Artist and PNTA member, Graham Brace, on a recent visit to Stackpole came up with the idea of selling signed and numbered, limited edition mounted prints of paintings he has done over the years, in National Trust areas in Pembrokeshire. These prints are offered exclusively to PNTA members at a greatly reduced price of £50 each – (normally retailing at £90).
A donation of £15 will be made to the PNTA from each print sold. The subjects shown here are…
Heron Sentry at Bosherston
Marloes and Gateholm
Skomer from the Deer Park, Marloes Peninsula
The view to Wooltack Point, Marloes Peninsula
Full details are on the Order Form. If you would like to purchase a print please download the order form, complete it and return to Graham or complete it on your computer and return to grahambrace@btinternet.com
PNTA members at the AGM and Pre Christmas Lunch. Photograph Andrew Weaver
Minutes and Treasurer’s report were approved.
Jane Mason, Andrew Weaver, Annie Weaver, Marilyn James and Steven Flather have been on the committee for more than five years. They were duly re-elected after ten signatures were obtained from PNTA members.
Lyn Humphries, Graham and Sandra Wright were also re-elected. Positions remain as previously.
Jonathan Hughes, Assistant Director for Wales, gave a talk following lunch about his new role as lead for Restoring Nature for the National Trust across Wales. He explained the National Trust is establishing three main themes of work and this is one. The others being visitor growth, and access including a new focus on The Valleys. His aim is to work on large scale projects such as restoring peat bogs, expanding and creating new deciduous forests, and restoring biodiversity in Wales. In the face of a nature emergency and climate change we need to work fast to really make a difference to nature recovery in the next ten years. This work will include partnering and working with many other large organisations and grant funders to make these large projects happen.
Chairman’s report
Welcome to everyone including Jonathan Hughes, Assistant Director of Operations South Wales and thank you all for braving the snow…
In 2025 I have once again been delighted by the work and enthusiasm of the committee and the friendliness and support of the PNTA membership. This must be the year of the willow sculptures which the PNTA donated to Stackpole. Who would have known that this Victorian couple and the spaniel could have caused such a social media stir.
The year has seen a huge variety of walks and talks. The winter 2024/2025 talks were organised by myself and kindly aided in admin and sound by committee members Sandra and Graham Wright and Alan Mason off committee. From Cesar Picton to historical figure of Tenby, National Trust woodlands and maritime archaeology around the Pembrokeshire coast we always learn something new. An interesting 2025/26 programme is now being entirely organised and run by Graham and Sandra Wright who I am very grateful to for taking this over from me. They are looking ahead to 2026/27, so ideas and comments always welcome.
I always look forward to our lovely summer walks programme, well organised by Steve Drinkwater. These included the Port of Haverfordwest, Regeneration work at the newly acquired NT farm Cilau Ganol in North Pembrokeshire and a stroll through stunning Colby woodland garden. All in glorious sunshine.
The Summer day visits proved popular with a visit to the Gwili railway and a coach trip to llanelly house. Thank you to Graham Brace for making these happen.
A highly successful annual tour, this year in May to North Wales, saw 51 people enjoying the delights of Penrhyn and Caernarfon castles, Conway, Bodnant and the osprey centre. Thanks to all who joined the tour, helping to raise funds for PNTA and to Annie and Andrew Weaver for their amazing organisation and friendly welcome. Next year the tour hits south Devon on the 10-14 May, there are some spaces left so do talk to us if interested.
We also had two lovely get togethers at Hilton and the walled gardens kindly organised by Lyn Humphreys.
During the year members received two excellent and informative newsletters, stoically collated and produced by Marilyn and a monthly newsy mailchimp diligently put together by Andrew
How lucky we are to get all this for just £5 a year or £8 couple – and the price has not gone up!
Subscriptions are due by January for 2026 and everyone needs to fill in a new style membership form. This is downloadable from the website or available here or at meetings. All newsletters will now be sent electronically unless you specifically ask for a printed copy at the additional cost of £2 to be paid to our Treasurer.
Sadly, we had two resignations from the committee a couple of months ago – Sheila Ashton after more than 10 excellent years as Membership Secretary. This year she kindly worked with me on trying to get our database reconciled. Graham Brace has organised two summers of great day trips. So, our thanks go to them both. Without people helping in this way the PNTA would not exist.
