Latest news with #PaddleOutProtest
Pembrokeshire Herald
22-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Plans for new 250-foot wind turbine to tower over road into Tenby
The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales' natural crown. But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters. As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history. 'It's reached the point where enough is enough,' said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer. 'Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that's being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau. And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.' At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death. 'If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what's happening in our rivers.' Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK's rivers as a dangerous 'chemical cocktail' of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows. But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality. Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales' flagship 'Paddle Out Protest' in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage's national protest on May 17. The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire. 'A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that's by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,' Ella told The Herald. Ella Staden 'But there's also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it's having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit. 'We're urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand it anymore.' The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join. A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm. Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs. A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows. 'The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,' continued Ella. 'I've been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I've become very passionate about. 'It's important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and more people who can join us on May 17 the better.' After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community. 'Surfers Against Sewage,which was founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,' concluded Lloyd. 'It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing. 'We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
11-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire climate emergency was ‘virtue-signalling'
The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales' natural crown. But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters. As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history. 'It's reached the point where enough is enough,' said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer. 'Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that's being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau. And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.' At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death. 'If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what's happening in our rivers.' Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK's rivers as a dangerous 'chemical cocktail' of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows. But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality. Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales' flagship 'Paddle Out Protest' in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage's national protest on May 17. The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire. 'A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that's by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,' Ella told The Herald. Ella Staden 'But there's also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it's having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit. 'We're urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand it anymore.' The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join. A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm. Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs. A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows. 'The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,' continued Ella. 'I've been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I've become very passionate about. 'It's important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and more people who can join us on May 17 the better.' After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community. 'Surfers Against Sewage,which was founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,' concluded Lloyd. 'It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing. 'We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
09-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
‘We can't afford to wait any longer': Senedd demands action on nature loss
The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales' natural crown. But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters. As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history. 'It's reached the point where enough is enough,' said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer. 'Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that's being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau. And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.' At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death. 'If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what's happening in our rivers.' Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK's rivers as a dangerous 'chemical cocktail' of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows. But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality. Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales' flagship 'Paddle Out Protest' in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage's national protest on May 17. The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire. 'A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that's by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,' Ella told The Herald. Ella Staden 'But there's also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it's having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit. 'We're urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand it anymore.' The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join. A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm. Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs. A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows. 'The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,' continued Ella. 'I've been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I've become very passionate about. 'It's important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and more people who can join us on May 17 the better.' After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community. 'Surfers Against Sewage,which was founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,' concluded Lloyd. 'It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing. 'We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Wales' flagship ‘Paddle out Protest' gains momentum at Broad Haven beach
The coast of Pembrokeshire is, according to many, one of the brightest jewels in Wales' natural crown. But as the tourists flock to the beaches and the surfers take to the waves, all too often overlooked is the sheer volume of pollution that continues to pour into its waters. As a result, people are falling ill and marine wildlife is facing one of its toughest challenges in history. 'It's reached the point where enough is enough,' said Lloyd Nelmes, who is aquarium manager and marine project officer at Sea Trust Wales, as well as being a keen surfer. 'Marine life is suffering massively because of the amount of sewage and slurry that's being discharged into the sea, but there have also been many, many recordings of effluent entering the River Cleddau. And as a result, the ammonia is having a devastating impact on absolutely everything.' At high enough concentration levels, ammonia is toxic to fish and other organisms, and can potentially cause death. 'If all the oxygen is taken from the air, it goes without saying that everything will die, but this is exactly what's happening in our rivers.' Meanwhile a damning parliamentary report recently labelled the UK's rivers as a dangerous 'chemical cocktail' of sewage, agricultural waste and plastic, with sewage pollution equating to everything that gets flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain and then released into the environment through sewer overflows. But despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution continues to plague rivers and the ocean with the result that the UK is now ranked last in Europe for its bathing water quality. Next week Broad Haven will be staging Wales' flagship 'Paddle Out Protest' in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage's national protest on May 17. The event is being coordinated by Lloyd as well as four other local SAS representatives, namely Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Kate J and Kate Evans who are urging everyone who values the the ocean, lakes and rivers of Pembrokeshire to join them to make a stand for Pembrokeshire. 'A lot of local people have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that's by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take their families to the beach to enjoy the coastline,' Ella told The Herald. Ella Staden 'But there's also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, the effect it's having on the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit. 'We're urging every single person who cares about the water to come and join us on May 17, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand it anymore.' The event begins at midday with a drop-in placard making workshop and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, which is suitable for all ages and is free to join. A Beach Clean will take place at 1.30 pm followed by the main event – the Paddle Out Protest – which begins at 2.30 pm. Sian Richardson, the founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer who will both underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs. A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle or walk out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows. 'The event is most definitely not just for surfers or cold water bathers but absolutely everyone who cares for the seas and the river that we have here in Pembrokeshire,' continued Ella. 'I've been bathing in the waters of Pembrokeshire ever since I was a child with the result that the coastline is something I've become very passionate about. 'It's important that the community comes together to show its support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and more people who can join us on May 17 the better.' After the Paddle Out protest, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4 pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5 pm and a DJ from 6 pm, as well as a barbecue, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community. 'Surfers Against Sewage,which was founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage,' concluded Lloyd. 'It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants and puts pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they are causing. 'We urge as many people as possible to join us at Broad Haven on May 17 to continue our fight for the future of the seas and the waters around Pembrokeshire.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
01-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Police appeal to find Daniel, 32, from Pembroke Dock
A MAJOR environmental protest is set to take place in Broad Haven (north) on Friday, May 17, as part of a national campaign against sewage pollution in UK waters. The event, known as the Paddle Out Protest, is being organised by local representatives of the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and will serve as the flagship demonstration for Wales this year. Campaigners are calling on all ocean, river, and lake users to take part in the peaceful protest, which aims to highlight the growing problem of sewage discharges at popular bathing spots across Pembrokeshire. Local organisers Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, Kate J, and Kate Evans have planned a full day of activities centred around Broad Haven beach. The day will begin at 12:00pm with placard-making and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (now rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront. A community beach clean will follow at 1:30pm. At 2:30pm, participants will take part in the main event — a mass paddle out into the ocean — led by a member of the national Surfers Against Sewage team. Before the paddle out, speeches will be given by Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer. The day will conclude with an after-party at Rwts starting at 4:00pm. Those who joined the protest will be offered discounts, with live music from 5:00pm, a DJ set from 6:00pm, and food and drink including BBQ, pizza, and local refreshments available throughout the evening. Ella Staden, SAS regional representative, said: 'It's important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe. 'A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills — whether that's falling ill, being unable to enjoy water activities, or simply not being able to take our families to the beach. 'We urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand for it anymore.' More details can be found on Facebook by searching for 'Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven'.
