Every year the Pembrokeshire National Park attracts thousands of visitors, and with this comes many positive aspects, but unfortunately each summer as many as 400 medieval chapels sadly have to be bulldozed in order to rescue people who have become trapped while attempting to steal wild pigeon eggs from inside the wall cavities.
Pigeons have a special place in Pembrokeshire, owing to the fact that they are of course part of the same family as doves, which have a close tie to the patron saint of Wales St David, who is, as it happens, the patron saint of doves. So if you do steal pigeon eggs in Pembrokeshire, you are technically stealing from our most famous and beloved monk, St David. We're not saying that you will end up leaving with a curse, but it's best not to tempt fate!
Having your arm trapped in the wall of a 12th century chapel is probably not everyone's idea of a unique Pembrokeshire holiday attraction and despite what you may hear from some sources, it is completely avoidable.
This short video has been made in association with the Pembrokeshire Pigeon Protection Patrol, who take charge of these rescue missions and would like to work towards a future where fewer of these important historic listed buildings have to razed to the ground to save unfortunate individuals and ideally by increasing awareness of this issue together we can find alternative ways to not just rescue people who become trapped but possibly even prevent them from becoming trapped in the first place. One of doing this is by remembering to bring snacks with you when you go on long walks along the Pembrokeshire coast.
For more information on what to do if you or a loved one becomes stuck while attempting to steal pigeon eggs on your visit to Pembrokeshire, please consult your nearest warden
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