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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning after animal is killed by person's thoughtless act: 'It's distressing to see'
Officials are urging the public to take littering more seriously after a duck was found fatally entangled in a fishing line in the River Cleddau. This tragic incident was shared by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and comes following a recent call to action by the organization about the same issue, according to the Western Telegraph. The duck was so badly injured by the line wrapped around its leg that circulation had been cut off, and the wounds were down to the bone. It also had damage to its wings from struggling to free itself. Ultimately, the duck had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering. In 2024, 34% of RSPCA's litter-related calls involved fishing tackle litter. That doesn't mean that's the only type of litter causing these incidents, though: This is just one example of the more than 2,000 reports the organization received last year. "It's distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter," said Carrie Stones, the group's anti-litter campaign manager, according to the Western Telegraph. This isn't just about a few ducks in one river. According to the RSPCA, these avoidable incidents happen thousands of times each year. Animals from bears in the forest to sea turtles in the ocean have fallen victim to litter-related injuries. With rising global temperatures already putting wildlife under stress, our habits around waste and plastic are becoming even more urgent to address. Beyond animals, littering has impacts on our greater ecosystem. Plastic pollution releases harmful gases into our atmosphere, and increasing numbers of harmed species can reduce our environment's necessary biodiversity. In Wales, the RSPCA is joining forces with Keep Wales Tidy for the Spring Clean Cymru campaign, encouraging residents to take part in community litter-pick events through April 6. The campaign aims to reduce harm to wildlife and pets alike, particularly ahead of breeding season when animals are most vulnerable. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Beyond joining clean-up events, everyday actions matter, too. The RSPCA urges people to hold onto their trash until they can dispose of it properly or recycle it. Even better, cutting back on single-use plastics can prevent this kind of harm from happening in the first place. And to see the positive side of the story: from snack wrapper recycling efforts to biodegradable water bottles, companies across the country are finding smarter ways to reduce waste and protect our planet. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Pictures from this weekend's Fishguard Folk Festival
Fishguard Folk Festival returned for its 24th year last Friday, May 23, with its vibrant four-day celebration of folk music and culture going through until tomorrow, Monday May 26. Set in the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard, the festival aims to preserve, share, and develop the folk traditions of Wales and beyond. Fishguard's Royal Oak staged a weekend-long session. (Image: Western Telegraph) Alongside timeless traditional sounds, the festival highlights the exciting evolution of folk music — reflecting Wales' dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Rona Mac played a tear-jerking set in Ffwrn. (Image: Western Telegraph) With top-quality musicians, artists, and educators, the festival has offered performances, sessions, and workshops for all ages and abilities. Meinir Mathias is exhibiting her paintings in Trove. (Image: Western Telegraph) This year has included bilingual programming, family-friendly activities, and open spaces for learning and creativity — from Welsh singing workshops and storytelling, walks to open mic slots and Tiny Twmpaths for little ones. Heb Enw Morris entertained in Lower Town. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival is mainly free, with just three ticketed headline concerts and donations welcomed for other events. UK festival favourites Three Daft Monkeys delivered a cracking gig in Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Western Telegraph) Claire Quinn, festival development manager, said: 'What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture—whether you're enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Enjoying a twmpath in the Town Hall. (Image: Western Telegraph) 'It's a welcoming space to have fun, connect with others, and create lasting memories.' Tonight's concert by Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin is now sold out, but there's plenty going on this afternoon and evening, as well as in the daytime tomorrow, Monday May 26 – check out the programme at Julie Murphy ran a singing workshop in Trove. (Image: Western Telegraph) UK festival favourite, Three3Daft Monkeys, from Cornwall, headlined on Saturday at Theatr Gwaun. Alongside lots of free performances, there has been the Barti session trail - featuring live music sessions at 11 venues across town,; engaging talks, an art exhibition at Trove from Meinir Mathias and Quayside festivities in Lower Town featuring local food, music and environmental activities. Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative served up the goods on Lower Town Quay. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival committee thanked all sponsors, supporters and volunteers who make the festival possible, including main sponsor The Royal Oak (home to the festival's famous all-weekend session), Fishguard Folk Singers, Barti Rum and Stena Line. The cobbles of Lower Town echoed to the sounds of clog dancers from Cardiff. (Image: Western Telegraph) Support this year has also come from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, The Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council.
