Many local people and visitors to Whiteford will be familiar with the bird hide on Berges Island, overlooking the Loughor Estuary. Situated some two and a half miles from the main access to Whiteford, it has for many years provided walkers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with a wonderful place from which to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, as well as welcome shelter in poor weather.
Unfortunately, time and the exposed coastal environment have taken their toll. The hide has now been closed for over a year. An attempt was made earlier this year to repair it, but this was unsuccessful and the possibility of demolition was subsequently considered.
The National Trust has now informed me that after examination with a view to repairing the hide earlier this month, it became apparent that the hide is no longer in a serviceable condition and that it would not be economically feasible to go about attempting to repair it. With this in mind, they aim to have the current hide dismantled in October, weather permitting. They would then establish the planning requirements for a replacement and, if necessary, have plans drawn up. They added that external funding is not currently being sought while that process is undertaken.
Following a recent meeting Natural Resources Wales has decided to look at the hide itself and consider whether repair may still be feasible. We understand that this assessment should take place within the next couple of weeks and that NRW will liaise with the National Trust.
I spoke with the Trust yesterday ( 24th September )and was informed that the above process is likely to take some months and that the hide would not be up and running again this winter. At this stage, no firm date could be given.
While the assessment and planning process is taking place, I believe there is a strong case for progressing as much of the preparatory work as reasonably possible alongside it. This need not pre-empt the outcome of NRW’s assessment or any eventual decision by the National Trust, but running these different strands of work in parallel could maintain momentum and significantly reduce the risk of further unnecessary delay once the way forward has been agreed.
There is considerable enthusiasm within the local community to help secure the future of the hide. Individuals have already expressed a willingness to contribute, including two people with considerable woodworking experience who would be keen to offer practical and professional help. This seems a particularly good opportunity to bring that local knowledge, experience and goodwill together with the expertise of the National Trust and NRW.
For that reason, I believe there would be real value in encouraging a small local group to come together and help maintain momentum behind the project. It could draw on people with useful local knowledge, practical or professional experience and a shared interest in securing the future of the hide, while working closely and constructively with the National Trust and NRW. More widely, I believe this represents a particularly valuable opportunity for the National Trust to build on its long association with Llanmadoc, strengthen its links with the local community and develop still further the goodwill and sense of partnership that are so important to the future of such a special place. A successful project involving the Trust, NRW and the local community could provide an excellent example of what can be achieved by working together, not only at Whiteford but potentially more widely across Gower.
There is also a useful precedent for this at Whiteford. Some years ago, a local group bringing together the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Gower Society, members of the local community and others with specialist knowledge met regularly and worked very successfully. Something along similar lines today could help re-establish that valuable local connection and provide a positive foundation for working together in the future.
There is already encouraging financial support. The Gower Society Green Team has offered £4,000 from its own funds, providing a firm contribution towards the future of the hide. As the eventual costs become clearer, other avenues of support can also be explored, including the possibility of seeking additional support from the Gower Society.
There is also a particularly welcome link with the history of the hide. The Wilkinson family, who were involved in funding the original structure, have approached the National Trust directly and expressed an interest in contributing towards its future. The extent of that possible contribution is not yet known, but their interest, alongside the support already offered by the Gower Society and the possibility of other sources of funding, is extremely encouraging.
Dai Roberts
