Young trainees from vocational courses at PRP Training in Pembroke Dock recently spent a rather muddy day exploring what's involved in environmental conservation work. The young people spent a 'taster day' visiting two local projects with training opportunities managed by Pembroke 21C Community Interest Company.

They installed fence posts at Hentland Farm, next to Pembroke Refinery, which will protect a willow crop from peckish farm animals. As well as contributing to local biodiversity and the environment, the coppiced willow will be used to stabilise river banks.

Afterwards, they visited Kingsmill Woodland on the Stackpole Estate, which is being managed by volunteers, but following the recent heavy rain they were disappointed not to be able to undertake any work.

Back at Foundry House Community Centre, they learned more about the projects, the work being undertaken and the accredited training programme for local people to gain skills helpful for employment.

A director of Pembroke 21C CIC, Gareth Jones, said: "It was a shame that the young people not to be able to have more hands-on experience, but we have plenty of opportunities for local people to get involved, with 3,500 trees to plant over the next few months. People of all ages will be welcome to help plant a tree for every household in Pembroke and make a long term difference to the environment."