Western Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Farming Connect's Our Farms Network welcomes 12 new farms
Under the scheme, with support from sector-specific industry experts, farmers have been driving improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability since 2015. The new farms cover sectors including red meat, dairy, woodland, and horticulture. On-farm trials and projects focusing on innovation and new technologies will be carried out at these farms over the next year. The farms are located throughout Wales. Among the farmers recruited are Peter and Jacob Anthony who farm at Cwmrisca Farm, Ton-du, Bridgend. They would like to explore farming practices from a regenerative approach by investigating how to get started with applying regenerative principles to the management of the cattle and sheep on the farm. Another farm added to the Our Farms Network is Pengelli Isaf, Caernarfon run by Tudur Parry. Energy and electricity are a major cost to the business like any other dairy farming business. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on May 28 Mr Parry is hoping to explore cost-effective energy alternatives, by performing a feasibility study on renewable electricity production, calculating the return on investment and payback period to offset bank interest expenses. Caryl Hughes who farms at Tuhwntir Afon, Llanarmon, Dyffryn Ceiriog would like to focus on sheep health and performance. She's hoping to investigate the effects of different footbath solutions on sheep lameness and the impact of bolusing tup lambs on their weight gain and overall performance to reduce the number of lambs sold after four months post-weaning. Also recruited to the network is Pencedni Farm, Glandŵr, Pembrokeshire, a smallholding managed by Tom Clare and Jacqui Banks that integrates trees into its pasture-based system, reflecting a growing interest in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. They would like to further develop the ecological understanding and practical application of agroforestry principles on their farm. Laura Simpson from Parc y Dderwen, Llangolman, Pembrokeshire would like to investigate the establishment of perennial horticulture crops to seek out alternative routes for business diversification. She's hoping to monitor and report on ground cultivation, planting, establishment, weeding, and pest management throughout the season, including perennial bed overwintering for next year's healthy crop. Siwan Howatson, Head of Technical at Farming Connect, says, 'We are delighted to welcome these twelve new forward-thinking farms to the Our Farms network. The network provides a fantastic platform for practical, on-farm innovation, driven by the farmers themselves. "The diverse range of projects, from regenerative practices and renewable energy to animal health and diversification into horticulture and agroforestry, truly reflects the commitment within the Welsh agricultural sector to embrace new technologies and sustainable approaches for a resilient and profitable future.' The other new farms are: Aled Wyn Evans, Fferm Penllyn, Tywyn, Meirionnydd (red meat) Leonard Griffith Swain, Ty'n Yr Onnen, Waunfawr, Gwynedd (woodland) Rhodri Jones, Pen y Parc, Llanerfyl, Montgomeryshire (dairy) Jonathan Lewis, Carneddau, Builth Wells, Brecknock (red meat) Andrew Rees, Moor Farm, Rhosson, Pembrokeshire (dairy) Jonathan Evans, Berry Hill, Newport, Pembrokeshire (dairy) Michael James, Nant Yr Hebog, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire (dairy)
Western Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Fishguard Folk Festival brings four days of music to Pembs
Fishguard Folk Festival returns for its 24th year running from today, Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26 and bringing with it a vibrant celebration of folk music and culture. Set in the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard, the festival aims to preserve, share, and develop the folk traditions of Wales and beyond. (Image: Western Telegraph) Alongside timeless traditional sounds, the festival highlights the exciting evolution of folk music — reflecting Wales' dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. With top-quality musicians, artists, and educators, the festival offers performances, sessions, and workshops for all ages and abilities. This year includes bilingual programming, family-friendly activities, and open spaces for learning and creativity — from Welsh singing workshops and storytelling, walks to open mic slots and Tiny Twmpaths for little ones. