Rare species being reintroduced to ancient Pembrokeshire woodland
A LICHEN success story is being celebrated in an ancient rainforest.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been working to restore lost lichens in Cwm Gwaun, an area known for its ancient Celtic rainforest.
The landscape is home to five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), each nationally significant for its lichen-rich woodlands.
Lichens thrive in well-lit, humid environments with exceptionally clean air.
However, in recent decades, the delicate ecosystems have declined due to changes in traditional woodland grazing practices and the impact of agriculture and industry on air quality.
One of the most striking lichens, Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), was recorded on only five trees in the valley in 2007.
Recent signs suggest that conditions are once again becoming favourable for its recovery.
A breakthrough moment came in 2017 when a conservation officer discovered a small fragment of Tree Lungwort on the ground following a storm at the Sychpant picnic site.
Using netting from a fruit bag, they secured the fragment to a nearby ash tree, where it has since thrived.
This unexpected success inspired a larger-scale effort to restore the species.
As part of the Cysylltu Natur 25x25 project, a lichen expert has now transplanted 46 small, windblown fragments onto 20 trees across three selected sites in Cwm Gwaun.
The locations were chosen following thorough surveys, which confirmed the presence of other old-growth forest lichens with similar habitat needs.
Each tree has been mapped and labelled, allowing volunteers to monitor the progress of the transplants in the months and years ahead.
The storm that once dislodged a fragment may ultimately help breathe new life into the area's lichen communities.
Mary Chadwick, conservation officer for the national park, said: "Tree lungwort is a stunning lichen that embodies the essence of Atlantic rainforests.
"It's exciting to contribute to its gradual recovery across Cwm Gwaun."
The project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.
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From Local to Landmark: Scientologists Dedicate the Historical Site of the First Dianetics Foundation
ELIZABETH, N.J., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The location where Dianetics author and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard established the first Foundation 75 years ago reopens to the world, restored and dedicated as a historical Landmark Site. Nestled in a quiet part of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an unassuming, three-story building—a structure that once unquestionably became the nexus of a global awakening. Just 15 miles from New York City, this rejuvenated Colonial-Revival setting at 42 Aberdeen Road now joins the distinguished ranks of L. Ron Hubbard (LRH) Landmark Sites around the world. During a spring afternoon celebration attended by Scientologists, community leaders and restoration specialists, guests weren't just honoring a historic moment. In fact, they were able to take the very first steps inside the exact rooms where Mr. Hubbard had personally taught the first Dianetics auditors, delivered the first Dianetics lectures and set in motion the first Dianetics Research Foundation. "To be here, at this historic site on L. Ron Hubbard's path of discovery, is an honor and in a class of its own," one guest said. Now completely restored to its 1950 appearance, 42 Aberdeen Road is more than a building, it is the precise cornerstone where the world first turned a page and a revolution of the human mind all began. With the May 9, 1950 publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, what unfolded within these walls was nothing short of explosive—as the book began its unprecedented run of 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Almost overnight, crowds from across America began arriving without invitation, eager to meet and learn in person from the author of what was rapidly becoming the most popular book ever written on the human mind. This site of universal influence now stands as it once did—complete with original furniture, vintage crystal doorknobs and refinished wood floors with mahogany Celtic pattern inlays. All have been restored to their glorious past, including the desk where Mr. Hubbard once wrote and the fireplace before which students gathered. The Remington typewriter and SoundScriber dictation recorders Mr. Hubbard worked with are also on display—even his prized Ford Deluxe "Woody" Wagon is parked outside. Officiating the ceremony was the Church of Scientology Preservationist who oversaw the meticulous restoration. "This site became the epicenter of a movement—one that grew from Dianetics, the first workable science of the mind, into the Scientology religion, with Churches and Missions spanning the globe," he said. "And for the first time, beginning today, you will be able to walk inside and stand right where it all began!" Fittingly, and just days before the 75th Anniversary of the publication of Dianetics, dignitaries honoring the site's Grand Opening spoke of the impact of L. Ron Hubbard, both locally and globally. The day's first guest speaker, Ms. Jennifer Costa, President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the opening as a milestone for the city. "Here in Elizabeth, we pride ourselves on a theme that we think says