A survey has underlined the importance of the natural environment to Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry.

Research carried out by the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership showed that as well as the beautiful landscape and the coastal National Park, people particularly valued the county’s iconic species such as puffins and seals.

And two-thirds of those surveyed said they would be willing to donate to a voluntary scheme supporting local conservation efforts.

The research was carried out as part of a feasibility study to look into the viability of setting up a ‘Visitor-Giving’ initiative.

Funded by LEADER - the rural development programme - the scheme would help protect nature so that it could be enjoyed by visitors and residents, both now and in the future.

The survey showed that 32 per cent of respondents said they would be more likely to choose a business, such as an accommodation or recreation provider, which was a part of such a scheme.

Eighty per cent of visitors were comfortable with donating to a general fund to improve the conservation status of the wider environment, rather than being specific to a site they visit or a targeted campaign.

A massive 92 per cent of the trade respondents agreed that the natural environment was ‘very important’ to their business.

The same figure saw a benefit to their business being associated with fund-raising schemes that support the environment and would be happy to signpost visitors to such an initiative.

The survey also showed that both visitors and businesses strongly believed that it was very important to know how any money raised would be spent.

Although there are no currently plans to develop a voluntary ‘visitor-giving’ scheme, the research showed just how important good quality environment is to the visitor economy and the importance of working together to help protect it.

There have been many superb initiatives run by local organisations and individuals - such as beach cleans and litter picks - that are helping keep Pembrokeshire’s beaches and local environment special.

However, recent reports show that the natural environment is under threat and that there is an urgent need to do more to help protect as well as regenerate our nature and landscapes.

For more information please contact Anthony Rogers from the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership at: [email protected]