poles towards the Equator.
The results also confirms that temperature influences fungal reproduction and that spore release peaks when the wind speeds are high.
Professor Gareth Griffith from Aberystwyth University added:“Our results highlight the role of temperature as an underlying driver of fungal dispersal, with fungal diversity increasing with warmer climates and more spores being released on warmer days. This finding suggests that global climate change, and generally warming climates, will have a major role in restructuring fungal communities.
“Although previous large-scale studies of soil fungi have found clear effects of the climate on community composition, the fact that air temperature explains most of the variation in the distributions of fungi in our data is striking.”
Speaking about the significance of the air sampling, Academy Research Fellow Nerea Abrego, from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, said:
“Air is a real treasure trove for nature research; it is full of DNA from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, mammals and other organisms. This knowledge is essential not only to understand where and when different fungal species thrive, but also to predict their fate under the ongoing global change.
“One particularly interesting subject for further research is a more detailed review of the sequences for fungi that are important to humans. These include fungal diseases of humans, crops and production animals, as well as fungi that indicate the progress of the loss of nature and the weakening of natural ecosystem processes.”
The Global Spore Sampling Project was funded through a number of bodies, including the UK Natural Environment Research Council.
Education
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ydt.jpg)
YSGOL Dyffryn Taf in Whitland went into partial lockdown on Wednesday (Sept 11) after two pupils received a threatening message on social media.
In response to the threat, the school implemented safety measures, locking all external doors during lesson times. Staff were positioned to supervise corridors, and pupils were instructed to remain in their classrooms. The lockdown was lifted later in the afternoon, and the school resumed normal operations today.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Concerns were raised following a threatening message made on social media against two pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf. The school took appropriate safeguarding action, which concluded swiftly. To provide reassurance, officers from the local neighbourhood policing team were present at the end of the school day. Police enquiries are ongoing.”
Parents and carers were promptly informed of the situation once the school became aware of the threats. In a statement posted on Facebook, Alun Owen, headteacher of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, explained: “I am writing to inform you that I had to take the decision to place the school into a state of partial lockdown this afternoon. This precautionary measure was in response to information we received earlier today.
“We locked all external doors during lessons. Teaching and learning continued as normal, but pupils remained in class at all times. Staff supervised corridors and the site perimeter.”
Mr Owen confirmed that the partial lockdown has since been lifted, stating: “The risk associated with this incident has now passed.”
Police continue their investigation into the origins of the social media threats.
Parents and pupils have been reassured that appropriate actions were taken to safeguard the school community.
Education
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro opens its doors to pupils for the first time
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ysgol-Bro-Penfro-1-e1726134965621.png)
FOLLOWING the successful completion and handover of the new-build school, Ysgol Bro Penfro opened its doors to pupils for the first time on Thursday 5th September. The school represents an exciting new chapter for Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshire and will serve as a Welsh medium primary school for the whole of the south west of Pembrokeshire.
The Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro building project has been funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and Pembrokeshire County Council, and provides full day-care for up to 36 children aged 0-11 years, a 30 place nursery, and capacity for up to 210 pupils (Reception to Year 6).
The school represents a landmark project, not only for its status as a Welsh medium school, but also due to it being the first school in Pembrokeshire to be delivered to meet stringent Net Zero Carbon requirements.
The school was built by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd with approximately 21% of all sub contracts being awarded to Pembrokeshire companies.
Cllr. Guy Woodham Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
“I am delighted to see Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro open its doors to pupils for the first time. This new school is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality Welsh medium education and creating sustainable, state-of-the-art learning environments.
“The investment in this project not only supports the educational needs of our children but also reinforces our dedication to environmental responsibility. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this school will have on our community and the future generations of Pembrokeshire.”
The school’s Executive Headteacher, Dafydd Hughes, said that he was delighted to be in a position to welcome pupils to the new school.
“It is pleasing that nearly 140 children have come through the doors of this fantastic new facility and I am certain that we can ensure that we develop a successful educational setting which will provide pupils with the opportunity to thrive and flourish in a fully Welsh medium setting. The focus will be on innovation and excellence in all aspects of the school’s daily work whether supporting pupils from an academic perspective or from a well-being perspective. I want them to be proud of their language, their community and their school.”
The Council’s two Welsh Language Champions, Cllr Delme Harries and Cllr Aled Thomas added: “We are delighted that Ysgol Bro Penfro has opened and that the Council has invested in a new Welsh medium school to serve the wider Pembroke area. This investment, and Cabinet’s decision to widen the school’s catchment area, will further enable the expansion, and access to Welsh medium education in the county.”
Education
Pandemic impact on Welsh reading standards still felt, says Estyn
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/school-lesson.jpg)
A NEW report by Estyn has highlighted the ongoing negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pupils’ Welsh reading skills, emphasising the importance of promoting reading across the curriculum. The report, published today, explores how Welsh and bilingual schools are developing these crucial skills, revealing significant variations in reading standards among pupils aged 10 to 14.
The report, titled Developing Pupils’ Welsh Reading Skills from 10-14 Years of Age, outlines how the pandemic has affected pupils’ confidence and ability to read and communicate in Welsh. The findings indicate that, despite efforts by schools, many pupils continue to struggle with Welsh reading, and wide disparities remain between primary, secondary, and all-age schools.
Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, said: “It is unsurprising that we are still seeing the negative impact of the pandemic on pupils’ Welsh reading skills. However, our new report highlights good practice from schools and offers practical toolkits to help teachers develop pupils’ Welsh reading skills.”
The report identifies Welsh lessons and language sessions, as well as humanities subjects, as key areas where the most effective opportunities to develop reading skills occur. While many primary schools, and a few secondary schools, have successfully promoted reading for pleasure, the overall experiences designed to foster reading outside the classroom have decreased significantly, particularly in secondary schools, since the pandemic.
One of the challenges highlighted in the report is the difficulty of co-ordinating the development of reading skills consistently across different subjects and teachers, especially in secondary schools. This contrasts with primary schools, where a more unified approach is typically easier to implement.
Estyn has called for schools to strengthen opportunities for pupils to develop a broad range of reading skills across the curriculum. The inspectorate recommends that local authorities and the Welsh Government support schools in this endeavour. The report also presents a number of practical recommendations for school leaders, including a suite of toolkits designed to help teaching staff promote and enhance pupils’ reading abilities.
Evans added: “There are clear opportunities to improve how clusters of schools can work together to develop pupils’ reading skills and create more purposeful opportunities to nurture Welsh reading across the curriculum. Improving reading standards is a national priority, and we hope this report will help schools plan strategically to boost pupils’ interest, resilience, and confidence when reading in Welsh.”
Estyn’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the long-lasting effects of the pandemic on education, with a focus on how Welsh reading skills can be improved through a more integrated approach across all subjects. The inspectorate hopes that the report’s findings will spur school leaders, teachers, and policymakers to continue efforts in raising the standard of Welsh reading for pupils across Wales.
-
Crime1 day ago
Dock police continue search following multiple assaults incident
-
News4 days ago
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme will include new section of A487
-
News2 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s new MP votes to cut the Winter Fuel Payment
-
News5 days ago
Plans submitted for homes for the elderly in Milford Haven
-
Crime6 hours ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Sport4 days ago
Manderwood Pembs Division One: Pennar Robins 0-2 Goodwick United
-
Crime2 days ago
Police appeal for witnesses following violent incident in Narberth
-
Community6 days ago
Council tax hike triggers surge in Pembrokeshire second homes for sale