The work of local volunteers helping to protect one of Pembrokeshire’s most remarkable seabirds - the Manx Shearwater has been praised.

The Conservative Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro Paul Davies recently met representatives from the RSPB at Oriel y Parc in St Davids, where he learned more about conservation efforts to protect Manx shearwaters and the important role Pembrokeshire plays in the survival of the species.

Mr Davies met with Greg Morgan, Site Manager for the Ramsey Island Reserve, and Jeremy Wadia, volunteer at the Manx Shearwater Rescue.

Having recently become the Manx Shearwater Species Champion, Mr Davies was particularly interested to hear about the work of Manx Shearwater Rescue – a community volunteer group in the Newgale area, who help rescue young birds that become disorientated by artificial lighting during their first flights out to sea.

Pembrokeshire's offshore islands are internationally important breeding grounds for Manx Shearwaters, supporting around half of the world's breeding population.

The birds undertake extraordinary migrations across the Atlantic, spending the winter off the coast of South America before returning to their breeding grounds in the spring.

Volunteers across Pembrokeshire including - lifeguards, locals, surfers and holidaymakers have been on a special mission on the tail end of the summer to rescue as many Manx Shearwaters as possible
Volunteers across Pembrokeshire helping to rescue as many Manx Shearwaters as possible. (Manx Shearwater Rescue/Facebook)

However, young shearwaters face particular dangers when leaving their nests for the first time. Artificial lights can cause them to become disorientated, leaving them stranded on roads and nearby land rather than safely reaching the sea.

Local volunteers play a vital role in finding, rescuing and releasing these vulnerable birds, giving them a better chance of survival.

Mr Davies said: "Until you learn more about these incredible birds, it's difficult to appreciate just how special they are and how important Pembrokeshire is to their survival.

"To think that around half of the world's breeding Manx shearwaters nest on our islands, before travelling thousands of miles across the Atlantic, is quite extraordinary.

"What really struck me during the meeting was the dedication of local volunteers, particularly those working around Newgale, who give up their own time to rescue young birds that have become confused by artificial lighting.

"Without their intervention, many of these birds might never make it safely out to sea.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such important wildlife on our doorstep, but that also brings a responsibility to protect it.

Manx shearwater chick
A Manx shearwater chick (Aberystwyth Uni)

"I'm delighted to have become a Manx Shearwater Species Champion and look forward to working with the RSPB and local conservation groups to raise awareness of the challenges these birds face and the practical steps we can take to help them.

"I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the rescue work. Their commitment is making a real difference,” he added.

It was announced recently that the research work of Dr Julian Ruddock from the School of Art at Aberystwyth University, will be developed into artworks combining film, sound, installation, drawings and paintings, with plans for exhibitions including Oriel Y Parc in St Davids in May 2027.

Dr Ruddock recently travelled to various islands including Skomer, Skokholm and Ynys Enlli in Wales to research the shearwaters and the islands they inhabit.