A roaring success: Critically endangered tiger cubs born at Pembrokeshire zoo
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Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
UK gardeners warned over possible fine for illegal hedge cutting
UK gardeners warned over possible fine for illegal hedge cutting Destroying a bird's nest could result in an unlimited fine and six months in jail Whilst it's permitted to cut domestic garden hedges during this period, if it results in a bird's nest being harmed or demolished (deliberately or accidentally), then you're still breaking the law. (Image: PA) Gardeners are being warned about pruning their hedges this August, or they could risk facing imprisonment and an "unlimited fine". Now that summer has arrived), gardeners have been tackling their upkeep, including ensuring everything appears well-maintained and orderly in the garden. However, if you're considering clipping your hedges, then alongside the consequences for the hedge's development during flowering, you might also violate environmental legislation. Agricultural hedgerows cannot lawfully be trimmed between April 1 and August 31 whatsoever, except under extraordinary circumstances, which would necessitate a permit. Whilst it's permitted to cut domestic garden hedges during this period, if it results in a bird's nest being harmed or demolished (deliberately or accidentally), then you're still breaking the law. Specialists at Husqvana clarify: "Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . "That includes consciously using a hedge trimmer when there is a bird's nest in your hedge, and in the process of doing so, causing the nest to be damaged or destroyed." The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) supports this position. The legislation states that individuals breach the law if they deliberately harm a bird's nest whilst it's in use or under construction, and this includes hedge cutting, noting: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it". Violating this law could result in an unlimited fine and up to six months' imprisonment as the maximum penalty. The RSPB explains: "The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking." Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use. (Image: (Image: Getty)) Wildlife specialists Arbtech explained: "Pieces of environmental legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended are regulated by a combination of the police, Natural England / Natural Resources Wales / Scottish Natural Heritage (based on location), the Environment Agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), the local authorities, the Partnership of Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW), various public bodies, and relevant organisations based on the endangered species in question. "Once an action breaking the rules of the Act has been carried out, the offence will inevitably result in a police investigation. The police will enforce part 1 of the Act, as it focuses on the fundamental wildlife protection over wildlife species and what exactly necessitates a breach of the rules. "In fact, dedicated departments of the police specialise in breaches of environmental and wildlife laws, such as the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs). Article continues below "Any law relating to the environment and wildlife are taken just as seriously as any other piece of active legislation. "Even in respect of a breach of the Act involving a single animal or habitat, the person responsible would be liable to pay a potentially unlimited fine, spend up to six months in prison, or possibly even both."
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
It only took 20 seconds for a little girl and her grandmother to end up in serious danger at Welsh beach
It only took 20 seconds for a little girl and her grandmother to end up in serious danger at Welsh beach Five-year-old Lyra and her grandmother Pauline had to be rescued by lifeguards after being knocked over while paddling The family got into difficulty on Tresaith Beach, Ceredigion (Image: John Myers) A lifeguard has recalled the "horrible" moment she saw a child get knocked out of her grandmother's arms by a huge wave. Pauline Driscoll was enjoying a day at the beach with her five-year-old granddaughter Lyra in Ceredigion last month when they were both swept away by repeated waves. It took only 20 seconds for them to get into serious danger. RNLI lifeguard Molly Newland was patrolling Tresaith Beach on July 23, when she spotted Paulin and Lyra struggling in the water after being knocked over by a wave. The pair were trying to get to their feet but kept being "washed around" by waves. Pauline said: "It was scary how quickly it all happened." She was clinging to her granddaughter who was distressed." