The Pembrokeshire Wildlife Sightings Event 2016 photographic competition is now open to the public. Hosted by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF), winners of the competition will be announced at an event held on the evening of October 21, at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

This event is a celebration of all things natural in Pembrokeshire and highlights the amazing landscapes and wildlife we have here on our doorstep.

The aim is to inspire local naturalists and photographers to share stories and images celebrating the diverse and special wildlife of Pembrokeshire both on land and under water.

Throughout the evening, expert speakers will share stories and images of their wildlife sightings around the county, and will provide information on how you can get involved.

This year’s speakers include Sinead Lynch from the Bumblebee Conservation Society who will be speaking about rare Pembrokeshire species and how to get involved in bumblebee recording and monitoring.

Renowned local biologist and naturalist Peter Brown will be giving a ‘Poetic Pause’ whilst professional wildlife guide Mick Brown, who spends half of the year in Antarctica, will give an insight into the amazing world of seabird feathers. Details of further speakers in the lead up to the event will be announced later.

Ticket are now on sale through the Torch Theatre at http://torchtheatre.co.uk/events/wildlife-sightings-event-2016/

Photography Competition

The wildlife photography competition is open for anyone to enter, last year nearly 100 entries were received from both amateurs and professionals. For the first time, a young photographers competition is open to those 12 and under. Public voting will open on October 1 to decide the winner of the People’s Choice Award, and a panel of expert judges will take this vote into consideration when deciding the overall winners. Prizes this year have kindly been sponsored by The Port of Milford Haven. Deadline for photograph submission is October 1. All winners will be announced on the night of the event.

To enter, or for further information, please go to www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk/wildlife-sightings

Conservation and Awareness

The event promotes the work of the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter and Pembrokeshire Marine Code groups whose aims are to raise awareness of what the public can do to ensure that its wildlife is cherished and protected for future generations. The groups have developed codes of conduct and best practice for adventurous activities and organise regular environmental training events to raise awareness of the flora, fauna and natural heritage of Pembrokeshire. The aim of the event is to celebrate our wildlife, to be aware of it, and ultimately to make sure that it is protected for generations to come. Money raised by ticket sales goes towards supporting the two projects.

Paul Renfro, sustainable recreation co-ordinator at Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, commented: “We are looking forward to welcoming a large crowd and can’t believe this is the seventh year of the wildlife sightings event. Not only do we have an amazing array of wildlife in Pembrokeshire, but also some truly inspiring speakers, who have a lifetime of experience to share with us.”

Talking about the photography competition, Paul added: “The county has some wonderful photographic talent and the quality of the images that we receive keeps getting better. Everyone at the event shares the same passion for the natural environment and for the first time, we are really looking forward to the Young Photographers Award which should hopefully inspire a new generation of nature lovers.”