everything: 'It all starts here.' And that is so very true. Elizabeth is a city of many firsts—from the first capital of the state of New Jersey to the home of our first governor and even the first submarine. Well, today we stand here in front of this breathtaking site, another first that claims Elizabeth with pride as the very place where the first Dianetics Foundation was born. We can't wait to welcome all of you to this landmark that belongs to all of us—because this is where your history and our history meet—right here at 42 Aberdeen Road." Mr. Thomas B. Connolly, who served as historical architect on the project, emphasized the importance of preserving the site's original character. "Working with your team to restore this landmark was a dream. Your commitment to quality and authenticity was evident from day one and your goal was clear: to return the site to exactly how it was when Mr. Hubbard was here. As just a single example, when we peeled back the white aluminum siding that had been on the façade for decades, we uncovered a century-old surprise: the original cedar shingles, right where they had been since 1910." 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From Local to Landmark: Scientologists Dedicate the Historical Site of the First Dianetics Foundation
ELIZABETH, N.J., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The location where Dianetics author and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard established the first Foundation 75 years ago reopens to the world, restored and dedicated as a historical Landmark Site. Nestled in a quiet part of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an unassuming, three-story building—a structure that once unquestionably became the nexus of a global awakening. Just 15 miles from New York City, this rejuvenated Colonial-Revival setting at 42 Aberdeen Road now joins the distinguished ranks of L. Ron Hubbard (LRH) Landmark Sites around the world. During a spring afternoon celebration attended by Scientologists, community leaders and restoration specialists, guests weren't just honoring a historic moment. In fact, they were able to take the very first steps inside the exact rooms where Mr. Hubbard had personally taught the first Dianetics auditors, delivered the first Dianetics lectures and set in motion the first Dianetics Research Foundation. "To be here, at this historic site on L. Ron Hubbard's path of discovery, is an honor and in a class of its own," one guest said. Now completely restored to its 1950 appearance, 42 Aberdeen Road is more than a building, it is the precise cornerstone where the world first turned a page and a revolution of the human mind all began. With the May 9, 1950 publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, what unfolded within these walls was nothing short of explosive—as the book began its unprecedented run of 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. 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"This site became the epicenter of a movement—one that grew from Dianetics, the first workable science of the mind, into the Scientology religion, with Churches and Missions spanning the globe," he said. "And for the first time, beginning today, you will be able to walk inside and stand right where it all began!" Fittingly, and just days before the 75th Anniversary of the publication of Dianetics, dignitaries honoring the site's Grand Opening spoke of the impact of L. Ron Hubbard, both locally and globally. The day's first guest speaker, Ms. Jennifer Costa, President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the opening as a milestone for the city. "Here in Elizabeth, we pride ourselves on a theme that we think says everything: 'It all starts here.' And that is so very true. Elizabeth is a city of many firsts—from the first capital of the state of New Jersey to the home of our first governor and even the first submarine. Well, today we stand here in front of this breathtaking site, another first that claims Elizabeth with pride as the very place where the first Dianetics Foundation was born. We can't wait to welcome all of you to this landmark that belongs to all of us—because this is where your history and our history meet—right here at 42 Aberdeen Road." Mr. Thomas B. Connolly, who served as historical architect on the project, emphasized the importance of preserving the site's original character. "Working with your team to restore this landmark was a dream. Your commitment to quality and authenticity was evident from day one and your goal was clear: to return the site to exactly how it was when Mr. Hubbard was here. As just a single example, when we peeled back the white aluminum siding that had been on the façade for decades, we uncovered a century-old surprise: the original cedar shingles, right where they had been since 1910." Mr. Connolly added, "And that's only one of the countless details that brought this heritage site back to life, transforming it into what you see today: the gem of the block!" Dr. Apostle Lemmew Samuel, Founder of an Evangelical Assembly in New York City, has spent a lifetime in religious service—and spoke to the spiritual power of the Landmark Site. "Just like those first readers who drove here back in 1950 to learn from Mr. L. Ron Hubbard himself, I now find myself on the same doorstep, drawn by the same truth from the pages of Dianetics," Dr. Samuel said. "I'm just getting started with Dianetics. But I know I