A new pond-dipping platform at Pembroke Millpond was constructed during the October half-term holiday. The platform is now complete and a gravel path has been laid from the Millpond Walk to the platform thanks to the combined efforts of a team of young people from Princes Trust, volunteer John Hayes, and Owain Johns from Green links Community Interest Company.

The platform is part of the Education Area at Pembroke Millpond Local Nature Reserve and will ensure children can pond dip easily in a safe environment.

Pembroke Millpond Action Group carry out a variety of environmental activities with adults and children at the Millpond as part of their education programme, and the wheelchair accessible pond-dipping platform will be well used.

The Millpond environmental improvement work has been funded by several generous funders, including Biffaward, Communities First Trust Fund, The Co-op Community Fund, Awards for All, Environment Wales, Environment Agency, Tidy Towns, Milford Haven Port Authority and PLANED. Jewsons have also been supportive by lending safety barriers during the construction work.

The team carried out the work as part of an OCN course run by Green Links. Part of the course included the construction of other structures and the team put together two bird tables and several bird and bat boxes as well.

One bird table and bird boxes will be donated to St. Mary's School in Bufferland, who have created a school garden with the help of one of the action group's volunteers, Barry Potter. The other bird and bat boxes will be installed in Holyland Wood and the bird table will go to a worthy cause. The Princes Trust is also interested in other projects and training run by Pembroke 21C.

Chair of Pembroke Millponds Action Group, John Hayes, said: "Despite torrential rain, especially at the beginning of the week, the team worked extremely well, helping each other when needed and offering advice and encouragement. Everyone working alongside the Princes Trust Team was very impressed with their work and we would love to work with the team again."

If you would like to find out more about future activities happening at Pembroke Millpond, please contact Jo Brookman, Pembroke Millpond project officer, Pembroke 21C Community Association, on 01646 680090.