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival is mainly free with just three ticketed headline concerts and donations welcomed for other events. Workshops are a mix of drop in or pre-booked. Claire Quinn, festival development manager, said: 'What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture—whether you're enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. (Image: Sarah Shaw) 'It's a welcoming space to have fun, connect with others, and create lasting memories.' Sunday's concert by Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin is now sold out, but tickets are still available for the two other headline concerts. Friday's gig at Bethel Chapel features BBC Radio 2 and RTE folk singer of the year Ríoghnach Connolly with John Ellis, who has worked with the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, Tom Jones, Mica Paris and John Squire of the Stone Roses. They will be supported on the night by a lively set from the London Irish SGH Trio. UK festival favourite 3 Daft Monkeys, from Cornwall, headline on Saturday at Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Western Telegraph) There are lots of free performances, the Barti session trail - featuring live music sessions at 11 venues across town (just take along your acoustic instrument to join in), engaging talks, an art exhibition at Trove from Meinir Matthias and Quayside festivities in Lower Town featuring local food, music and environmental activities. There will also be a visit by Celtic Sail and Trade's beautiful sailing ship. The festival committee thanked all sponsors supporters and volunteers who make the festival possible including main sponsor The Royal Oak (home to the festival's famous all weekend session), Fishguard Folk Singers, Barti rum and Stenaline. Support this year has also come from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, The Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council. (Image: Western Telegraph) For more information go to linked above, or find the festival on Facebook and Eventbrite (Friday night concert and workshops). Tickets for 3 Daft Monkeys are available from Theatr Gwaun and its website.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Battle of Goodwick Moor re-enacted by Y Cantref Breiniol
The Battle of Goodwick Moor, or Pwllgwdig, was recreated Goodwick Parrog on Saturday, May 17. A successful crowdfunding appeal allowed the re-enactment to take place, part of a day of celebrations on the parrog and beyond which included archery displays, talks on medieval living, an art exhibition, medieval food and music. (Image: Martin Cavaney) The fine weather brought crowds of visitors to the parrog with locals and visitors enjoying the event. One of the main attractions was re-enactment group Y Cantref Breiniol, joined by Gwerin Y Gwyr, who set up their tents on Goodwick Parrog to showcase a slice of medieval life as well as re-enacting the battle. The Battle of Goodwick Moor, or Pwllgwdig took place in 1078, just 12 years after the Battle of Hastings. (Image: Western Telegraph) The 11th century battle saw the army of King Rhys ab Owain, of the kingdom of Deheubarth, modern day Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, clash with that of King Trahaearn ap Caradog, King of Gwynedd North Wales. King Trahaearn's troops were successful, and though not as famous as the battle in Sussex, Goodwick's battle is significant in British history as it helped set up the Tudor family in Pembrokeshire. Almost four centuries later Henry VII was born in Pembroke Castle. (Image: Andrew Harries) 'I am pleased to say that the event went very well,' said event organiser Andrew Harries, of the Fishguard and Goodwick Future project 'As it was the first time this battle has had a re-enactment, the aim was to always start small and hope for it to grow in years to come. (Image: Western Telegraph) 'The turnout was brilliant, and the event had a great amount of support and praise. We welcomed hundreds of people throughout the day, as multiple demonstrations were on at different times. 'I'd like to thank Y Cantref Breiniol and Gwerin Y Gwyr once again for putting on an amazing show, whilst also educating the audience. (Image: Martin Cavaney) 'I'd also like to thank The Ocean Lab, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Cove Corner for being involved in making it such a great occasion for the area. 'It's such a good feeling seeing what was only up until recently a not very well-known battle - become such a popular and talked about event in the county. Here's to next year.' (Image: Western Telegraph)
