2017 has been another busy year for the National Park Authority and a year in which I was fortunate enough to be elected chair for the first time.

With Visit Wales promoting 2017 as the Year of Legends, many of the authority’s projects and events were themed around the many tales and myths that have led to Pembrokeshire being dubbed the land of magic and enchantment. Amongst those projects was a series of videos and audio stories re-telling some of the area’s well-loved legends with the National Park’s landscape and landmarks providing the backdrop.

It was also the year the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail was added to Google Street View, making it possible to preview the renowned walking route online from a range of digital devices. This was only made possible thanks to two of the Park Authority’s wardens, Ainsley and Alex, who carried the 25kg of camera equipment on their backs along the 186-mile path.

As part of the authority’s plans to refocus visitor services in Tenby and Saundersfoot, a Summer Ranger was employed to engage with people visiting the two seaside towns. Over 600 people participated in ranger-led events and excellent feedback was received from visitors, local businesses and organisations.

September saw the start of the authority’s Pathways project, which will provide more than 2,000 volunteering experiences over a three-year period. The Welsh Government-funded project aims to help more people spend time in the outdoors by providing volunteering, learning and training opportunities in the National Park and nearby areas.

The authority’s commitment to investing in its three visitor attractions means 2018 will be an exciting year, with each one providing more reasons to visit the National Park and learn about its rich culture and heritage.

In late February, Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St. Davids will welcome another world-renowned work of art with William Stott of Oldham’s Le Passeur (The Ferryman) the focal point of a new exhibition.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, the project to reconstruct the Cooks House roundhouse will be completed, while the first phase of works at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill will see a new café offer added to the Walled Garden.

2018 promises to be another challenging year as public organisations face further budget cuts. The authority will be faced with more difficult decisions, but it remains well placed to deal with these challenges and will continue to look at any options that will improve efficiency, including joint-working opportunities.

As we bid farewell to 2017 and welcome in 2018 and the Year of the Sea, I encourage you to take the opportunity to discover more of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s world-class landscape and find out what makes this place so special.

On behalf of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority - members and staff - may I thank those groups and individuals who have supported us in our work and may I wish all readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.