MAN’S BODY FOUND: Tragic discovery at Gower beauty spot

The tragic discovery was made on the Gower beauty spot on Sunday morning, March 8.

South Wales Police had been conducting a search in the area after a missing man’s car was found in a car park at the popular location on Saturday, March 7.

Officers have now confirmed that a body was found on the sand at Rhossili, a beach often named among the best in the world.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of missing man Matthew Whale has been informed of the development.

Mr Whale, 52, from the Killay area of Swansea, had been reported as a missing person, prompting the search operation.

His car was located in Rhossili, sparking a multi-agency response.

HM Coastguard teams were involved in the extensive search on Saturday afternoon.

Helicopters were also seen circling the area as part of the efforts to locate Mr Whale.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police issued a statement on Sunday morning.

She said: “A body of a man has been found on Rhossili Beach, Swansea.”

“While formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of missing man Matthew Whale has been informed.”

The discovery has cast a sombre mood over the Gower community, an area renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

Rhossili cliff horses win reprieve after National Trust meeting

Local farmer Nicky Beynon, who has cared for the animals for generations, was asked to provide paperwork proving the horses’ grazing rights. Documents and history stretching back decades were presented to the Trust, confirming the legitimacy of the herd’s presence on the land.

Historic grazing rights proven

The National Trust, as landowner, had requested evidence to cover itself against any incidents involving the horses. After reviewing the paperwork, officials agreed the animals were entitled to remain.

Nicky Beynon said the horses “wouldn’t be there if they weren’t allowed,” stressing that the herd has been part of Rhossili long before many residents — and even before the Trust itself.

Community calls for better communication

While the outcome was welcomed as a positive resolution, campaigners in the Rhossili Horse Action Group said the episode highlighted the need for clearer communication between the Trust and the local community.

Robert Morgan, who runs Rhossili Sunflowers and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, posted an update thanking supporters for their offers of help and kind words. He noted that “lots of pressure” had been felt locally alongside the requirements from the Trust, but welcomed the agreement that the horses would stay.

Locals call for education and respect

The decision to let the horses stay was met with relief and celebration across Gower — but also calls for better public awareness.

Dave Thomas suggested the National Trust should now “educate some of the visitors in the etiquette of being around animals,” proposing volunteer wardens to give “toolbox talks” about common grazing.

Meriel Hall, who has lived on Gower for nearly 50 years, said the outcome was a reminder that “it’s us that need to change our behaviour — not the animals.”

Others raised concerns about safety. Gwen Johns urged more protection from “dogs off their leads and ignorant walkers who get too close for a selfie,” while Louise Eden called for “large, clear signage” and multilingual warnings to keep the public at a respectful distance.

Carole Meloni added: “One death is too many — it happens every year. It’s heartbreaking.”

Simon Bowkett praised both Nicky Beynon and Alan Kearsley of the National Trust for resolving the issue, saying: “Let’s hope the point remains seen now.”

What it means for Rhossili

The decision ends weeks of uncertainty after the Trust initially ordered the removal of the horses, sparking widespread outcry. With grazing rights now confirmed, the animals will continue to roam the cliffs — a sight cherished by residents and visitors alike.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Outcry as National Trust orders removal of Rhossili’s iconic cliff horses
Initial decision sparked widespread backlash and calls for transparency over grazing rights.

Gower Society denies involvement after claims in Rhossili pony dispute
Local group distances itself from controversy after being linked to the National Trust’s decision.

More National Trust news and updates
Explore the latest stories on conservation, land management, and community disputes across South West Wales.

#Farming #Gower #GowerFreshChristmasTrees #GowerPonies #horses #NationalTrust #Rhossili #RhossiliHorseActionGroup #Sunflower

Outcry as National Trust orders removal of Rhossili’s iconic cliff horses

A December deadline that shocked the community

According to Robert Morgan, who runs Rhossili Sunflowers and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, a letter was sent last week giving farmer Nicky Beynon until 1 December to find a new home for the horses.

