The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust has received a final £10,000 instalment from the Bannister Trust.

This concludes a £30,000 donation over three years, which has supported critical conservation efforts throughout the national park.

This funding has been vital in enhancing Pembrokeshire’s natural landscapes, supporting biodiversity, and protecting vital habitats.

The Bannister Trust's contributions have enabled a range of projects over the last year, which have not only supported a wide variety of wildlife but also achieved a crucial balance between expanding woodland cover and preserving other necessary habitats.

These measures have worked to support carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecological resilience.

Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, Katie Macro, said: "We are deeply thankful to the Bannister Trust for their unwavering support.

"Their generosity has enabled us to undertake vital conservation projects that focus on natural regeneration and new plantings.

"Each initiative has been designed to meet the specific needs of diverse species, playing a crucial role in protecting and restoring the ecosystem as a whole."

The trust's work in 2024 included the planting of more than 2,000 native trees near Goodwick and the establishment of a 270-metre streamside corridor near Lamphey.

Staff and volunteers at Carew Castle were equipped with tools to maintain newly planted trees and restored hedgerows, ensuring dark flyways for its internationally important bat population.

Rhosfach, a crucial habitat for the marsh fritillary butterfly and willow tit, saw the installation of fencing to protect willow woodlands, while allowing traditional Dexter cattle to graze the marshy grasslands.

At a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in Mynachlogddu, traditional cattle grazing was reintroduced, with fencing protecting natural tree regeneration and a shelterbelt that benefits wildlife, serves as a biosecurity barrier, and connects riverine woodlands for otters.

There was also the planting of 100 trees at Strumble Head to enhance habitat connectivity, and linking a species-rich valley at Pontfaen to ancient woodland SSSIs nearby through the restoration of 90 metres of hedgerow.

Ms Macro added: "These activities will not only sustain the gains made in previous years but will also ensure that Pembrokeshire's woodland and hedgerow habitats continue to thrive for generations to come.

"The Bannister Trust’s support has been pivotal in driving these efforts, and we look forward to completing these projects with the final instalment of their generous funding."

Plans for the coming year focus on enhancing habitat connectivity and supporting key species across several locations.

New hedges and in-field trees will be planted around the Preseli Hills to create a flyway between Pengelli Forest and the Eastern Cleddau.

There are also plans for tree planting at Brynberian to connect Tŷ Canol Nature Reserve to other woodland sites, forming wildlife corridors vital for species movement and genetic diversity.