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Leader Live
3 hours ago
- Leader Live
Smoking ban introduced on three North Wales beaches
Cared for by National Trust Cymru, the beaches are part of a new scheme launched in partnership with ASH Wales aimed at protect wildlife, nature, and public health. The 'smoke-free' zones were introduced on June 19 to mark National Clean Air Day and include Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, as well as Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. The shores of Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, North Wales (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: "We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature. "All three locations we've chosen as voluntary smoke-free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant. "We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire. "As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy." Cemlyn, Anglesey (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) The scheme aims to reduce cigarette litter, which poses a threat to marine environments and wildlife. Cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals into the water, and discarded smoking materials can also pose a wildfire risk. The beaches were chosen for their environmental importance. Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, is home to a colony of choughs, the rarest member of the crow family, as well as seals and porpoises. Cemlyn supports one of the UK's largest colonies of Sandwich terns, with around 1,500 pairs, and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Nature Reserve. Porthor, known for its 'whistling sands,' is a haven for birds and marine life, including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and seals. Notice boards have been placed at each site to inform visitors of the scheme. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "Smoke-free spaces are not only popular—they're essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first." According to National Trust Cymru, public opinion shows 'strong support' for the scheme, with 56 per cent of Welsh adults supporting a smoking ban on beaches. In Anglesey, support for the ban rises to 87 per cent. The launch was marked with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School on June 19.
North Wales Chronicle
4 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Smoking ban introduced on three North Wales beaches
Cared for by National Trust Cymru, the beaches are part of a new scheme launched in partnership with ASH Wales aimed at protect wildlife, nature, and public health. The 'smoke-free' zones were introduced on June 19 to mark National Clean Air Day and include Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, as well as Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. The shores of Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, North Wales (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: "We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature. "All three locations we've chosen as voluntary smoke-free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant. "We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire. "As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy." Cemlyn, Anglesey (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) The scheme aims to reduce cigarette litter, which poses a threat to marine environments and wildlife. Cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals into the water, and discarded smoking materials can also pose a wildfire risk. The beaches were chosen for their environmental importance. Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, is home to a colony of choughs, the rarest member of the crow family, as well as seals and porpoises. Cemlyn supports one of the UK's largest colonies of Sandwich terns, with around 1,500 pairs, and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Nature Reserve. Porthor, known for its 'whistling sands,' is a haven for birds and marine life, including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and seals. Notice boards have been placed at each site to inform visitors of the scheme. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "Smoke-free spaces are not only popular—they're essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first." According to National Trust Cymru, public opinion shows 'strong support' for the scheme, with 56 per cent of Welsh adults supporting a smoking ban on beaches. In Anglesey, support for the ban rises to 87 per cent. The launch was marked with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School on June 19.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. (Image: John Miller/National Trust) Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. (Image: Paul Harris Photography/National Trust) The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
Washington Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Gainesville fulfills its potential with a Virginia Class 6 baseball title
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — In the spring of 2022, John Miller was starting from scratch. The baseball coach at recently-opened Gainesville High, his team was entirely comprised of newcomers. But he saw their potential. Four years from now, he thought, this group could be a force. Right away, the Cardinals started punching above their weight. With each passing season, Miller scheduled harder opponents, and they answered every challenge. It accelerated the team's trajectory, quickly turning them into a contender in Northern Virginia. This year's squad, with that first group of players now holding the requisite experience, was ready.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stony-faced Ben Affleck frostily reunites with 'love of his life' Jennifer Garner after her man moved in
They've remained on good terms as they raise three children together after their divorce. But Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner looked rather frosty as they reunited to pick up their 13-year-old son, Samuel, from the airport. Jennifer carried herself with a determined air and was engrossed in a conversation, her attention everted from her former spouse. Meanwhile, Affleck passed the time puffing on a cigarette, and a dramatic plume of smoke exhaled from his mouth. The Argo star appeared stone-faced, his aviator sunglasses providing him with a mysterious ambiance. Once they located their son, Jennifer was seen chatting with the youngster, who stayed occupied with a pair of large headphones. Jennifer and Ben, who were married from 2005 to 2018, also have two other children - Violet, 19, and Fin, 16. In the years since their shock split, both have moved on romantically, with Affleck even tying the knot with former flame Jennifer Lopez, whom he has since divorced. Jennifer, meanwhile, has been dating businessman John Miller since 2018. In the latest update of their relationship, Us Weekly reported that John is now living with the Alias actress 'part time.' 'John is basically living with Jennifer,' a source told the publication in April, noting it was only 'part time.' The site also claimed he moved out of his Los Angeles home after the wildfires ravaged several neighborhoods in the Southern California city, and he has yet to find a new pad. 'He has an office in L.A. and splits his time between staying there and at Jennifer's home,' the source said. 'But he's been staying with Jennifer more often [and] doesn't want to impose, so he's looking for his own place… [and] deciding whether he'll rent or buy.' It all comes several months after Affleck was seen embracing Garner during a paintballing outing with their children, with a source telling at the time that the actor came to the realization after his reunion with Lopez that the Maid In Manhattan actress was not 'the love of his life', but Garner was.
