Croeso - Welcome to Cadw Ceibwr
Protecting Ceibwr Bay
Situated on the North West coast of Pembrokeshire,
Ceibwr Bay is a significant Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as forming part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation and the West Wales Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC's)
Located within Wales' only Coastal National Park, it is an unspoilt, rugged and remote area, a highly protected conservation site and a vital wildlife habitat which is home to range of seabirds, marine life and flora.
About Cadw Ceibwr
Cadw Ceibwr believes in the importance of restoring the natural world and making changes that focus on rebalancing toward the protection of wildlife and the environment, for the benefit of this and future generations.
Ceibwr Bay is protected by both National and International frameworks.
The designations of Ceibwr Bay as an SSSI in 2002, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as an SAC and Marine SAC in 2004 under European Union law, were specified in order to safeguard important marine habitats, nesting birds, grey seal pup-rearing areas and the geographical features that make it so special.
Recognised as a global priority, the restoration and protection of nature and wild habitats has never been so important.
Cadw Ceibwr is dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of Ceibwr and its vital ecosystem.
Wales's nature protection policy centers on the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, the refreshed Nature Recovery Action Plan, and the landmark Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Act passed in early 2026. These frameworks establish legally binding biodiversity targets, create the independent Office of Environmental Governance Wales, and align local goals with the global 30by30 initiative.
Cadw Ceibwr is a completely not for profit community organisation, run entirely by volunteers. It brings together expertise, skills, knowledge and a common goal, to protect and restore such an important place for all.
“Protecting the environment is not a task, it's a responsibility.”
― Anonymous
Our Conservation Work
Nant Ceibwr River Survey Group
Started in 2022 the Nant Ceibwr Survey Group is led by a local Professional Ecologist and Conservation expert with over 45 years of experience.
Members meet monthly to conduct regular surveys and monitor the aquatic invertebrates that provide
a picture and record of the health of the river.
Nant Ceibwr flows directly into the sea at Ceibwr Bay. Its health is therefore essential in ensuring the wellbeing of the important wildlife ecosystem that forms part of this designated site.
More to follow...
Razorbill
Nant Ceibwr
Seal Squad
Ceibwr Bay has long being a recognised seal pupping site and home to Atlantic Grey Seals. They are a designated feature of Ceibwr and come under international laws for protection.
The 'Seal Squad' are a group of community members working under the advice of the BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue ) and comprise of qualified Veterinarians, BDMLR trained medics and members of the Pembrokeshire Seal and Marine Research Trust.
Their work also involves working with the National Trust, Pembrokeshire Coastal National Parks, the Police and local landowners to coordinate these efforts, as well as engaging with and helping educating the public.
More to follow...
Bird Survey Group
Surveying and observing birdlife at Ceibwr has been an ongoing activity for many years.
The Ceibwr Bird Survey Group brings together experts and knowledgable volunteers who record data using the British Bird Census (formally the Common Bird Census) methodology, developed by the British Trust for Ornithology, the UK's leading ornithological research and survey organisation.
This particular work at Ceibwr has been undertaken since 2022. The CBC is both detailed and intensive and along with Ecologists and professionals from around the country, it provides important information of specific sites throughout the UK.
Ceibwr is home to range of birds including Red and Amber listed species as well as those ranked Schedule 1, which are afforded Special Legal protection.
More to follow...
Grey Seal
Razorbill
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Himalayan Balsam
The primary initiative tackling Himalayan balsam in the Ceibwr Bay area is the Stitch in Time Project run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Key Details of the Project
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Goal: Control and eradicate invasive non-native species (INNS), specifically targeting Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed.
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Funding: Supported by the Welsh Government's Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being scheme along with local initiatives like the Sustainable Development Fund (seen in localized efforts such as the Cemaes Head project).
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Methods: Hand-pulling plants by volunteers from June to October, alongside mechanical strimming or cutting in high-density areas to deplete the seed bank.
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Impact: Proven to significantly reduce dense stands within 2 to 4 years, allowing native species like nettles and local flora to recover on riverbanks.
Members of Cadw Ceibwr have actively involved in this project since Ceibwr and the surrounding area was identified for action.
Himalayan Balsam
Beach Cleaning
Beach cleaning is another regular, vital activity for protecting marine wildlife, preventing long-term ocean pollution, and supporting community health.
Protecting Marine Life
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Prevents entanglement: Animals like seals, seabirds, and fish often get trapped in lost fishing nets, packing straps, and plastic rings.
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Stops ingestion: Marine creatures frequently mistake small plastic pieces or bags for food, which can block their digestive tracts and prove fatal.
Stopping Microplastic Pollution
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Halts breakdown: Removing plastic bottles, containers, and packaging stops the sun and waves from pounding macro-plastics down into hard-to-remove microplastics.
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Cleans the food chain: Keeping tiny plastic particles off the shore prevents toxins from entering local aquatic life and human food supplies.
Through organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage - SAS we are able to resource and contribute to initiatives such as the 'Million Mile Clean' and play our part locally in not only protecting and maintaining Ceibwr Bay but adding to the global issue of pollution and its damage to the natural world.
Beach Cleaning kit SAS
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Our stewardship
Cadw Ceibwr is dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of Ceibwr Bay and surrounding area for future generations.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment, and we work to inspire and educate people about the importance of conservation.
The people whom form Cadw Ceibwr come from many walks of life. Experts include Ecologists, Doctors of Science, Veterinarians, Educators, and advocates who are passionate about preserving the unique ecosystem of Ceibwr Bay.
Yet they all have in common the foresight and sense of responsibility that nature restoration and preservation should be paramount because a heathy ecosystem underpins our entire world.