I am holding the fort as Membership Secretary, so a big plea for you all to make sure you get your forms and payments sorted. I know many pay by standing order but please fill in the new form. We have fortunately been lucky to recruit Angela Probert Jones to the role as Membership Secretary from February 2026 onwards. That leaves a vacant committee position to organise summer day trips. Please talk to me if you think you can be of help for one or more trips, on or off committee
I have recently met with Rhian Sula, General Manager NT Pembrokeshire, who explained the change process that is going at the Pembrokeshire National Trust regarding area organisation and staffing. We will know more by February who our main contacts there will be. She again expressed her gratitude to all in the PNTA for your help and donations. We will be working together to look at ways to recruit new members and support the Stackpole Estate as they celebrate their 50 years under the NT in 2026.
Our membership is currently 261. Please ideas and suggestions to attract new members are always welcome…. We have had a suggestion of a gift membership but are considering how to administer this. Don’t forget we have this year produced a leaflet about ourselves and if you need any of these or a poster to promote the PNTA to friends or your community do ask for copies.
Our PNTA funds remain healthy and thanks to our Treasurer Steven for all his work behind the scenes keeping the accounts and the money in order. The accounts were circulated and approved.
In a recent report to our committee, our Treasurer Steven explained that at the End October the Association shows a net worth £12,087,97
I can announce today that the PNTA committee has just agreed this week to donate £3460 to the Pembrokeshire National Trust: Stackpole rose arch renovations and new and path edging, oak tree planting – Sessile oaks for planting at Southwood and Abermawr, a new bookcase for the Colby gardens second-hand bookshop, two voice recorders to collect oral history memoirs, willow baskets and pottery for Colby and water sampling at Broad Haven South to be able to provide drinking water supplies.
The committee will be also considering sponsoring a project or event linked to the 50th anniversary celebrations at Stackpole next year. if there are no objections to this today, we consider these as accepted by PNTA members.
Thanks to Annie Weaver for her diligent role as Secretary and organising today’s event and of course to all the committee and PNTA members for their support in 2025.
Ant Rogers, Biodiversity Implementation Officer for Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership
Ant Rogers has worked in environmental protection and nature recovery in various roles since 1996. For the last 13 years he has been the Biodiversity Implementation Officer for the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership – promoting collaboration to deliver nature recovery actions across the County and beyond. Ant’s briefing covered the state and role of nature in the global, national and local context; why that mattes to our society; and what we can do to promote nature recovery. Ant’s role helps bring together and co-ordinates different organisations. This includes the National Trust with whom he has conducted lichen surveys.
Ant explained why nature matters and why healthy functioning ecosystems sustain life on earth and provide services that underpin society. It should be accepted that our economies are embedded within nature, not external to it. The ‘World Economic Forum Global Risks Report’ shows five categories: economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological. In terms of Global Risks regarding their likelihood and impact, many are environmental. For instance, climate action failure, extreme weather and biodiversity loss.
From the data a further two lists, short term (2 years) and longer (10 years), are compiled which indicate the top ten impacts of risks. Biodiversity is not seen as a pressing concern in the short term, but is in the longer term. Estimates are that over half of the world’s economic output rely on nature. Collapse of natural ecosystems may have severe consequences. The result could be seen as reduction of crop yields and pollination. Also, the supply and quality of water could be affected!
Some key facts were given from the ‘2023 State of Nature Report (Wales)’: Since 1994 Welsh wildlife has decreased on average by 20%. Moths indicate strongest decline and one in six Welsh species are threatened with extinction. Plant species are found in fewer places than before. The reasons for decline are due to the way land is managed for industry, agriculture and for the changes in freshwater. Climate change and invasive species also have an impact.
A ‘Nature recovery action plan’ exists in Pembrokeshire, the purpose of which is to educate and raise public awareness through events and newsletters. It also works with public bodies, the private sector, special interest groups, communities and landowners. The following two examples were given: Example 1. Households in Spittal were given a packet of native wildflower seeds to plant and encourage feeding of invertebrates and birds. Example 2. Partnership of local council, fire service, health authority working together to install nesting boxes on side of a hospital owned building.
