Volunteers across Pembrokeshire, including - surfers, lifeguards, locals and holidaymakers have been on a special mission on the tail end of the summer to rescue as many Manx Shearwaters as possible, braving stormy weather and fierce seas to help hundreds of young seabirds.

With the Manx Shearwater fledging season is underway, a dedicated group of Pembrokeshire volunteers have been helping hundreds safely reach the sea.

These striking black-and-white birds, which nest in burrows on the islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Midland, and Ramsey, embark on an epic migration each autumn—crossing the Atlantic and the equator to spend winter off the coast of South America.

Pembrokeshire plays a vital role in their lifecycle, hosting around 60 per cent of the global breeding population, with Skomer Island home to an estimated 350,000 pairs.

However, fledgling shearwaters often become disoriented by artificial lights on the mainland or boats. Leaving their burrows under the cover of darkness, they can be drawn inland, where they face serious threats from predators and traffic. Without human help, many will not make it back to the sea.

In 2024, more than 450 stranded birds were found across Pembrokeshire, especially at Newgale, Broad Haven, the Milford Haven Waterway, and Tenby.

Thanks to the swift action of local volunteers and members of the public, these birds were rescued and safely released to continue their journey south.

Now, so far, as the summer of 2025 draws to an end, volunteers have been working around the clock, braving miserable weather for night patrols around the Pembrokeshire coast.

Sharing posts on the Manx Shearwater Rescue Facebook page since the turn of the month, volunteers stated: “Not a great night for our fledging Manx Shearwaters with really strong winds, the double effects of Tropical Storm Fernand and Hurricane Erin as they move across the Atlantic - but absolutely amazing work from our volunteers and the wider community across the county.

“Over 100 have been rescued in the last 24hrs, nearly a quarter of total rescues last year! Newgale has been a hot spot again with about 15 birds rescued last night off the main road, campsite and shingle bank.

“It's so important that everyone tried to switch off or dim external lighting as well as closing curtains and blinds so internal lights facing the coast are hidden. Plus when driving along Newgale please slow down and keep your eyes peeled as many land on the road itself.

“The community has come together with locals, lifeguards and visitors appearing to help pick up birds from the water, passing them to people on the pebbles, others carrying them to waiting cars, then people carefully putting them in boxes and other people collecting desperately needed boxes.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped, whether rescuing, bringing extra boxes down or just moral support,” they added.

Keep your eyes peeled along the coastline - but keep safe and please don't take any risks to rescue a bird.

Keep spreading the word too and if anyone finds a bird simply call 01437 723193.