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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
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. 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. 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.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Engineers on site as sewage pipe burst near designated bathing spot
Southern Water engineers continue to work at a car park in Warsash after a sewage pipe burst in "close proximity" to a designated bathing spot. The utility company was alerted to a leak near Passage Lane car park on Saturday, which is close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and shellfish waters linked to the River Hamble. The burst is believed to have been discovered when footpaths near the pay and display parking spot were flooded. While a social media post from Paul Holmes MP on Sunday confirmed that the spill had been stopped, Southern Water confirmed to the Echo that engineers are still on site today. A spokesperson from the Environment Agency told the BBC that there was "no indication" bathing water had been affected. READ MORE: Swanwick road set for temporary closure Tankers are still on site at the parking spot near the River Hamble to manage the flow of water. Mr Holmes' social media post said that Southern Water were taking a "number of mitigation actions to protect the environment". This included having environmental specialists take samples and the use of barriers to stop overland flows. A spokesperson from Southern Water told the Echo: 'Our teams are repairing a burst sewer main near Passage Lane car park in Warsash. "We currently have tankers on site to help manage the flow. "We're sorry for any disruption this is causing customers in the area.'
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Protest held at Cosmeston Lake against controversial plans for water park
Protest held at Cosmeston Lake against controversial plans for water park Young and old gathered to raise concerns around the protected site losing its wildlife habitats Protestors gathered at the lake this morning (Image: Taite Johnson ) Young and old came together to protest against controversial plans to set up a water park at a quiet, country lake. People in Penarth and the wider Vale of Glamorgan area demonstrated their anger towards the council, raising their concerns for the wildlife and biodiversity at Cosmeston Country Park. Plans to move the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to the eastern lake at the country park were unveiled in May with an opening date set for July 5. The trial of the inflatable water course will last eight weeks over the summer months. Protesters joined together, with placards in hand, at the main entrance of the country park today - Monday, June 9 - to peacefully protest against the plans. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Cosmeston Country Park covers 100 acres of land in Penarth, with an abundance of wildlife habitats. Part of the park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest ensuring the protection of the rare and diverse plant and animal species that live there. Angela Peterken is a forest school leader, educating children in the natural environment at the park, including near the eastern lake. She held a sign at the protest that said: "Forest School says keep Cosmeston for wildlife!" Article continues below Angela is passionate about protecting the nature and tranquillity of the lake and fears that the waterpark will have a negative impact on it. She said: "We want people to enjoy the park and part of that is the peace and quiet here. I'm not against the AquaPark being put in another location, but I am completely against it being here. "This is a fantastic habitat for special animals, we need to protect that. We know that it is only temporary for now but you can't tell the wildlife to come back in eight weeks, it doesn't work like that." A nine-year-old member of the forest school at the country park says she probably wouldn't use it and that the plans are 'ridiculous'. She said: "It's a wildlife park and the idea of putting a water park here is ridiculous. It's the wildlife home. "We walk along the lake as part of forest school and it's usually quiet but the water park would make it busy." "Leave Cosmeston to the wildlife" (Image: Taite Johnson ) A petition against the Aqua Park has gained over 5,000 signatures with residents and members of the local community worried about the water quality of the lake, the impact it would have on wildlife and the environmental impact. In response the Vale of Glamorgan Council wrote: "We have worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy, including a detailed programme of water testing work. "The testing has shown no issues with the quality of the water and it will continue to be monitored throughout the trial period." One member of the community said: "The site is an SSSI, the whole point of having a protected area is that things like this don't happen. The light, sounds and vibration pollution will affect all the animals, birds mammals, fish and insects. "It would be so sad to see the Aqua Park here. It has upset my children, they have been visibly upset asking 'Mummy, why are they doing it?'" Philippa, Saar and Heather organised the protest at the lake (Image: Taite Johnson ) Philippa Newman organised the protest alongside Saar Lenaerts-Williams after feeling angry at the council for not listening tot he people in the community. Whilst the council confirmed that an ecological assessment was undertaken and that the water park "will have no significant negative impact on local birdlife or water vole populations", many people including Phillipa were not happy with the report. She said: "I understand things are underfunded, I know that we need things in the area but just not here. We are at a pivotal time for climate change, we have so little of these habitats, we shouldn't be destroying what we do have. "What are the council's plans for the wildlife when we take their home?" Cllr Bronwen Brooks, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable places, said: "The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area. "Consultation with residents through the Council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone. "Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious Council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy – including a detailed programme of water testing work." Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said: "We're thrilled to bring Aqua Park Cardiff to Cosmeston Lakes by partnering with The Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home.' "We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being." Article continues below
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Rhyl Journal
Sewage or other incidents affecting water at beaches in North Wales
Marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage issued a pollution alert for several locations across North Wales that had experienced sewage discharged in the past 48 hours. The Safer Seas and Rivers Service, provided by the charity, offers water quality information at surf and swim spots across 600 UK locations. This is where people have been advised not to swim: Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Situated on the North Wales coastline, below the Great Orme, the bay faces west over Conwy Sands. The beach is long and sandy with a stony pebble foreshore, backed by a concrete promenade. It is potentially impacted by a number of storm and emergency overflows, both along the immediate foreshore and within the main freshwater from the Conwy. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting. Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A long sandy beach that stretches over 8km from Kinmel Bay to Llanddulas. The water has a large tidal range and is gently sloping from the low tide mark to the high tide pebble area. Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification. Rhyl is located approximately one kilometre north east of the River Clwyd, within a long sandy stretch of beach, which extends over 2.5 kilometres from the Clwyd Estuary to Splash Point. Risk of reduced water quality due to heavy rain. The bay is located approximately two-kilometres west of the River Clwyd, within a long sandy stretch of beach, which extends over 8 kilometres, from Kinmel Bay to Llanddulas. The beach has a large tidal range and is gently sloping from the low tide mark to the high tide pebbled area. The water quality sample point lies to the east of the Golden Sands Holiday Camp. Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Located on the east coast of Anglesey, to the west side of Red Wharf Bay, the St David´s beach is sandy in nature. The beach is located in the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Trwyn Dwlban Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also 250 metres shoreward of the Menai Straits and Conwy Bay Special Area of Conservation.
North Wales Chronicle
05-06-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Sewage or other incidents affecting water at beaches in North Wales
Marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage issued a pollution alert for several locations across North Wales that had experienced sewage discharged in the past 48 hours. The Safer Seas and Rivers Service, provided by the charity, offers water quality information at surf and swim spots across 600 UK locations. This is where people have been advised not to swim: Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Situated on the North Wales coastline, below the Great Orme, the bay faces west over Conwy Sands. The beach is long and sandy with a stony pebble foreshore, backed by a concrete promenade. It is potentially impacted by a number of storm and emergency overflows, both along the immediate foreshore and within the main freshwater from the Conwy. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting. Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A long sandy beach that stretches over 8km from Kinmel Bay to Llanddulas. The water has a large tidal range and is gently sloping from the low tide mark to the high tide pebble area. Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification. Rhyl is located approximately one kilometre north east of the River Clwyd, within a long sandy stretch of beach, which extends over 2.5 kilometres from the Clwyd Estuary to Splash Point. Risk of reduced water quality due to heavy rain. The bay is located approximately two-kilometres west of the River Clwyd, within a long sandy stretch of beach, which extends over 8 kilometres, from Kinmel Bay to Llanddulas. The beach has a large tidal range and is gently sloping from the low tide mark to the high tide pebbled area. The water quality sample point lies to the east of the Golden Sands Holiday Camp. Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Located on the east coast of Anglesey, to the west side of Red Wharf Bay, the St David´s beach is sandy in nature. The beach is located in the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Trwyn Dwlban Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also 250 metres shoreward of the Menai Straits and Conwy Bay Special Area of Conservation.