Safeguarding species and management of habitats is a priority. Where space is available, wildflower beds are created to encourage pollinating and wildlife.
Ant stressed that we should all be involved and signposted us to some initiatives such as B- Lines and Bee Friendly. B-Lines is a series of ‘insect pathways’ running through our countryside and towns, along which we are restoring and creating a series of wildflower-rich areas.
‘Bee friendly’ aims to provide pollinators with food sources, places to live and the avoidance of harmful pesticides and herbicides.
For more information please use the following textual links. Report by Graham Wright
Over 20 of us met for coffee in the Mencap cafe. We’d hoped for sunshine and sitting outside but the weather was a little chilly. However, there was room inside for all of us.
A good number of us set off walking, past the crocodile and into the Sensory garden. We looked at the very old seed drill and walked through to the other vineyard. Fiona told us a bit about the vines. In the meadow by the rose arch, Annie and Andrew gave us some information re the trees and Magnolias. From there we meandered through to the Willow sculptures and on to the Court. After looking at the remaining buildings, some of us walked to the 8 arch bridge and others back along the road, to meet up again for a very pleasant lunch!
The Willow Figures at Stackpole. Photograph Andrew Weaver
After the usual introductions, Colby Head Gardener, Steve Whitehead, led us on a fascinating tour of the woodland garden.
Photograph Jane Mason
Starting in the Walled Garden, he described the restoration of the gazebo which had entailed the complete replacement of the roof after various swarms of honeybees had been humanely removed. More needs to be done to restore the paintings inside, but this will be dependent on future fundraising efforts.
A huge Magnolia was commented on, which Steve explained had exhibited an erratic flowering pattern over several years, a few flowers being visible now.
The walled garden has a mild, sheltered microclimate which enables some species to thrive which could not be grown in other parts of the gardens. The corollary of that had been exhibited some years ago by a number of mulberry trees, which had been planted, dying off. Even replacement mulberries had perished. The location has proved unsuitable for the mulberry.
Photograph Jane Mason
Moving into the meadow, Steve talked in detail about the oak trees in the valley, most of which are sessile oak and thus provide habitats for many hundreds of other species. Storm Darragh had wreaked havoc across the site, demolishing and uprooting many fine trees and blocking the access road. Fortunately, very few oaks had suffered but many other trees had been destroyed. The many oak trees present massively influence the ecosystem in the valley and thus are key to the success of the NT’s management of the site. Colby, like many other woodland sites, is fighting a whole series of tree diseases (e.g. oak, larch) which have infiltrated due to climate change. However, there are ways to adapt, such as bringing in resistant species from New Zealand. Larch are progressively being cleared from the E side of the valley, allowing the small colony of native wild service trees to survive and thrive.
Colby provides a refuge for many species of plants and animals which are becoming extinct elsewhere. This includes a number of tree species and 14 species of bats, including a barbastelle roost which was found in a survey conducted by the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
Bamboo is a potentially invasive species down by the stream and Steve explained that large amounts of soil had had to be excavated and removed in order to eradicate bamboo and attempt to confine it to a small area. Even so, some of it is recolonising along the stream bank.
He talked about the history of coal mining in the valley and pointed out the remains of the winding gear which were displayed alongside one of the (now capped) mineshaft.
Scots Pine was visible nearby and Steve told us how they lose their lower branches as they grow ever upwards towards the light.
Wildflower meadow management was another topic which Steve discussed in some detail – they operate a rotation of the mowing regime to allow wildflower seeds to settle, also yellow rattle is used extensively to try to out-compete the more vigorous grasses, which would otherwise throttle the wildflower species in time.
Steve explained how dependent he is on volunteers, as the very small number of paid staff simply could not manage the workload without the volunteers’ help. He also expressed his gratitude to the PNTA for a number of funding grants to Colby over many years.
In conclusion, the Chairman, Jane Mason, conveyed our thanks to Steve Whitehead for a very detailed and illuminating interpretive walk and there was a spontaneous round of applause from the group before people headed off to the tea room for refreshments.
The day dawned very fair but instead of languishing in a seat towards the back of the coach, it found us sitting in a very familiar place in the front near the microphone. Graham Brace had planned the day, but was sadly unable to follow it through and had asked us to carry the baton a little further for him.
