Pembrey Country Park explodes onto TV’s Countryfile

Pembrey Country Park explodes onto TV’s Countryfile

The fascinating history of Pembrey Country Park will be explored as part a special feature on this weekend’s popular BBC programme Countryfile.

Presenter Matt Baker visited the park and the neighbouring Pembrey Burrows nature reserve recently, taking a look at its rich history as a WW1 Royal Ordnance factory.

He was joined by the park’s conservation officer Simeon Jones, and Alice Pyper of the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, who will be seen talking about the WW1 remains in the park and the regeneration of the sand dunes.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the filming with the Countryfile team,” said Simeon.

“Together with the Dyfed Archaeological Trust we were able to draw links between the sand dunes – how they were used as part of the Ordnance during the war, and how they’ve changed over the years.

“Matt Baker was also keen to hear about our dune regeneration programme, and how we’re working with Natural Resources Wales to look after them and maintain its important biodiversity.”

Visitors to Pembrey Country Park are able to explore the park, woodlands and sand dunes for themselves, with information provided at the Visitor Centre.

There is also a wealth of information on the park’s website (www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/pembreycountrypark) giving an insight into how the sand dunes provided the ideal conditions for the manufacture of explosives.

Cllr Meryl Gravell, Executive Board Member for Leisure and Regeneration, said: “Countryfile is the most watched programme on British weekend television, so this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Pembrey Country Park and the nearby Burrows nature reserve.

“We hope everyone will tune in, and then visit our wonderful park to experience what it has to offer for themselves.”

• Tune in to Countryfile on Sunday, January 15, 6.30pm, BBC 1