Teamwork from charitable trusts provides double boost for Teifi Marshes pond renovation

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust and the Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have joined forces for the first time ever to fund a new pond dipping platform at the Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran.

The two charitable bodies came together to provide financial support when it emerged that pond dipping activities, which have been a regular summertime feature at the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, had been suspended after the 19-year-old platform finally succumbed to the elements.

Following the removal of the original structure, the pond was desilted and given a new liner, before installing a replacement. The new dipping platform is roughly 10m in length and 1.2m wide and comprises a recycled plastic sub frame with timber non-slip decking on top.

Nathan Walton, Wildlife Trust Officer for Pembrokeshire and Reserves Manager for South West Wales, said: “The Wildlife Trust is very grateful for the financial support the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust and Friends of the National Park have given for the installation of a pond dipping platform at Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.

“The reserve is home to the Welsh Wildlife Centre which runs numerous wildlife events throughout the year, of which pond dipping is one of them. The new platform now allows for a safter dipping experience for visitors and schools and allows opportunity for engaging and educating attendees on aquatic wildlife.”

The Teifi Marshes is one of the best wetland sites in Wales and supports a range of habitats, including open pasture and well wooded hedgerows, Alder and Willow carr, freshwater marsh with open pools, reedbeds and tidal mudbanks. The Visitor Centre, including Glasshouse Cafe and Gift Shop, is open five days a week (Weds-Sun) from 10am-4pm. To find out more, go to www.welshwildlife.org/visit/welsh-wildlife-centre-teifi-marshes.

More information on Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust can be found respectively at www.fpcnp.org.uk and https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.