It was lovely to see lots of friendly faces come aboard.
The staff at Llanelly House were there to welcome us and we were led into a rather echoey oak panelled room for our elevenses and the first part of our tour. One wall held a lot of hand painted china from the 1700s that had been commissioned by the Stepneys who lived in the house at that time. Over the year it had been split into 3 lots two of which have vanished into the ether. This particular portion had been tracked down to the USA and purchased with various grants. It’s now worth about £750,000 and comprises around 130 pieces.
Llanelly House form the grounds of St Elli Church, photograph AndrewWeaver
When the house was built 300 years ago it was situated, as it is now, a stone’s throw from St Elli’s church, but in the middle of a green and pleasant land, that was yet to be scarred by the Industrial Revolution. In fact the Stepneys, the original owners and rather far seeing entrepreneurs were instrumental in changing the character of the area completely. Today many streets are named after the family, in the town.
Somewhere in the middle of the time the house was inhabited, the Chambers held sway. They were significant benefactors to the town creating schools and improving the welfare of the townsfolk. However, they have left no trace and no street name bears witness to their patronage.
Our host was a very hearty chap with a loud voice which bounced at will between the oak panelling. He regaled us with the history of the house and the people who had lived there. In several rooms technology suddenly brought paintings to life and also the characters we heard about downstairs The house was charming although the tilting floors and wobbly windows took a bit of adjustment. We were reassured that it was now structurally sound since the restoration about 15 years ago
After a jolly preordered lunch we headed off for Kidwelly Castle. Some of us approached via a footpath through the moat which was novel. It’s not often one gets the chance to see what would be attackers were up against.
The imposing view of Kidwelly castle from below, photograph Andrew Weaver.
One of the high spots for me was the medical historian who had pitched his stall inside the outer ward for just two days. He had an array of authentic medical tools through the ages and several skulls very adequately demonstrating the effects of arrow injuries and other He explained how Prince Hal had survived an arrow injury with the aid of a canny surgeon and an elder twig bound in linen and soaked in honey. Really good stuff and good to know if you find yourself far from an A and E.
In conversation with the Time Travelling Medicine Man, photograph Andrew Weaver.
We all enjoyed a fine cup of tea, brewed to perfection with the aid of a multicoloured egg timer in the pub close by and then we came home.
All in all, it was a good day despite the fact that we did miss Graham.
The group met at Cilau Ganol farm, where Jane Mason, PNTA Chair, gave a brief introduction to the current activities of the PNTA, before introducing James Roden who led the interpretive walk.
Ten of the group were local residents from Llanwnda, the adjacent hamlet, who were keen to find out the NT’s plans for the farm. They had enthusiastically joined PNTA, prior to the walk.
James explained that the NT had bought the farm holding in 2024, as it had come on the market and provided an opportunity to join up existing NT ownerships on both side of Cilau Ganol, thus enabling a more holistic management regime for the three contiguous parcels of land. Prior to the sale the previous farmer had conducted an organic dairy business.
The three Cilau farms had historically been farmed by local families, probably going back as far as mediaeval times. The original Cilau Ganol farmhouse had been sold off separately many years ago and is in private ownership. Since the NT took over the Cilau Ganol site, the various slurry tanks have been removed and the worst of the farm sheds, demolished. The modern bungalow is being extensively refurbished for rental. A wall will be built at the lower edge of the farmyard and the remaining sheds may be made available for rental by other farmers.
James stressed that the main aspiration for the future of the farm would be to move gradually to a more nature-friendly land management regime, reducing the nutrient levels in the soil and moving to farm in a less intensive manner. In due course, a farm tenant would probably be sought, to operate the farm in accordance with NT conservation policies.
Photograph Jane Mason
Walking on through the fields, down towards the coast path, James explained how the high “nutrient load” existing within the fields’ soils would be gradually reduced by taking off successive crops of hay and allowing the dormant native plants to flourish and re-establish. This would be a slow process, (over several years), because, although the dairy regime had been organic, slurry had been regularly spread, and some nutrient build-up within the regolith had inevitably occurred. Artificial fertilisers had probably not been used by the previous farmer, but the use of slurry would have taken effect on the nitrogen levels in the soils. Grazing by ponies was one remedial option, as they can help to encourage desirable native plants to re-emerge. The joining up of the adjacent landholdings would facilitate grazing over a wider area, possibly removing some existing fences and using “virtual fences” as currently being executed at NT Southwood, near Newgale.
