Postcode Lottery Boosts Nature and Community Projects Across Pembrokeshire
A grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery has given a powerful lift to conservation efforts and community wellbeing schemes across Pembrokeshire, ensuring both wildlife and residents reap the benefits.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust channelled the funding into diverse projects, from restoring historic meadows to helping locals reconnect with the outdoors. The impact has been far-reaching.
At St Mary’s churchyard in Tenby, one of the county’s few remaining wildflower-rich grasslands, traditional meadow management was revived.
Similarly, at St Florence churchyard, late-summer mowing allowed plants such as yarrow and knapweed to bloom and seed naturally.
In Marloes, former farmland was transformed into a new meadow with native seed, linking to ponds and newly planted trees.
Meanwhile, in Nevern, conservation work restored a meadow boasting over 100 species, improving grazing land for ponies and fending off invasive plants.
Funding also empowered volunteers to protect threatened wildlife. In Roch, specially purchased rings are being used to monitor one of Pembrokeshire’s last yellowhammer populations. More than 50 birds have been recorded, highlighting the site’s ecological importance.
Elsewhere, in the Gwaun Valley, devil ’s-bit scabious plants were nurtured with peat-free compost, extending habitat for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. These efforts also boosted nectar sources for bees and other vital pollinators.
Nature recovery wasn’t the only focus. The Pathways programme brought together people from varied backgrounds for hands-on volunteering. Across the year, 83 sessions delivered 865 volunteer days over 30 sites.
The work ranged from hedge-laying to scrub clearance and even community archaeology.
Training in first aid, equality and mental health awareness helped ensure volunteering was safe, inclusive and rewarding.
The Get Outdoors initiative also thrived, offering walking groups for new parents and people with disabilities or additional learning needs.
From Stackpole Quay to Broad Haven, 42 walks welcomed over 290 participants, aided by pushchairs, beach wheelchairs and rollators.
One participant shared: “I felt normal for the first time in five years. I was able to walk with my grandson, something I never thought I’d do again.”
Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “Thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve been able to support projects that protect special habitats and species, while also breaking down barriers so more people can connect with nature.
This funding has made a real difference for both wildlife and communities across Pembrokeshire.”