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Lifeguard Molly responded immediately and rushed to their aid. She reached them in the water at thigh depth, but the pair had just been hit by another set of waves. Both Pauline and Lyra were being submerged under the water by the power of the waves and could not stand-up. At one point Lyra ended up face down in the water after a wave knocked her out of Pauline's arms. Molly managed to pick Lyra up and carry her to shore, before she re-entered the water to assist Pauline back to her feet and to walk her back to the beach. Lifeguard Molly with five-year-old Lyra (Image: RNLI) Pauline and Lyra were both short of breath and shaken once back on the beach, so Molly escorted them up to the RNLI lifeguard unit where she could full assess their condition, giving the child a blanket to warm up. They were checked over and thankfully required no further casualty care. Molly shared some beach safety advice and an RNLI sticker for the child before they left the beach. Molly said: "This incident shows how quickly people can get into difficulty. It was less than 20 seconds between Pauline and Lyra paddling, getting knocked over by a wave and being in serious danger. "Fortunately, Pauline and family chose to visit a lifeguarded beach so I was able to respond immediately and rescue them when they were in difficulty. "Seeing the child crying and scared was horrible, but I'm so relieved that they were both okay by the time they left our care. It was so sweet that the child came back after the rescue and kept hugging me and saying thank you. "The family also came back to the beach to say thank you the next day too. The child gave me a lovely shell that she'd painted and I gave her a piece of sea-glass I'd found on the beach. The child also had a go at dressing up in lifeguard uniform, she loved it! I hope they continue to enjoy the beach in the future.' Pauline said she was "so grateful" that Molly responded so quickly. She added: "My husband and I are already regular supporters to the RNLI as he was a keen fisherman when he was younger. The RNLI hold a place in our families' hearts as my mother left a legacy donation and her name is going to be put on a lifeboat. "We will continue to support the charity to show our appreciation for what Lifeguard Molly did for my granddaughter and I. We are eternally grateful. Our rescue story really shows the value and importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach, as you never know when you might end up in difficulty." Sam Trevor, RNLI lifeguard supervisor said: "Molly's training kicked in and she was able to quickly spot Pauline and the child in trouble and respond. Our lifeguards train hard in pre-season and throughout the summer to make sure they are always rescue ready. "Visiting a lifeguarded beach means that if something does go wrong, the lifeguards will be on hand ready to respond. We are thrilled Molly could reunite Pauline and her granddaughter with the rest of the family and wish them all great rest of the summer." Article continues below
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
Paraglider injured after crashing on Welsh mountain
Paraglider injured after crashing on Welsh mountain The paraglider was in mountainous terrain when they crashed and suffered serious injuries after a 'hard' landing Summit cairn on Moel Wnion (Image: Chris Andrews/Wiki) A paraglider sustained severe injuries following a crash in mountainous terrain within Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). The pilot was transported to hospital by air ambulance after experiencing a "hard" landing close to Moel Wnion in the lower Carneddau mountain range. The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) reported the paraglider encountered difficulties following a significant malfunction with their equipment. Despite sustaining serious injuries the casualty managed to raise the alarm. Moel Wnion, standing at 1,903ft between Llanlechid and Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, is considered to offer "excellent soaring" conditions for hang gliders and paragliders. Its relatively flat summit makes it a popular training location for beginner pilots. Gliding organisation Snowdonia Sky Sports said: "Moel Wnion is a very forgiving site by local standards and offers great ridge soaring with good opportunities to hone those top-landing skills." Information about the incident, which occurred on Monday, July 21, has recently come to light. Seventeen OVMRO volunteers responded to the emergency, staying at the location for more than three hours, reports NorthWalesLive. Given the isolated position and the extent of the injuries Coastguard rescue helicopter 936 was deployed from Caernarfon airport. Helimed 61, a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter also based at Caernarfon, was placed on alert should additional assistance be required. An OVMRO spokesman said: "A paraglider flying close to Moel Wnion experienced a significant problem with their wing and impacted the ground hard, sustaining serious injuries but able to call for help." They added: "Local team members were quickly on scene with Rescue 936. (They) assessed and treated the casualty before packaging them for a stretcher move to the aircraft that had landed a short distance away. Article continues below "The casualty was transferred to Ysbyty Gwynedd for treatment."
