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Watch BBC Countryfile on Sunday 12th September 2010 at 19.00 BBC One.

BBC Countryfile’s  Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the coast and countryside around St David's in Pembrokeshire. Julia goes whitewater kayaking, and discovers how the area's fierce tides can generate clean, green power.

Meanwhile, John Craven is just along the coast in Milford Haven investigating the legacy of the massive oil spill there fifteen years ago.

Kayaking

In one of her toughest challenges yet for Countryfile, Julia Bradbury attempts to kayak The Bitches, a rocky stretch of white water where the tides are ferocious. A line of jagged rocks - the smaller ones are known as The Whelps - stretches out into Ramsey Sound creating rapids and whirlpools. It's an environment that even the most daredevil kayakers treat with respect.

Tidal energy

A mile across, Ramsey Sound is one of the most forceful tidal waters in the UK and is about to be harnessed to produce hydro-power. The designers hope their trial will produce enough electricity to power the whole of St Davids. But how will the massive underwater turbines affect the wildlife living in the Sound, particularly porpoises and grey seals? Julia meets a man who explains how this innovative technology will work.

Ramsey Island

Ramsey Island is a wildlife haven with a fascinating history. It was a place of pilgrimage for early Christians and has been farmed throughout the centuries. In the past, farmers would swim their cattle across the treacherous waters of the Sound and tie pigs to barrels to float them back to the mainland. Now there's a daily ferry to transport visitors - but only when the wind is favourable. Matt Baker finds out about the rigours of island life with the only year-round inhabitants, RSPB wardens Greg and Lisa Morgan.

Dung beetles

Part of the wardens’ work is to monitor dung beetles for local zoologist Sarah Beynon, who is studying the vital work these insects do in clearing pastures. Julia dons rubber gloves when she goes to help with a home-made experiment that's asking big questions about the use of chemical wormers for cattle.

Oil spills

John Craven is also in Pembrokeshire, finding out about the lasting legacy of the last major oil spill in the UK. In 1996, the Sea Empress ran aground as she entered the harbour at Milford Haven, one of Britain's largest and busiest natural harbours. The tanker leaked 72 thousand tonnes of oil into the sea. John meets a fisherman who was affected by the disaster, and looks at new technology that has been designed to help prevent such a catastrophe from re-occurring. He also asks whether things would be handled differently if the same thing were to happen in 2010.
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Visitor Comments 20/08/2010
 
Please leave any comments here about this site or your stay at Llyndir.  To make a comment please click on the "Visitor Comments" link above - thanks.
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Wi Fi Access 19/08/2010
 
The nearest access point for Wi-Fi is currently Pencarnan Farm - it is possible to get a "low" strength connection at Llyndir.  It is hoped by the Summer of 2011 this will be greatly improved, so those of you that wish to keep in touch with the outside world whilst on your holiday you no longer have to travel in to "The City" to get hooked up!  By the way if you don't have your own laptop "The Bench" in St. Davids is a great little Cyber Cafe!
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