A NEW electric minibus is creating more accessible adventures at the Pembrokeshire coast, promoting sustainable travel and inclusivity.
By replacing an ageing diesel minibus with the new electric bus, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is promoting more sustainable travel, reduced emissions and noise pollution. The minibus will also improve access to the Park to allow more people, including those with mobility limitations, to participate in activities such as supported volunteer projects and guided nature tours.
The minibus was unveiled during a special trip with volunteers to Castlemartin Range, a unique and dramatic landscape that is home to rare wildlife and fascinating military history. Experienced Park Authority volunteer tour guides lead walking and minibus tours across this restricted MOD area throughout the spring and summer.
Director of Nature and Tourism, James Parkin said: “Guided tours to Castlemartin Range have grown in popularity, with over 1,250 people taking part in the last four years. Many visitors have expressed a desire for family members or friends with mobility challenges to join them, and this new minibus will help accommodate a broader range of participants, offering them the chance to experience the beauty of the National Park.”
The Recharge in Nature partnership between BMW UK and National Parks will see a total of £1 million invested into nature and community projects, as well as putting all 15 of the UK’s National Parks firmly on the EV map, installing new charging points at every site.
Emily Barrow, Brand Communication Manager at BMW UK said: “The introduction of this electric minibus at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a perfect example of how our Recharge in Nature partnership is making a real impact, enhancing accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.”
James Nevitt, Senior Public Access & Recreation Advisor from Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), added: “DIO wanted to support the Park’s project to increase accessibility opportunities as we recognise the mini-bus tours are an excellent way to safely showcase how this world class landscape is managed to support essential military training as well as the vast array of history and wildlife.”
The Park Authority also runs several projects aimed at connecting people with nature, including:
- Roots to Recovery: a wellbeing project in partnership with Mind Pembrokeshire, providing outdoor activities to support mental health.
- The National Park Youth Ranger Scheme: a programme helping young people develop outdoor skills and conservation knowledge.
- Pathways: a programme designed to help more people spend time in nature through volunteering and training opportunities.
A regular participant in these initiatives described the positive impact of spending time in the National Park, saying, “I am learning something new every minute of each session I can get to. I also laugh a lot and I know that many of us find that if we arrive in a bad mood we will leave in a good one.”