Morgan said the decision followed pressure from some residents and the Gower Society, despite widespread local support for keeping the animals where they are.

The herd has been part of Rhossili’s landscape for decades, once cared for by the late Ernie Beynon, who tended the horses across Gower until his death aged 94. Supporters say the animals are not only a much‑loved sight for visitors but also play a vital role in grazing vegetation, keeping paths open, and supporting biodiversity.

Memories, fears and calls for action

The Facebook post by Rhossili Sunflowers has drawn thousands of responses, with many locals and visitors sharing memories and concerns.

• “This is awful, it’s been their home for years and years… May I suggest a petition to show the National Trust of the hundreds of people who still think the horses should stay on the cliffs of Rhossili. I would happily sign it,” wrote Mia Lizzie.
• Michael Macintosh admitted he worries about safety: “While I love the horses there, it fills me with fear every time I see them roaming down the cliff paths and edges… It’s definitely not fair forcing them off the land but would absolutely love the edge to be fenced for them to be that little bit safer.”
• Visitors from abroad also shared their affection. Andrea Kreft, from Germany, recalled: “Forty years ago we spent our honeymoon in Gower… we woke up to the sound of grazing ponies around our tent. Now our grandchildren have seen them too. If there will be a petition, I’ll sign.”
• Others spoke of lifelong ties. Hilary Stephenson said: “I grew up in Llangennith 40 plus years ago. The ponies grazing across Llanmadoc and Rhossili were part of the landscape. The Beynons have known and worked this land for so many years. It is such a shame.”
• Laura Cotton suggested conservation grazing may be at the heart of the issue: “Perhaps the NT feel they are overstocked. Be interested to hear their reasons.”
• Rebecca Tilly Rose added: “Incredibly sad decision and one I feel has been made without any thought to the ponies… They brought such joy to us this summer.”
• Lesley Hilliard described how seeing ponies on Gower as a child inspired a lifelong love of Welsh ponies: “Please don’t take these ponies off the common.”
• And Monica Jane McCarthy speculated safety concerns may be driving the move: “Gotta be because of tourists approaching them when being told not to… They’ve lost horses over the edge due to this, so it probably is for their own safety.”

Councillors step in to show support

Reform UK councillor Francesca O’Brien also posted about the issue, saying she and her father — Conservative councillor Richard Lewis — were “more than happy to support in any way we can.”

National Trust says safety and numbers are the issue

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, a National Trust Cymru spokesperson said:

“Following complaints about a stallion, which is part of the herd of horses on the common, we have written to the commoner who owns the horse asking them to move it elsewhere due to public safety concerns.

We are also reviewing the number of horses currently grazing on the common, which we believe exceeds the agreed limit in the commoner’s rights to graze.

Our priority is to ensure the safety of visitors, the welfare of the grazing animals and the ecological health of Rhossili.”

The Trust added that it is engaging with the owner to “further understand the number that can remain on the common.”

A landscape shaped by ponies and people

While the National Trust owns the common land at Rhossili, the management and care of livestock is the responsibility of commoners, who each hold rights to graze a set number of animals.

The horses have long been a defining feature of the headland, but recent years have seen tensions over safety and welfare. Earlier this year, two horses died at Rhossili — one falling from the cliffs, another losing an unborn foal after eating dog waste — prompting warnings from farmers and the Trust about the risks posed by visitors and dogs.

#Commoners #featured #Gower #GowerPonies #horses #Rhossili

Horton Port Eynon lifeboat crew rescue stranded walkers on Worms Head  Rhossili

Shortly after 13:30, the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat was launched following a report received from the National Coastguard Institution and the Coastguards of two people cut off by the incoming tide.

The sea was choppy and despite this, the boat made good time to Worms Head. The crew quickly located the male walkers who were visiting the area for the weekend.

