Latest news with #RSPBCymru
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Newport is first Welsh city to prescribe nature as medicine
Newport has become the first city in Wales to launch RSPB Nature Prescriptions, a non-medical approach to health that encourages people to connect with the natural world through simple, self-led activities. The scheme is delivered in partnership with the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. David Llewellyn, nature and wellbeing manager at RSPB Cymru, said: "There is strong evidence which shows that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety while lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity through increased physical activity." The project is funded through the People's Postcode Lottery and builds on similar schemes already running in Scotland and England. Nature prescriptions can be offered by a range of trained professionals. These include GPs, social prescribers, occupational therapists, and community stroke support teams. Jonny Currie, a GP at Ringland Medical Practice, said: "As a GP in Newport, I know we need new ways to enable people to support their own wellbeing and health. "We know that connecting with nature can play a crucial role in doing this. "The RSPB Nature Prescriptions offer a great opportunity to help in doing that and we look forward to using them in our practice." Public support for the scheme appears strong. A recent survey by Beaufort Research found that 80 per cent of people believe spending time in nature is important for their health and wellbeing. Victoria Dyer, service development lead for the Integrated Wellbeing Network at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: "This project is a perfect example of partnership working, with the contributions from our talented community playing a vital role in the imagery for this nature prescription. "We thank the RSPB for the opportunity and feel very proud to bring this resource to Newport and hope that many people will benefit from it." The RSPB hopes that the scheme will not only improve wellbeing but also foster a lasting appreciation of nature and a desire to protect it. More information about RSPB Nature Prescriptions is available on the RSPB website.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Dive-bombing bird cancels junior race
Preparing to take part in a race can come with lots of different need to do lots of practice, make sure you're getting enough rest and warm up properly to give yourself the best chance at success. But one group of junior athletes prepping for a big event have been meet with a rather unexpected obstacle. Their mountain running race had to be cancelled because of dive-bombing buzzard. The organiser of the fell running race, which is a sport involving running up and down hilly and mountainous stretches of land with no paths, said he came into contact with the bothersome bird while out running in the Clwydian Range in Denbighshire."I was following a path along the valley when I suddenly felt something hit the back of my head accompanied by a swooshing sound," race organiser Nigel Crompton Fell Runners Association concluded it wasn't safe for people to take part in the event which had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, and that it would not be fair on the protected species. Mr Crompton said he raised concerns about junior athletes being targeted by the bird."Thoughts quickly moved from survival to the race in just a few days," said Mr Crompton. The race in the Clwydian Range has been held since 2023 and is one of the races in the English Junior Fell Championships. Participants in the event are as young as seven years old. A spokesperson for charity RSPB Cymru said: "Although it's no consolation to those attacked, it is unusual for buzzards, or any other bird of prey, to attack humans."The birds are most likely just being good parents and defending their young."They also added that they've now advised people to avoid the area for the short period of time until the young leave the nest.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban National Trust Cymru wants to protect wildlife and the coastlines with a new initiative The rugged shores of Porth Darfarch, Anglesey (Image: John Miller/National Trust ) Three popular beaches in North Wales have been declared "smoke-free zones" in a bid to protect the natural environment and prevent wildfires. Visitors to these scenic spots will now notice new signs as part of the voluntary initiative, gently urging them to put out their cigarettes and enjoy the fresh sea air smoke-free. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd – are under the care of National Trust Cymru and were chosen for their "environmental significance" with backing from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru is championing smoke-free beaches as a means to safeguard wildlife and coastal areas by minimising environmental litter. Ash Wales Cymru highlights that cigarette ends rank among the most discarded items globally, posing a significant hazard to marine life and ecosystems. The charity warns that over time, cigarette butts disintegrate into microplastics, releasing harmful chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and formaldehyde into delicate marine habitats. By deterring beachgoers from smoking, there's also the benefit of protecting youngsters from second-hand smoke and discouraging them from starting the habit. Article continues below Supporting the initiative is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She commented: "Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this." "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes." In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales, following in the footsteps of Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales, reports North Wales Live. Last year, Spain took a firm stance against smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces to combat the littering of cigarette butts. France has been implementing similar bans since 2011, and Italy and Greece have also introduced stricter anti-smoking measures. The new smoke-free zones in North Wales are not only popular with holidaymakers but are also vital for wildlife. Cemlyn, located on the north coast of Anglesey, boasts an internationally significant colony of Sandwich terns. It's also a hotspot for Arctic and Common terns, and occasionally, the elusive Roseate tern makes an appearance. Cemlyn is recognised as having the UK's third-largest colony of terns, with approximately 1,500 pairs. The pristine water quality is essential for their survival. The area is protected as both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ecological importance. Porth Dafarch, nestled on Holy Island's Anglesey, is renowned for its ancient rocky cradle teeming with choughs - the crow family's rarest members, easily spotted by their red legs and beak. The surrounding waters are a sanctuary for seals and porpoises alike. Just as enchanting, Porthor Beach is acclaimed for its melody producing "whistling sands" and serves as a bastion for an array of avian species including Choughs, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags, and Yellowhammers, while welcoming seals and dolphins to its shores. National Trust Cymru's project manager in North Wales, Dewi Davies, remarked: "We work hard to look after these special places." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The emphasis on conservation is strong, with Davies urging: "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire." To mark the establishment of new smoke-free zones, Porth Dafarch will host a celebratory beach clean on Thursday, June 19, involving pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland in Holyhead. The initiative aims to shed light on the impacts of discarded cigarette butts on marine ecosystems. Positioned at the vanguard of the smoke-free beach campaign are the National Trust and ASH Wales, buoyed by a swell of public approval in Wales. Recent polls indicate a significant 56% national endorsement for coastal smoke bans, with even more emphatic backing from the locals of Anglesey, where 87% support the measure. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Article continues below "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first."
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. (Image: John Miller/National Trust) Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. (Image: Paul Harris Photography/National Trust) The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.'
