The local Pembrokeshire National Trust Association’s tour of Marloes Mere area last week, gave the group an update on the various schemes the National Trust is progressing in the area.

The walk was led by area ranger, Matt Thompson, and the first stop was the Runwayskiln building near the Marloes Mere car park, which the YHA has handed back to the Trust. Plans are progressing to renovate the buildings to create accommodation and a café, but there is no definite opening date yet.

The next stop was the lake at Marloes Mere which was covered with swooping swallows. The local ‘birding’ community has asked the National Trust to install a further hide which will improve their viewing by looking down the length of the Mere and Matt explained he is investigating the possibility of this.

The group then moved to areas where the Trust, and its tenant farmer, are trying to carry out heathland regeneration. It requires reduction in the fertility of the soil so that heather and other plants can thrive. This in turn will allow greater biodiversity. Work has been going on for a number of years with varying success, but Matt was able to point out areas where heather was starting to thrive.

On reaching the coast at the Ragh Iron Age Fort, looking across to Gateholm, Matt explained some of the finds of Tony Robinson and his Time Team when they filmed their excavation here.

The return to the car park provided a spectacular walk along the cliffs at Marloes Beach with a dramatically blue sea. The sun brought out the colour of the rocks which in turn were covered with swathes of flowers; golden gorse, blue squills, yellow kidney vetch and the pink of thrift and campion. It was a wonderful way to finish the evening.

For further details of the local National Trust Association group, and future talks and events, look at www.pembsnta.org.uk or contact membership secretary, Sheila Ashton, on 01437 731525. The group hold a series of winter talks, summer walks and events and a longer holiday.