Over the summer months at various events (see earlier news items), a 'recruitment drive' for new volunteers has been spearheaded by Vice-Chairman, Lloyd Evans and supported by several Trustees and Volunteers. Having obtained the kind services of a good number of locals and also a group of environmental students from Pembrokeshire College, tutored by Mark Brace, an environment survey training day was held recently in Haverfordwest.

With the kind support of Helen Johnston of Afonydd Cymru, Chris Lawrence of The Countryside Council for Wales, Dave Charlesworth of the Environment Agency Wales, and Andy Thomas from the Wild Trout Trust, we were able to hold an interesting morning of presentations and training on how to conduct environmental surveys to provide objective audit and analysis of the condition of Pembrokeshire waterways and ensure the most effective deployment of project funding.

Presentation subjects included:

• Why is habitat important for migratory salmonid fisheries?

• Evaluation / mapping techniques

• Habitat restoration techniques

Health & Safety issues were also covered; as they are important matters for Volunteers who are surveying remote and inaccessible tributaries around the County.

Following a lunchtime opportunity to discuss what had been covered during the morning's session (and the conversation wasn't limited to just 'fisherman's tales' as there were also plenty of non-anglers present too!), the group travelled out to the Western Cleddau at Treffgarne Bridge for some field work on one of the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association beats.

Despite the 'changeable' weather we have had this year, it was a mercifully pleasant and sunny early October afternoon. The group was split into three small parties which took separate directions and carried out practical surveys above and below the bridge. Mapping, use of GPS / map referencing and photography were explained and practised, with the groups looking to catalogue some of the following important aspects of environmental monitoring:

• Bank erosion, overgrazing, damaged livestock fencing

• Agricultural point sources; eg. crossings, run-offs etc.

• Fishery migration blockages - e.g fallen trees, log-jams and weir undercuts

• Japanese Knotweed and Himalyan Balsam growth

A great deal was learned by all from an interesting and pleasant day's activities. The Trust would like to thank all volunteers for attending and offering their valuable time and assistance in our ongoing programme of environmental improvement projects.

• Click here for a brief gallery of pictures...

If you would like to volunteer to assist the Trust we are not just looking for environmental monitors, there are many other activities that can greatly assist us. And even if you can only spare a small amount of time, we'd really like to hear from you.

You can get in touch here with any enquiries about the work of the Trust, or click here to find out more about volunteering and sign-up online.

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