Uncovering the Rich Underwater Wildlife of Wales
It's just before sunrise, and the car is packed with thermoses of coffee, fleece-lined waterproof jackets, and underwater camera gear, as we drive toward the quaint Welsh seaside town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire. My close friend, wildlife photographer and documentarian Tatiana McCabe, has invited me to join her in snorkeling around Britain's first statutory Marine Nature Reserve, Lundy Island.
Though I moved to London from Chicago over a decade ago, the Welsh coast is entirely new to me. But its rugged landscape, with cliffs that plunge into the sea and give way to hidden coves and wide bays, have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
On arrival in Tenby, a timelessly alluring slice of British seaside, we're warmly greeted by Richard Rees, who moves with the ease of a surfer, having spent years paddling through all sorts of waters. Rees is an accomplished free-diver and marine conservationist; he's also the founder of Celtic Deep, a social enterprise run by ocean-lovers that offers in-water wildlife experiences off the coast of Pembrokeshire, the westernmost county in South Wales.
Through day excursions, Celtic Deep wants travelers to experience the rich wilderness of Wales—and remind them that diverse underwater life can be found here in the UK, not just in tropical waters. By inviting water sports lovers into this vibrant and ever-changing world beneath the sea's surface, Rees seeks to build the kind of connection that drives real conservation by educating visitors about the importance of marine ecosystems, conducting research and hosting researchers, and assessing their own impact on the environment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Wildlife haven' National Trust castle near Birmingham with vineyard and secret garden
In summer, the grounds of Croft Castle come to life with the colour of roses and wisteria, a change from the springtime daffodils and the traditional (and rare) apples that fill the fruit trees in autumn. Situated right on the border where England meets Wales, this castle is a real gem in Herefordshire, less than 50 miles from Birmingham city centre and a spot that you should put on your National Trust to-do list if you're planning summer days out near the Midlands. As visitor Vitor Santiago explained on Google when he gave it five stars: "Super well preserved castle with lots of history to tell. Read more: I visited the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition and one surprise was more precious than 100 Grammys Read more: All the Birmingham places heavy metal fans need to visit during Black Sabbath weekend "And impressive parkland with different routes for different experiences, centuries-old trees, farm animals roaming free in the pasture. "Without a doubt a worthwhile visit for lovers of nature and English history." Croft Castle isn't an ancient fortress, it's a 17th century manor house with its own vineyard, secret garden and walled garden which produces vegetables and fruit for visitors to enjoy in the Carpenters tea-room on site. Phoenix grapes are grown at Croft, used to made a white table wine that's described as 'refreshing and crisp', though vines have to be nurtured to flourish in the walled garden. READ MORE: Photos show the 'quiet, ancient' National Trust castle a day trip from Birmingham The apples we mentioned at the start of this story are pressed come autumn, and visitors can go and take part in picking. The apple trees in the field near Croft are very old and twisted, though they still produce fruit. Some trees lie on their sides, their small green fruits bearing a 'somewhat ancient' peppery flavour. Most of the apple trees were planted in the 1920s though, with old Herefordshire varieties like Adam's Pearmain, Doctor Hare, King's Acre Bountiful, Herefordshire Beefing, Brown Snout and Downton Pippin. Other plants in the walled garden in summer include blue globe thistles, yellow giant scabious, white Shasta daisies and purple acanthus. The old fashioned roses are loved by insects who buzz around Sweet Juliet, Ludlow Castle and Zephirine Drouhin varieties. The National Trust describes Croft as a 'quiet, ancient place, steeped in British history and politics'. The best way to learn about that history is by visiting. There are lots of walking trails including a stroll to the picturesque old pumphouse in the Fishpool Valley on the estate. The garden paths at Croft Castle are described as fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs and dogs are permitted in the walled garden too, if you wanted to take the whole family. Kids will love climbing trees and playing in the castle-themed play area. You'll find Croft Castle at Yarpole, near Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9PW.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Almost 19-acre property in luscious woodland on the market