Photograph Jane Mason
James pointed out the moorland on the adjacent NT land to the SE, indicating the need for the ecological management of that habitat to be kept free of unwanted nutrients, another reason for the Cilau Ganol purchase.
The group walked on downslope to join the Coast Path, where we admired the views towards Dinas Island and along the coast, some of the early mist having dissipated by this time. James explained that the route we had followed so far was not open for public access, but that the remainder of the walk would be on the Coast Path and on another route which he was hoping to open up to replace a very wet permissive path back to the farm, which currently exists. More new footpaths across the farm may be introduced in due course.
PNTA Members with James Roden, lead Ranger. Photograph Jane Mason
Upon returning to the farmyard, James answered many questions and was warmly thanked for his detailed explanations and enthusiastic delivery of the walk/talk.
We set out from home for Abergwili in glorious sunshine, with clear blue skies – which continued while we ate our picnic lunch in the lush green grounds of the Bishops Park outside Carmarthen Museum….Whoa, wait a moment, let’s rewind! – that was our ‘recce’, a few weeks before the official PNTA day trip. On Thursday 12th June, the allotted date of the Gwili Railway visit, we set off in our shared cars to overcast skies and ever increasing raindrops.
By the time we arrived at the station car park, a steady downpour had set in for the day. But did it dampen our spirits? – certainly not!
In an excellent introductory talk by one of the volunteers, we learned how the original Gwili Railway went from the market town of Carmarthen to the seaside town of Aberystwyth.
There was a buzz of excitement as we boarded the train and settled at our tables which were ready laid for our morning ‘elevenses’ of delicious bara brith, Welsh cakes and, of course, Welsh butter. Smartly uniformed waiters brought along as much tea and coffee as we could drink. First class service in a second class carriage – not sure what extras the first class passengers were getting in the first class compartments, though the linen tablecloths and serviettes looked snowy white through the windows. (On the afternoon journeys you can order full afternoon tea. Worth a thought for birthday presents = and there’s always the Santa Express for children at Christmas.)
The museum
Along the route there were two stops for photographs and a stroll along the platform. At the second, on the return journey at Bronwydd Arms station, we visited the impressive Gwili Railway Museum and also took a look inside the restored Mail Van. Some of us had a go at sorting postcards and envelopes with some famous Welsh addresses – Dylan Thomas at the Boat House, Laugharne, Anthony Hopkins at Margam, Port Talbot. We could only imagine the speed the mail men must have worked at, rocking to and fro on a night express.
The Mail Van
Outside on the platform we once more ignored the relentless rain…
Back at Abergwili station where we disembarked, there was more to explore – second hand books and maps to buy, a snack bar and more.
Then we simply went over the road (well, one roundabout and car park away) to the Carmarthenshire Museum and its friendly lunch café Y Caffi – another welcome refuge on a rainy day. Run by Carmarthenshire County Council both are housed in the former Bishop’s Palace, a fine 700-year-old building, part of a group of five major county museums. The residence of the present Bishop of St Davids is just next door. There was time to explore the history of Carmarthenshire and much of Wales, well displayed exhibits from all walks of life. A special treat was the Egyptology exhibition relating to local artist and archaeologist Howard Jones.
All in all a highly recommended day out – and if it’s sunny, you can also enjoy a walk – even a picnic – in the well-kept grounds of the adjacent Bishop’s Park. —————————-
What a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. I think everyone enjoyed the view of the sea from the lane to Hilton Court. We met for coffee outside the cafe, overlooking the lovely gardens. We walked round the grounds at our own pace and had a little sit whenever we felt the need. Little chats were held at various points. Listening to the stream as it flowed under the bridge and visiting the peaceful private garden were other treats and then we all met up again for lunch, mostly outside. Cheryl showed us some ‘before’ photos and we were able to visit Mark, the potter, perhaps for the last time before he retires in September. Whether we had been there many times, or were experiencing the peaceful atmosphere for the first time, it was a good trip out.
Photographs from around Hilton Court Photographs by Miles Huthwaite
Pembrokeshire National Trust Association 