PEMBROKESHIRE Falconry is to open a new bird of prey visitor centre at Picton Castle.

The new site will be located within an area of the Grade II listed Picton Castle Gardens called the Bluebell wood and will consist of 35 aviary structures, a ticket office, shop and a new path.

Following an ecological survey and consultation, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority voted to approve the new site last week.

Despite concerns raised by local businesses and nature groups, the national park ecologist ruled that the proposals would not have a significant impact on biodiversity in the area.

The planning committee heard that Pembrokeshire Falconry has already been flying birds in the area for eight years on an almost daily basis.

Their presence at the site overnight was not deemed to be a problem.

“The birds are captive, trained, display birds and fed from the hand, thus greatly reducing their desire to hunt,” read the ecologist’s report.

“Although there may be the occasional incidence where the birds of prey feed on carrion and hunt small mammals and birds, the level to which this will occur is very unlikely to result in significant or detrimental impacts on local populations.”

Around 27 responses to the proposals were been submitted by neighbours and other concerned parties, including the owners of a local poultry farm and manager of a nearby pheasant shoot.

Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Mary Sinclair, spoke out in opposition of the proposals at the committee meeting.

“The current low usage protects the native population of birds,” she said.

“This is a wonderful area for local species with almost 100 species.

“If you approve, it should be temporary for two years to assess the impact of the birds.”

Cllr Michael Williams echoed her concerns. “I would like to see a consent for two years,” he said.

However, the committee deemed that two years would not be enough time to make an effective study on the impact to local bird populations.

The committee voted to approve the plans, with 13 in favour and one against.