A renowned wildlife enthusiast from Tenby, has advocated a ban on fireworks to prevent distress and harm to animals and birds, citing a recent loss of house sparrows in his local area.

With severe rainy weather hitting the locality around Guy Fawkes night, causing flooding in many parts, lots of public displays this year were moved around the traditional date of November 5. Add to that, those that choose to let off fireworks randomly, loud bangs could be heard frequently around the locality for over a period of a week or more this year.

Now, well known wildlife expert Mick Brown has given a passionate plea for fireworks to be outlawed, citing the distress they can cause to animals and birds.

For many years, Mick spent time on small expedition ships in the Arctic and Antarctica as a wildlife guide and photographer.

For well over 40 years, he has been associated with the Pembrokeshire islands and has worked as a guide with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park spending time on the island nature reserves of Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grassholm and St. Margarets.

Sharing his plea on social media, which drew a large response from those that shared similar views, and also those that had no problem with such displays, Mick said: “This post is addressed to the organisers of the explosives (fireworks) display which took place at the rugby field in Heywood Lane on Friday last, November 7th.

“One result of the extremely loud explosions here in Oakridge Acres was the loss - death - of approximately half of the 30 or so House sparrows which nest and roost in our hedges.

“They were panicked, terrorised and forced out of their habitat in the dark with the result that very few now remain. Along with the sparrows, no doubt many other animals wild and domestic were stressed, terrified and damaged by this and similar displays of 'pyrotechnics'.

“Austistic adults and children also suffer due to this form of entertainment. Why is there a need to create a war zone type of scenario with deafening explosions,” he continued.

In response to those who argued that such displays occurred ‘just once a year’ - Mick was quick to point out that there are alternatives to this ‘primitive type of celebration’ - such as laser light shows, drone displays, along with quiet fireworks.

“Another consideration is the amount of highly toxic pollutants released into the atmosphere by fireworks. Many many people throughout the UK are now pressing for change in this respect,” remarked Mick.

“All of the money that goes up in smoke could be better spent without causing such destruction fear and stress in communities.

“For many, many years I have considered just how much money has been wasted, gone up in smoke which otherwise might have been spent, for example, on Astronomical equipment and even a small building.

“This could enable children and adults to see and experience the real celestial displays which, weather permitting, which are available throughout the year especially here in Pembrokeshire which has several Dark Skies areas.”