Challenging times lay ahead for the National Parks of Wales, not only championing the existing successful framework, but examining and highlighting potential consequences from a crop of Bills wending their way through the legislative procedure.

So said the chair of the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Peter Heard, at the society's annual meeting in Stackpole Court.

Commented Mr. Heard: "There is little doubt that that we have to be prepared to defend the National Parks of Wales at a time when under the austerity conditions the authorities have their budgets severely reduced and now the Welsh Government has called for a thorough review of designated landscapes in Wales. The three Parks and other similarly minded bodies are working well together under the banner of an Alliance and are putting up a vigorous defence of these areas we hold so dear."

During a very well attended meeting, the leader of the Friends' highly acclaimed work party, Alan Mason, told the meeting that during the last 12 months, the group had gone from strength to strength, with as many as 14 volunteers turning out on some occasions.

Work had been undertaken from Marloes to Strumble Head; from Angle to St. Davids and had included tasks from fencing to coppicing; from repairing bridges to clearing ponds and during the year contributed 323 work days assisting with the maintenance of iconic areas within the National Park... that is 70 hours more than the previous year.

The chair of the policy subcommittee, Edward Holdaway, was unable to be present, but reported via the chair that it had been a busy year on the policy front, particularly with matters of a pan Wales perspective which involved the newly-formed the Alliance... which consists of the National Park Societies; CPRW; the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and more recently the Gower Society. In this sphere, there was a very close working relationship with the three National Park Authorities.

On the local front, wind turbines were of continuing concern, particularly in the north of the Park and in the vicinity of the Angle peninsula, as was the increasing trend towards the 'industrialisation' of farming procedures.

The vitally important ongoing Review of Designate Landscapes in Wales plus other issues such as the Planning Bill and the Environment Bill would ensure that the year ahead would be a busy one.

Steve Drinkwater reported that in conjunction with the National Park Authority, the Friends had obtained a £4.9k grant to enable a scheme to be adopted in Pembrokeshire which enabled the tailoring of walks for those with health and disability problems, so helping them to enjoy the Park.

Executive member, Ian Pattinson, told members of the Friends' involvement with the Mosaic Scheme (Diversity Outdoors Project) and that since 2012 more than 600 people from ethnic communities in South and West Wales had been introduced to the benefits and visual charm of a National Park.

In a report from Jane Mason, the Friends' events organiser, it was reported that events during the year had been very well attended and ranged from archaeology in north Pembrokeshire to a trip to Caldey Island; from Dale Fort to Carew Castle and lectures ranging from Pembrokeshire fishing to the wide range of sea birds found off the county's coastline.

The outgoing treasurer, Jane Heard, reported on a healthy financial situation, before handing over to her successor, Howard Williams, and to mark Mrs Heard's much appreciated contribution, she was presented with a gift on behalf of the Friends.

Bouquets were also presented to long-serving membership secretary, Dorothy Huthwaite, and also events organiser, Jane Mason.

Press officer, Richard Howells, reported that over the year, well over 20-plus releases had been distributed to a dozen sources; events had been publicised and promotional leaflets distributed to numerous outlets.

At the close of the meeting, the membership was addressed by Tegryn Jones, chief executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, who, after thanking the Friends for their support, both nationally and on the ground within the county, went on explain some of the challenges that lay ahead.

The following officers were appointed at the meeting: chair, Peter Heard; secretary, Jill Eaton Evans; treasurer, Howard Williams; work parties, Alan Mason; Walkability liaison, Steve Drinkwater; planning applications, Ian Beaumont; chair of policy, Edward Holdaway; business membership, Theresa Arkle and press officer, Richard Howells.