Sea Kayaking in Wales from Adventures in Pembs on Vimeo.

(Please do note that this is for existing and aspirant coasteering guides, so previous coasteering experience, good water confidence and ideally previous experience working with groups in the outdoors is expected.)

Two days of workshops on best practice for coasteering guides and aspirant guides –  including an [...]]]> Booking is now open for the Pembrokeshire Coasteering Workshop 2013!

(Please do note that this is for existing and aspirant coasteering guides, so previous coasteering experience, good water confidence and ideally previous experience working with groups in the outdoors is expected.)

Two days of workshops on best practice for coasteering guides and aspirant guides –  including an evening meal and adventure slideshow only £45 for both days.

See flyer full workshop content here (subject to change!):

Coasteering-Programme-Content-2013

You can book on here – paying by pay pal is easiest (you do not need a pay pal account to use this method)

The next full Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter meeting is on the 11th March, 6pm and will be held at the National Trust Stackpole Centre.

Add the date to your diary 

New Activities Liaison Officer appointed…

Congratulations to Michael [...]]]> Here is an update on some outdoor recreation news from Pembrokeshire which you may like to know about…

The next full Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter meeting is on the 11^th March, 6pm and will be held at the National Trust Stackpole Centre.

Add the date to your diary 

New Activities Liaison Officer appointed…

Congratulations to Michael Davies who has been appointed as the new Activities Liaison Officer and will be starting for a four week handover on the 25^th February. Michael will take over all Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter and Marine Code project work, and will also be working across all other Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum projects when necessary. Michael lives in Pembrokeshire with his wife and two children, and he brings with him much experience of adventuring, sailing, cycling and kayaking, and well as managing large projects which have involved working with a wide range of stakeholders.

Coasteering Workshop planned for April 17th & 18th hosted by TYF Adventure

A coasteering workshop aimed at coasteering guides, assistants and aspirant guides will be run at TYF Adventure in collaboration with the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter group and the Pembrokeshire regional coasteering group. The workshop will focus on the skills and knowledge required to ensure that leaders are up to date with best practice both for safety and the environment. The workshop will cover many aspects of the recommended National Coasteering Charter best practice guidelines. The workshop will cost £20 per day will all proceeds going to the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter group. Further information and details on how to book on will be sent out soon. If you are interested in attending or tutoring on the workshop, please send me an email: tom.luddington@mhpa.co.uk

Sea Kayaking DVD & Code.

The next video in the series of ‘Reconciling Recreation and Conservation’ films focusing on sea kayaking in all its forms is on target to be completed by the end of March 2013.

2000 hard copies of the DVD will be distributed around Wales, and an online version of the film will be available. Filming has taken place across Wales involving sea kayaking experts and conservation organisations such as the Wildlife Trust and RSPB. The film provides advice and guidance on how to ensure you plan ahead to minimise disturbance to wildlife when out sea kayaking. A new sea kayaking code of conduct for Wales has also been drafted for consultation as part of the project which you can view here – see news below  – your comments on this draft are welcome.

Marine Code Leaflets:

The Pembrokeshire Marine Code contains detailed maps and access information to protect wildlife from disturbance. Funding has been provided by Valero for the reprint of 10,000 copies of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code leaflets for 2013, and 500 fully waterproof versions. These have now been printed, and a press release will shortly be prepared and the leaflets distributed across Pembrokeshire to coincide with the beginning of the main sea bird breeding season in March. Fully waterproof copies of the leaflet for kayakers / small boats’ people are available on request for the price of postage & can be ordered online here:http://www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk/code-of-conduct/ 

Valuing Outdoor Recreation project given thumbs up:

Sent in by David Jones – PCF Project Manager:

“An exciting and ground breaking study to put a monetary valuation on outdoor recreation has begun in Pembrokeshire and will be completed in March 2013. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, utilising the specialist expertise of Marine Planning Consultants and Atkins will provide an economic value to mapped areas of marine/coastal recreation/tourism in two pilot areas of Pembrokeshire – Dale and the St David’s Peninsular. This study will provide clear evidence and methods to accurately estimate how much each individual outdoor activity is worth to the local economy and provide a repeatable process to expand the project geographically. A direct value to the local economy will be shown for activities such as wildlife boat trips around Ramsey, coasteering on St David’s Peninsular, sea angling in Dale etc.

It is recognised that there is a great need to value the human use of the coast particularly in the recreation sector. This is becoming more apparent with marine planning, marine licensing and the Marine Conservation process.

There are wide ranging benefits to the project and it has support from Welsh Government, CCW, Coastal Communities and private sector stakeholders.

The Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter and Marine Code groups will be able to feed into the phased approach and indeed this is promoted and welcomed. We will contact you via email where possible but also through meetings as required.”

Bush Craft, foraging & Wild camping Guidelines Drafted

Over 40 people attended the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter bushcraft, foraging and wild camping environmental training day at Newgale YMCA. The group included conservationists, a fire officer & and local businesses that offer these activities. All worked together to agree standards of best practice to protect wildlife and the environment. In the afternoon the group went on a practical workshop to the rocky shore at Caerfai, and woodlands at Abermawr to look at flora and fauna, further discuss best practice & for a fire lighting workshop. The draft guidelines for best practice can be viewed here: www.pembrokeshireoutdoors.org.uk  your feedback is welcomed.

Wales Activity Mapping – the Coasteering Layers.