have in my hands a way to help the people I serve—couples in crisis, youth searching for direction, anyone trying to hold their life together. I can help them find their way out of the darkness of the mind and into the light!" Dr. Monica Sanchez, a United Nations Cultural Ambassador and Humanitarian, spoke not just of the legacy of this storied location, but of the enduring imprint L. Ron Hubbard left on Mankind. "Sometimes we think we know the way, until life gives you a detour—one without signs. But Mr. Hubbard's work says: Here's another road. Here's the best road. That's why I call L. Ron Hubbard a GPS for humanity," she said to the crowd. "If I had been here on Aberdeen Road back in 1950, I would have told him: 'Take me as your student!' I would have felt very privileged just to learn by his side. But, thanks to everything he left behind and your incredible work to preserve it, we can all be his students." Captain Steve Nagiewicz, Executive Director Emeritus of the world-famous Explorers Club—where Mr. Hubbard was an exalted member and carried three official expedition flags—praised LRH's work as nothing short of bold discovery. "Mr. Hubbard explored the oceans, he crossed continents, he set a course for distant stars. But his final frontier was the most uncharted territory of all: conducting a journey inside the human mind," he said. "Exploring the unknown, living on the edge, going where no one has gone before ... it requires a rock-solid state of mind, leaving no margin for error." Mr. Nagiewicz added, "It's my hope that this day and this site will always remind us to push farther, reach deeper, keep exploring. And as future explorers venture to the stars, no doubt L. Ron Hubbard will be with them in spirit!" Historic 42 Aberdeen Road has a sister in Bay Head, New Jersey, 50 miles away, where LRH wrote Dianetics. Mr. Hubbard worked in both locations during the same time period, in Bay Head for part of the year and Elizabeth for the other. The Bay Head property was previously opened as an L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site in 2011—Mr. Hubbard's centennial year. All told, there are seven such Landmark Sites now open on three continents around the world, including L. Ron Hubbard's heritage site at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona—known as the Birthplace of Scientology; the original Founding Church that Mr. Hubbard established in Washington, DC; the original Hubbard Communications Office on Fitzroy Street in London, England; his Linksfield Ridge estate overlooking Johannesburg, South Africa; and his headquarters at Saint Hill in East Grinstead, England. Each Landmark Site offers a literal and visual history of the work and advances Mr. Hubbard achieved during the time he was at that particular location. Each also features a room devoted to the wider story of Mr. Hubbard's life of global exploration and research—including his revolutionary work here in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In full, the sites mark Mr. Hubbard's progressive steps to the founding of Dianetics and Scientology. Two more Landmark Sites are set to open by this summer—one in the US and another in Southern Africa—carrying forward the legacy of places like 42 Aberdeen Road, a global tribute that echoes for generations to come. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Church of Scientology International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Learn about June's full moon, including how it got its name and when you can see it
The next full moon is nearly here, and it's the last full moon of spring. Here's what's to come this month. The next full moon, a strawberry moon, will be visible on June 11 at 3:44 a.m., according to Almanac. Ahead of the full moon, the first quarter moon will appear on June 2 at 11:41 p.m., followed by the last quarter moon on June 18 at 3:19 p.m. and the last quarter moon on June 25 at 6:31 a.m., according to Almanac. June's full moon is the strawberry moon, named after the small wild strawberries that ripen at this time of the year, according to Almanac. The strawberry moon is also known as the 'hot moon,' 'green corn moon' and 'berries ripen moon' to Native American tribes; the 'horse moon,' 'rose moon' and 'dyan moon' in Celtic culture; and the 'mead moon' to Anglo-Saxons, a nod to the moon occurring during a time of year meant for mowing the meads, or meadows, according to Around every 20 years, the strawberry moon coincides with the summer solstice, occurring on either June 20, 21 or 22. ICYMI: ChristianaCare to take on 5 Crozer Health outpatient locations with $50M bid Looking ahead, July's full moon is called the 'buck moon' and will be visible on July 10 at 4:36 p.m. It signifies the new antlers that emerge on a deer buck's forehead around this time of year after they shed their previous pair, Farmers Almanac reports. Embody your favorite Blue Hen at home: Want to play as a Blue Hen? Delaware added to EA Sports 'College Football 26' video game The buck moon is also known as the 'raspberry moon,' 'claiming moon,' 'salmon moon,' 'wyrt moon' and 'herb moon,' among other names, according to Native American and Celtic tradition, according to Some refer to July's full moon as the thunder moon, due to the frequent thunderstorms during the summer, or the hay moon, in honor of the hay harvest in July. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is the next full moon? Details on June 2025 full moon