A property with almost 19 acres of land, including woodland and wildlife ponds, is for sale near St. Nicholas, Goodwick. Listed at £795,000, the holding includes a detached farmhouse with five or six bedrooms and five reception rooms, according to the listing. Additional accommodation is provided by a one-bedroom annexe and a two-bedroom park home, described as "twin unit". Outbuildings include a former cowshed and a multipurpose shed that is now used as a garage and workshop. There are ponds on the grounds (Image: J J Morris) Access to the property is via a 400-yard tarmac lane off the St Nicholas to Goodwick road. The farmhouse is constructed of stone and concrete block, with rendered elevations and a slate roof. Inside, the main house features a split-level sitting room with a brick open fireplace, a kitchen with oak-fronted units and granite worktops, and a conservatory with rural views. There is also a utility room, study, and a walk-in larder. One of the bedrooms (Image: J J Morris) Upstairs, the main landing leads to several bedrooms, some with rural views, as well as bathrooms with both bath and shower facilities. The listing notes a solar panel array and battery storage system 'providing full back up power'. Grounds include lawns, patios, an orchard, flowering shrubs, and two wildlife ponds. The land comprises pasture, amenity areas, and around two acres of woodland with a variety of trees and wildflowers. Outbuildings offer further storage, workshop space, and a chicken shed with a run. Vehicle parking and turning areas are provided on a tarmac hardstanding. Rural and distant sea views are mentioned in the listing.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Coastal town in Pembrokeshire named the best spot in the UK for beaches
A seaside town in Pembrokeshire has been named the best spot in the UK for beaches. Consumer watchdog Which? has carried out its annual seaside survey, revealing the best seaside towns and finest beaches in 2025. Around 4,000 Which? members took the survey basing their answers on experience from more than 9,000 trips (within the UK). For the fifth year in a row, Bamburgh, a Northumberland village with a population of around 400 people, was named the best seaside town in the UK. St Davids and Tenby both ranked inside the top 10, listed fourth and eighth, respectively. Bamburgh Beer Portmerion St Davids Sidmouth Tynemouth Dungeness Tenby Aldeburgh Wells-Next-The-Sea Tenby was also announced as having the best beaches in the country. Which? said: "[The survey shows] once again, that holidaymakers prefer the unspoilt sand, gorgeous scenery and peace and quiet that you only find away from the biggest tourist hotspots." It's official: Bamburgh is the best UK seaside destination. See where your favourite beach break placed 👇 — Which? (@WhichUK) June 27, 2025 Tenby was named the best in the UK for beaches by Which? in its annual seaside survey. It was one of only three spots in the UK to record a perfect 5-star rating, along with Bamburgh and Tynemouth. Talking about Tenby's beaches, Which? said: "Almost everybody loved its four, family-friendly beaches, with the views of Goscar Rock rising up from beyond the north shore. "Its charming Georgian lanes have a reputation for being overcrowded but, despite this, it even got a respectable three stars for peace and quiet." Respondents said the best time to visit the beaches was "out of season". The three main beaches in Tenby are: Tenby North Beach Tenby South Beach Tenby Castle Beach All three of Tenby's beaches have a 4.7 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor. Tenby North Beach is described by visitors as "very picturesque", boasting amazing views", accessibility and is just a short walk from the town centre. One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "Great beach. Flat so tide slow to rise . Safe fo4 young children. Rick pools to explore with crabs and star fish. Clean beach and sea water." Someone who paid a visit to Tenby Castle beach commented: "The beach is great to walk around, especially with the landmark of the castle to complement the beach, a really wonderful area." RECOMMENDED READING: 'Genteel' seaside town in Pembrokeshire with 'glorious' beaches among UK's best Three 'unspoilt' Pembrokeshire beaches named among the UK's best 'Magic' village in Pembrokeshire named among the best in Britain While this person, speaking about South Beach, said: "Beautiful sandy beach and a real sun trap. "The beach was very well kept and offered fantastic views. The water (although cold) was lovely and clean. "The beach is dog friendly and we were bought great joy watching dogs alongside people being able to enjoy this fabulous space soaking up the March sun. "You could easily think you're abroad. The only beach I have stepped foot on when in Tenby but always a favourite."