Garreg Wylan - Ceibwr Bay
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
– Robert Swan
Conservation
Working as a conservation group isn't easy.
Ironically, one of the main criticisms of many volunteer conservation groups is NIMBYism. Often used as a laden word to demonise and dismiss conservationists or objectors who are in fact acting for a much greater cause.
Dismissing anyone who opposes these causes as a nimby, is often used by those who stand to gain in other ways, presenting themselves as holding the moral high ground. Nimbys are anti-progress 'refuseniks', while development argued to be good for the economy, bringing improved infrastructure and even environmental gains are often the opposite in reality.
Whereas in fact starting by protecting the area one lives in, through local knowledge and established community, through a sense of responsibility, to preserve historical character and defend that which cannot defend itself in many instances, such as the natural world and its essential relationship with us as humans, are reasons challenged very negatively.
In an ever increasingly fragile world, through accumulative over use and intrusion into natural spaces, Cadw Ceibwr are perfectly positioned to strive for the restoration and protection of this wild space.
Is it really a selfish thing to worry about the guardianship of future biodiversity wherever one lives?
Advocating for Environmental Justice
In February 2024 Pembrokeshire County Council awarded a Shared Prosperity Fund grant for an adventure hub in Moylgrove. From the outset it was mired in local controversy. There was no prior official consultation with the local residents, community council, neighbouring landowners including the National Trust, nor any competent authority on the environmental impact that the project may have.
A planning application for the adventure hub was submitted and there were strong objections from the Cadw Ceibwr group, the local community, community council, wildlife experts, conservationists and from both the Environmental Law Foundation and Wild Justice.
Despite these objections application for the adventure hub was approved by committee on the 16th October 2024.
As a result Lawyers at Leigh Day, working on behalf of Wild Justice, considered that the planning process was potentially unlawful and were granted permission to challenge Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park Authority in a judicial review on five grounds.
The Judicial Review was heard in June 2025, and in September 2025 a landmark decision by the High Court ruled in Wild Justice’s favour. The Court held that Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for the Moylgrove Adventure Hub was unlawful and quashed the permission.
The judgment highlighted the importance of decision-makers having access to the right ecological information before making decisions affecting protected sites. It also found that impacts on the SSSI, including potential impacts on Choughs, had not been properly addressed.
It is a case that has changed the conversation greatly, contributing to a wider discussion about how activities that may affect protected coastal areas should be considered.
Thanks to the work of Cadw Ceibwr, where proposals or activities may affect protected sites, the environmental assessments required by law must be properly considered and supported by appropriate ecological evidence.
The Ceibwr judgment demonstrated the importance of ensuring that decision-makers have the relevant information before reaching a decision.
More to follow....
Education
Conservation education builds ecological literacy and inspires active stewardship of the natural environment through structured learning and community engagement.
Cadw Ceibwr's aims are to:
Build Knowledge: Teaching people about ecosystems, biodiversity, and human-nature interactions.
Driving Action: Encouraging sustainable habits and practical ways to protect local wildlife.
Help Shape Policy: Inspiring communities to advocate for environmental laws and responsible business practices.
Working in partnership with the relevant bodies and organisations responsible to ensure the preservation and restoration of nature is a priority in any decision and management relating to Ceibwr Bay.
Members of Cadw Ceibwr have visited primary schools and libraries to present, engage and educate. Educating young people in conservation is essential because it builds lifelong environmental responsibility and empowers the next generation to address critical challenges like biodiversity loss.
Cadw Ceibwr has presented at Literary Festivals near and far including those at Hay on Wye, Llangwm and Appledore.
In Partnership with Sea Trust Wales we organised a 'Sealabration' event, where over 2 days inspirational talks and activities by members of Cadw Ceibwr were presented, along with authors, an ecologist and a Dr of Philosophy.
More to follow.....
Click on maps to enlarge
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Recognition
Making a positive difference
Recently Cadw Ceibwr was shortlisted for the Marsh Award of the campaign for National Parks, Park Protector Awards.
It recognises the exceptional contribution of groups such as Cadw Ceibwr and initiatives that put nature at the heart of work to protect UK National Parks.
The nomination reflects the work of the whole community including the volunteers of Cadw Ceibwr, those behind the scenes and those who are sadly no longer with us but who contributed so much to the protection of Ceibwr Bay and the surrounding area.
The event, to be held at the House of Commons in October will be attended by two representatives.
whatever the outcome it is a significant step forward and an event where more connections can be made to further the work of Cadw Ceibwr.
More to follow...
Ceibwr Bay from Pencastell
Ceibwr Bay from Pencastell
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Guardianship
In the late 1970s, Wynford Vaughan Thomas OBE and CBE, a leading figure in Welsh broadcasting and Welsh cultural heritage, along with his wife Charlotte, as the owners, gifted part of the land at Ceibwr to the National Trust to be kept in trust.
In his book 'Wales', Wynford Vaughan Thomas writes;
“I am certain that the landscape of Wales really is as splendid as I have maintained it is. Not all of it I regret to say, for many Welshmen themselves treat the legacy of beauty we have received from the past, as if it can be easily exploited for the profit of the present. They ignore the condemnation of the future.”
Ceibwr Bay
Wynford Vaughan Thomas
OBE CBE
Join Our Conservation Movement
Support Cadw Ceibwr
Cadw Ceibwr believes in the importance of preserving the natural world and making changes that focus on rebalancing toward the protection of wildlife and the environment, for the benefit of this and future generations.
If you would like to support our work please make a donation at our JustGiving page. Diolch yn fawr, Thank you.
