Three of the National Park's smallest and most charming settlements are the latest to come under the conservation spotlight. The farming hamlets of Caerfarchell, near St. Davids, and Portclew, near Freshwater East, plus the monastic island of Caldey, are among 14 Conservation Areas in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. They are the latest Pembrokeshire communities to come up with ideas for preserving their special qualities and character, thanks to local working groups. The process is being co-ordinated by the National Park Authority. The working groups have been appointed by the respective community councils, with the Caldey Island group being: Councillors Trevor Hallet, Maureen Ward and Kerry Durham, Mr. Mike Thorne, Mrs. Val Coates-Rees, Mr. Harry Gardiner, Mr. Richard Walker, Mr. Murray John, Ms. Marilyn Cray, Mr. Alistair McKay, along with island residents Brother Gildus, Mr. Jim Purchase and Mr. John Cattini. Joining the three groups are the Park Authority's conservation area officer, Clarissa Wells, and building conservation officer, Rob Scourfield. Consultation is now taking place on the three Proposals Documents, which outline how the special qualities of each of the settlements can be preserved and enhanced. These documents are available at the National Park Headquarters at Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, with a closing date for comments of Friday, January 21. Further information on the draft Proposal Document and the Conservation Areas are available from Clarissa Wells or Rob Scourfield on 0845 345 7275 or via e-mail at: [email protected]">[email protected]
The settlements
• Caerfarchell, a farming hamlet some 2.5 miles north-east of St. Davids, is an early settlement of farms and cottages centred on a village green and chapel adjoining a possible Bronze Age site. The mix of houses and farm buildings is largely 19th century in character. • Portclew is another farming hamlet, six miles south-east of Pembroke. Possibly its origins were as a medieval hamlet, supplanted by Portclew House and its home farm. • Caldey Island, a 20-minute boat ride from Tenby, has a medieval priory, a church, 19th century farmstead and lighthouse. Significant development early in the last century, included the Abbey and outlying cottages. The island is home to Cistercian monks.