BARRACKS and forts, a medieval tower, and cutting-edge technology all featured in a recent heritage study visit organised by PLANED and hosted by Pembroke Dock Heritage and Tourism Forum.

As part of the ‘Echoes of the Coast’ group, the forum is working with PLANED and national heritage partners, to develop the Pembrokeshire eco-museum concept.

At Pembroke Dock local historians provided a tantalising insight into the town’s diverse heritage: its royal and international maritime connections, pride in a highly skilled workforce and a taste of its rich social history.

Tom Pert highlighted the versatility of i-beacons which will be used in Pembroke Dock to alert visitors to significant sites via a mobile app. Community representatives outlined their own developments: in Pembroke, QR codes provide information on the town trail.

The atmospheric Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre provided a great setting for the morning session, followed by a tasty lunch.

An afternoon tour led by local guides included Hancock’s boatyard where skilled volunteers are restoring a century of vessels; Martello towers; wonderful Georgian architecture; a family-owned, perfectly preserved shop and Paterchurch tower evoking the town’s earlier origins.

The study visit provided an intimate look at Wales’s only royal dockyard town hosted by the people who know it best.

The study visit was organised by PLANED through its ‘Innovative Heritage’ project, which received funds from the Arwain Sir Benfro LEADER programme, which supports new ideas which help to improve local community.