BBC TV presenter Iolo Williams visits Fishguard and Goodwick

Iolo Williams, who presents BBC Two's Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch visited Fishguard and Goodwick in support of Sea Trust conservation charity.

The TV presenter and naturalist appeared alongside Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson and staff members Nadia and Anna at Theatr Gwaun to give an illustrated talk on Whales in Wales.

(Image: James Shelton) He then met Sea Trust staff and volunteers at the Ocean Lab before heading to Strumble Head on one of the charity’s marine surveys.

Sea Trust Sea gifted 110 seats at the event to Year 7 pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and members of the charity’s Young Marine Biologists club.

(Image: Western Telegraph) The other 60 public seats sold out within days.

“It was excellent,” said Iolo of his experience in the theatre. “The children were very responsive and very knowledgeable.

“It’s important that people know what they have got on their own doorstep,” he said.

(Image: James Shelton) “Here in Pembrokeshire people are starting to realise just how lucky they are especially in terms of marine wildlife. It’s one of the best places in the UK if not the world for harbour porpoises and common dolphins.

“The work Sea Trust and Cliff have done here is superb. It’s nice to see so many local people getting involved, and young people. Sea Trust is not only a charity, it employs people here.”

(Image: James Shelton) Iolo said that Sea Trust was so important because it was locally based.

“This is local and some of the research they are doing is ground-breaking,” he said. “Before Sea Trust we didn’t realise how important this area is for harbour porpoise. Now its protected. If they hadn’t gone out and dome the research, it still wouldn’t be protected.”

Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson has known Iolo for around four decades when they were both involved in different ways with protecting the red kite population in the Cambrian Mountains.

(Image: James Shelton) “It is epic for the charity to have Iolo’s support,” he said. “There is not another Welsh man who has the kindness and charisma and down to earth character as a presenter and all-round wildlife enthusiast.

“What you see is what you get.”

Sea Trust has a young marine biologist group that runs from the Ocean Lab for young people aged 10-17. The 10-14 age group meets once a week while the 15-17age group meets once a month.

All equipment is provided an the group is free to join. For more information, email Sea Trust education officer Anna on annaw@seatrust.org.uk.