The walkers, believed to be students at Bristol University, were taken on board the lifeboat back to Rhossili, where they were taken to safety. The duo had told the volunteer crew of Stuart Payne, Abi Penny, and David Frend that they had misjudged the tide.  

Lawrie Grove, the Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station  said: 

“I would remind people when walking on or near the coast to make sure that they check local tide times and plan walks accordingly.

“They should never try to swim or wade to shore when cut off by the tide, as it is extremely dangerous. The causeway at  Rhossili that leads to Worms Head is usually open 2 ½ hours either side of low tide, with the times displayed near the causeway.

“You should take a means of communication with you and,  if you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

#HortonPortEnynonLifeboat #Rhossili #RNLI #RNLILifeboat #WormsHead

Horton and Port Eynon Crew members receive prestigious awards

The lifeboat had been tasked to go to the aid of seven casualties cut off by the tide at Worms Head Rhossili. The lifeboat had to contend with a very strong swell and high wave conditions in going to Worms Head where the 7 students had been cut off by the rising tide. 

The students had made an initial attempt to cross the water and had turned back. The lifeboat crew assessed the conditions and made and executed a plan to take the students back to the mainland two at a time. The series of transfers was completed successfully and is an example of the excellent seamanship of the crew. 

The Commendation also recorded that “Throughout the service, you demonstrated excellent courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea are greatly appreciated.” 

The letters of Commendation were presented to the crew by the President of the Station, Sir Bob Hastie. 

Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat  Operations Manager of the lifeboat station,  said:

“The presentation had been kept under wraps and was a complete surprise to the three of them. The rescue was a difficult and challenging one where they needed all of their skills and training.

“We are extremely proud of them. It is a measure of their down-to-earth nature and humility that the crew were  keen to stress that they are part of a team at the station and could not do their job without the support and hard  work of everyone at the station.”

[Lead image RNLI Lifeboats]

#Horton #PortEynon #Rhossili #RNLILifeboat #WormsHead

Fundraiser launched to help rebuild historic Worm’s Head Hotel after devastating fire

The blaze broke out in the early hours of 14 July, severely damaging the property and leaving its roof completely gutted. The hotel has been a central feature of Rhossili since the 1800s, welcoming guests from across the globe with generous hospitality and panoramic views across the Gower coastline.

In a statement shared publicly, Julian Short, hotel owner, said: “It is particularly heartbreaking and soul-destroying for me and my family to see 25 years of hard work destroyed in less than 30 minutes. We will strive to come back stronger.”

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, fire crews from six stations responded to the incident, tackling flames that had spread rapidly through the accommodation block and roof space. The fire was extinguished by 5.30am, with crews remaining on site to dampen down and investigate the cause, which is not believed to be deliberate.

Now, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by Vanessa Short to help support the family, staff and hotel rebuild. While it is not confirmed whether Vanessa is a member of the Short family, the fundraiser outlines the urgent need for financial aid following the loss.

The fundraiser reads:

“In just a few hours, a lifetime of hard work, dreams and memories were reduced to ash. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the building has been gutted, the roof totally destroyed, and the family and staff are now facing the heartbreaking task of starting over.”

“Insurance will only cover a fraction of what’s needed to rebuild and the costs are overwhelming. Whether it’s £5 or £500 every donation makes a real difference.”

Funds raised will go directly toward supporting staff — including those who lived on site — as well as emergency expenses and long-term repair costs. The hotel’s future remains uncertain, but community support has already poured in.

Local businesses have joined in sharing messages of solidarity. Nearby café The View Rhossili called the incident “heartbreaking,” while Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park described the Worm’s Head Hotel as “an iconic Gower business” and pledged their support in helping it reopen.

The Worm’s Head Hotel has long been a beloved institution on the peninsula, not only as a destination for visitors but also a gathering place for local residents. Over the past four years, it has hosted events, supported nearby enterprises and offered countless guests a warm welcome at the edge of the sea.

Donations can be made via the official campaign page: Help Worms Head Family Rebuild

#fire #fundraising #Gower #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHeadHotel