Surge in visitors expected to one of Wales’ most popular natural sites
Tourists hoping to visit one of Wales’ most popular natural sites over the coming weeks are being urged to plan ahead due to an expected surge in sightseers.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is expecting a big jump in the number of visitors to Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest on Anglesey in the run up to the Bank Holiday Weekend next week.
It’s asking those visiting to plan ahead, be aware of traffic congestion, respect the local community and environment and prepare for the car park to be full at busy times – particularly weekends and between 11am and 3pm during periods of good weather.
Congestion
In partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council and following a meeting with local elected representatives, additional measures are being implemented on a trial basis in the village of Newborough to help manage congestion on the A4080 and the impacts on local residents.
The scheme aims to enable traffic to flow more freely through the village, as well as restricting access to the site’s narrow access road and giving notice of alternative beaches when the car park is full.
It is hoped the trial will help shape longer-term plans to manage traffic and access issues in and around Newborough in the future.
Tourists are also being asked to be patient, to respect those who live and work in the community around Newborough and Llanddwyn, and are also reminded to take litter home, not light fires, be responsible dog owners and not to cause damage or disturbance.
Rural location
Justin Hanson, NRW’s People & Places Team Leader for North West Wales, said: “We are expecting to see a continuation of the high visitor numbers we are already experiencing at Newborough, especially at weekends and when the weather is fine.
“Its rural location means it can often be a difficult issue to manage. The influx of vehicles leads to congestion through the village, the car park reaching capacity soon after opening and, with visitors looking to stay for the whole day, the likelihood of other visitors gaining access to the site is significantly reduced.
“We are asking people to think about planning their visit at different times or to consider one of the many other fantastic beaches and destinations on Anglesey.
“We also want to remind visitors that overnight stays are not allowed on NRW sites and there are a number of local campsites in the area.”
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Eisoes yn llawn dop yno. Angen torri coed ar draws y ffyrdd i rwystro’r tacle. Cari dyms di gywilydd yw’r rhelyw sy’n dod. Trin Cymru fel maes chwarae.
The problem of over-tourism not only affects places like Venice and Barcelona. It puts a strain on local infrastructure and the health service, and in the case of day trippers to places like Traeth Llanddwyn puts very little into local coffers. They often even begrudge paying for parking.
So we can expect loud disrespectful tourists leaving tons of rubbish, discarded barbeques, human and dog faeces etc.!! So whatever money they generate for local businesses the council will be spending a similar amount cleaning up.
Wales need to introduce a small tourist tax asap…it would help offset the impact of mass tourism and help our infrastructure
Agreed, but that is unlikely to affect day trippers. What could be implemented now that the technology is available would be using number plate recognition to charge non locals/non Welsh registered vehicles as they enter Ynys Môn over the bridges. Similar technology could be used to charge those entering Wales, with a special scheme for those who enter the country on a regular basis due to work demands etc. It might not be very popular with those wishing to visit, but it is democratic in that it affects everyone equally, and more crucially, it’s very doable using existing technology. Practically… Read more »