Pembroke 21C Community Association has just harvested a willow crop from land owned by Valero. The willow is grown on a short rotation on Hentland Farm, which is on the Valero Pembroke refinery site, and is sold to raise funds for the association. The wood is used to stabilise river banks and alleviate flooding.

Will James, Valero public affairs assistant, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer our land to grow the willow that not only provides valuable training, but ends up as a green and sustainable resource to help prevent damage within our community."

Pembroke 21C works with its local community to provide a focus for activities that develop a community spirit in Pembroke in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

Jennifer Care, project manager at Pembroke 21C, said: "This project has had positive social as well as environmental impact as it has also been used in a programme to train local people in conservation to gain skills and qualifications to fit them for employment and has involved large numbers of local volunteers, including groups from Valero."

The project is registered with Environment Wales and supported by the Welsh government's Sustainable Development Fund, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority."