​​Pwllcrochan Environmental Centre Educates Students Through Its Natural Habitat

Posted: 7/1/2025

When the Pembroke refinery acquired the nearby abandoned, deconsecrated 14th century St. Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed building, it restored and converted it into the Pwllcrochan Environmental Centre. For over 20 years, the centre has served as an “outdoor classroom” for elementary children in Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom.

Located near the Pembroke Refinery, the centre provides students a fun and engaging approach to learning about biodiversity. Students use math, science and their creative skills through a variety of activities such as pond-dipping, identifying species of plants and exploring the surrounding woodland area.

Last year the program welcomed 900 elementary students from 20 schools to the center, and captured the growth of two owlets in a nest box constructed by volunteers. This year the centre will host students from May until the end of July, and again in September for two weeks with plans to set up stationary cameras to film ​lesser horseshoe bats and sparrow hawks.

Valero provides funding for the educational program and receives assistance from the community and Valero retirees on maintenance of the grounds.

*In the United Kingdom, the term “listed building” refers to a building or other structure officially designated as being of special architectural, historical, or cultural significance. Grade II structures are those considered to be "particularly important buildings of more than special interest."