New electric minibus brings accessible adventures to the Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has taken a significant step towards improving accessibility and sustainability with the introduction of a new electric minibus, funded by BMW UK’s Recharge in Nature partnership with UK National Parks, as well as a contribution from the Ministry of Defence, via the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Conservation Stewardship Fund.

By replacing an aging diesel minibus, the new electric bus promotes more sustainable travel, reduced emissions and noise pollution. It 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.

Director of Nature and Tourism, James Parkin commented: “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, not normally accessible to the public, throughout the spring and summer.

“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.”

Entering its third year, the Recharge in Nature partnership between BMW UK and National Parks has seen 81 new electric vehicle charge points installed across the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Dartmoor, and Bannau Brycheiniog National Parks over the last two years, with more to come later this year. Each Park also has its own nature restoration and community impact project funded through the partnership, which includes the new electric bus. The partnership 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: “At BMW, we are committed to driving positive change through more sustainable mobility and environmental stewardship. 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. We are proud to support initiatives that help more people experience the beauty of the UK’s National Parks in a way that aligns with our vision for a more sustainable future.”

James Nevitt, Senior Public access & Recreation Advisor from Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), adds: “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. DIO hope the new addition will be enjoyed by even more of the Pembrokeshire community and its visitors.”

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.”

Promoting sustainable transport and connecting people to nature are key focus areas for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. By using an electric minibus, the Authority is reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring more people can benefit from the restorative power of nature.

To find out more about the work of the Park Authority and how to take part in any projects mentioned, please visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.