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South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Ynysdawela Nature Park declared local nature reserve
Ynysdawela Nature Park, in Upper Brynamman, has been made the seventh local nature reserve in Carmarthenshire. This decision was approved by the council's cabinet on June 16, 2025, based on the park's biodiversity and environmental significance. It now means that Ynysdawela Nature Park is recognised as a Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Ecological surveys and investment from the Welsh Government's Woodland Investment Grant have shown that the 16.5-hectare site is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes the protected species Hazel Dormouse and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. The two species are protected under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. There are also nine species of bats, 64 invertebrate species of conservation importance, and two invertebrate species never before recorded in Wales. Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "Ynysdawela is a valuable example of how we can protect and celebrate our natural heritage while providing meaningful spaces for people to connect with nature. "Declaring it as a Local Nature Reserve will strengthen our commitment to biodiversity, climate action and community wellbeing across Carmarthenshire." The nature park, which is part of the National Forest for Wales, is a mix of ancient semi-natural woodland, coal spoil regeneration, and former farmland. It is used by schools and the local community in the Amman Valley for educational, recreational, and conservation purposes. The declaration aligns with Carmarthenshire's Tree and Woodland Strategy (2025), which promotes responsible access while protecting ecosystems. The other local nature reserves in Carmarthenshire are Pembrey Burrows and Saltings, Ashpits Pond and Pwll Lagoon, North Dock Dunes, Carreg Cennen, Glan-yr-Afon, Kidwelly, and Morfa Berwig, Bynea. More information about Carmarthenshire's green spaces and gardens can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
South Wales Guardian
17-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Carmarthenshire beach among world's best in awards
Cefn Sidan, near Burry Port, was one of 49 beaches across Wales to receive the globally recognised Blue Flag Award. The award, given by Wales' leading environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, is a symbol of quality and plays a vital role in protecting the marine environment. Cefn Sidan, an eight-mile sandy beach within Pembrey Country Park, was the first Welsh beach to receive the Blue Flag Award when it was introduced in 1988. The beach has now won the accolade 38 times, more than any other Welsh beach. Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: "I am delighted that Cefn Sidan beach has retained its Blue Flag status. "This recognition not only reinforces our commitment to protecting Carmarthenshire's coastal environment but also ensures that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a world-class, picturesque, and unique beach experience. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking team at Pembrey County Park for working hard to preserve one of Carmarthenshire's greatest beaches." The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, recognising high standards of water quality, amenities, sustainable tourism development, information provision, environmental education, safety, access, and site management. Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, congratulated Carmarthenshire on continuing to ensure Cefn Sidan is one of Wales' best coastal locations. He said: "Congratulations once again to Cefn Sidan on retaining its Blue Flag Award status. "It's great to see that Wales' very first Blue Flag Award winner continues to be not only a beautiful place to visit, but one that visitors know is clean, safe, and well-managed with excellent facilities too."
Business News Wales
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Town Centre Projects Benefit from Extra Regeneration Funding
The Welsh Government is providing an additional £31.5 million to local authorities to deliver regeneration projects in town centres across Wales. The funding will be used by nine local authorities to help deliver projects such as Y Storfa in Swansea, the Queen's Market in Rhyl and the demolition of Newport Leisure Centre. This extra funding was confirmed by the Welsh Government at the end of the last financial year, bringing the total investment for 2024/25 to £70 million. Since its launch in 2020, the Transforming Towns programme has awarded more than £314 million in grant and loan funding to support regeneration across Wales. All 22 local authorities receive funding from the Transforming Towns programme. The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited a number of regeneration projects in Llanelli which have benefitted from Transforming Towns funding. She said: 'Projects like the YMCA or the library in Llanelli town centre are a fantastic example of how Transforming Town funding can be used to bring empty and underused buildings back into active use, revitalising public spaces. 'It's so important that we continue to create places that serve the needs of local communities while celebrating their unique heritage and character. That way, we can support communities' future while also championing their past.' Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism – Cllr Hazel Evans said: 'We welcome the additional funding being made available to our towns, through the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Programme. 'The funding that we have already received has enabled the county council to redevelop and deliver more retail sites, housing for local residents and improved facilities in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli town centres.' The Welsh Government has protected budgets for the Transforming Towns Programme, with £40 million available for 2025/26.
