Graffiti painted on stones of historical and environmental importance in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has caused environmental damage that could take decades to recover GRAFFITI painted on stones of historical and environmental importance in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has caused environmental damage that could take decades to recover. The white paint had blighted a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Carn Ingli, which is home to a diverse range of rocks, springs and scarce plants including lichens and rare damselfly coenagrion mercuriale. Staff from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority carried out the careful removal work taking every precaution not to cause further damage. They followed an NRW-approved method statement to minimise the risk of further damaging the lichen flora.
Special care was also taken not to trample any important flora growing on the ground around the stone. Ross Grisbrook, environment officer, Natural Resources Wales, said: “Not only is graffiti illegal and unsightly, but can also be very damaging to the environment. An area that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest is somewhere that should be nurtured and respected. “Graffiti can damage the lichen flora that grows on stones. Once damaged, they can take decades to recolonise because they are slow-growing. “I would urge anyone tempted to do such a thing again to think about the impact it will have.”
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park s offices in Pembroke Dock A review of its response to covid-19 found that the National Park is an “adaptable and resilient organisation” with work needed to ensure that continues. Audit Wales outlined its review of resilience at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s board meeting on Wednesday, May 5, looking back at 2020-21 highlighting its proved it was adaptable and resilient “in the face of immediate disruptive threats.” Work identified for further attention – which Audit Wales officer Nick Selwyn acknowledged was already on the authority’s agenda – including improving financial resilience, modernising how decision-making works, using assets, business continuity and improving workforce capacity.
Those over 16 can get involved with the organisation’s youth rangers. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s youth committee has been holding its meetings online during lockdown. The park is looking for volunteers aged between 16 and 25 years (rangers) and 14 to 25 years (committee) to help with duties including taking practical steps in helping the National Park, tackling problems young people face living and working near the National Park, and have a say on decisions. To apply for youth rangers or youth committee (or both!) book a place on the taster day, or to discuss further, contact tomm@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.