Work has been completed to upload and update the coasteering layers on the  Wales Activity Mapping website (formerly the recreation audit) showing areas of Pembrokeshire where coasteering is happening, where it could happen (always subject to a site evaluation), and where it would be highly unlikely to be encouraged due to wildlife and wildness.

Agreement has now been reached by all on the Pembrokeshire regional coasteering group, on areas which are unlikely to be developed for commercial coasteering activities (such as the offshore Islands) due to wildlife / wildness. This proactive approach will help to ensure that Pembrokeshire’s wildest areas are left largely remote and undisturbed by commercial activity groups, which will benefit wildlife, and all those wishing to enjoy the wildest parts of Pembrokeshire.

Surfers Against Sewage – Call for support for the ‘Protect Our Waves’ campaign.

Sent in by Alice Middleton – SAS Rep

“Waves are under threat from pollution (including marine litter and sewage), new development and structures, and access. As you all know waves are of huge importance to the local communities here in Pembrokeshire bringing thousands of people to the county every year who spend hundreds of thousands of pounds. Waves are enjoyed by all sorts of people, kayakers, windsurfers, bodyboarders, kite surfers – the list goes on. Approximately 150,000 people come to surf in Wales each year and bring a valuable £20m to the economy whilst they’re here, and those waves need protecting from serious threats. Shockingly, there is no law that exists that specifically protects waves. So Surfers Against Sewage are on a mission to get 100,000 signatures which they can take to Government to get waves better recognised and protected. 22,000 people have signed so far and we need your help to share this petition with your customers and staff. You can sign online at www.protectourwaves.org.uk - book mark it to your iphone and get your friends and family to sign too!”

Skipper required…

Sent in by Andy Truelove, Broadside Boats…

“Seasonal Charter Operator required for fishing and diving. Training provided. Commercially endorsed preferably to Cat 2. April to Sept 2013 in the Dale Area. Contact Andy on 07768935681.”

-Ends-

As part of the process, we are developing a code of conduct for all sea kayakers (from paddle boards to sit-on-tops to [...]]]> Filming for the DVD on ‘Reconcilling Sea Kayaking and Conservation’ (being done by the Pembs Outdoor Charter group with help from Wales Activity Tourism Organisation, CCW & EA and Canoe Wales) is going well despite the weather!

As part of the process, we are developing a code of conduct for all sea kayakers (from paddle boards to sit-on-tops to full on expedition sea kayakers). This code is based on the advice we have been given from conservation experts (RSPB etc) to ensure that we do our bit to minimise any disturbance to marine wildlife when we are out on the water. We would welcome your feedback on the draft code which you can read here:  Welsh Marine Code for Sea Kayakers Working Draft – just email any comments through to tom.luddington@mhpa.co.uk or phone 07977 939325…

Please forward any comments by Mid Febrary…

Filming is going well, and we are on target to get the DVD (and online film etc)  finished by the end of February - watch this space!

I’m still in post until the end of March – so will continue to enjoy working with you all until then…

Here are the details…

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM 

‘At the heart of our coasts future’

Pembrokeshire Coastal [...]]]> I’m off for some extended work and travel adventures. So my job is being advertised.

I’m still in post until the end of March – so will continue to enjoy working with you all until then…

Here are the details…

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM 

‘At the heart of our coasts future’

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is a partnership of individuals and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sector, who are working together to promote a sustainable approach to the planning, management, use and development of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Zone.

Activities Liaison

Temporary position – 1 year initially

Salary – circa. £20,500 p.a.

Working to both the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group and Pembrokeshire Marine Code project you will be responsible for helping to manage and promote sustainable adventure tourism & recreation in Pembrokeshire.  An excellent communicator, with strong IT and organisational skills you will also have a professional involvement in outdoor recreation.  Previous experience within a project management role would be a distinct advantage.

For an application pack, please contact us:

By telephone:           01646 696100

By post:                     MilfordHavenPortAuthority,Gorsewood Drive,MilfordHaven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 3ER

By e-mail:                  recruit@mhpa.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 7^th January 2013

Interview date: 15^th January 2013

JOB_DESCRIPTION_Activities_Liaison_officer_PCF_Dec_12

www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk

If you wish to enter the photography competition (1st Prize confirmed as £250 photography equipment voucher) then send max of three images taken during 2011/12 [...]]]>

Pembrokeshire Wildlife Sightings Event and Wildlife Photography competition is back – to order your tickets at £5 per person select the number of tickets you require below and follow instructions…

If you wish to enter the photography competition (1st Prize confirmed as £250 photography equipment voucher) then send max of three images taken during 2011/12 in Pembrokeshire (no more than 1Mb each please)  to pcf@mhpa.co.uk  - full terms and conditions here: WS Event Photo Comp T&Cs

Hope to see you there!

Any problems booking email tom.luddington@mhpa.co.uk  or call 01646 696134, or 07977 939325 or (Jodie) on 01646 696171.

Printable Flyer: Bush Craft Flyer

!!!  POSTPONED  !!!  It seem our timing for the workshop has not been the best this year, so due to a lack of bookings I have decided to postpone the workshop. Apologies for the inconvienience – full refunds will be given to those that booked…

We will likely run it in [...]]]> 2012 Pembrokeshire Coasteering Workshop

!!!  POSTPONED  !!!  It seem our timing for the workshop has not been the best this year, so due to a lack of bookings I have decided to postpone the workshop. Apologies for the inconvienience – full refunds will be given to those that booked…

We will likely run it in March pre season 2013 instead…