Wild campers and tourists blamed for trashing remote coastal beauty spot

Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter

Litter, plastic bottles, broken glass and soiled toilet paper is among the debris being left scattered at a secluded and peaceful coastal ‘paradise’ spot.

The magical White Beach area at Llangoed on Anglesey has long attracted people for its tranquillity and panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Puffin Island, rocky cliffs and pebbled beach.

But the beautiful location where ponies and cattle freely roam on the heathland around has fallen victim to its own success.

The area’s special qualities are being spoiled and wildlife put at risk by some inconsiderate visitors who refuse to take their rubbish home.

Locals say, over the months and years, they have seen increasing number of visitors coming to the wild and secluded spot.

Some are staying overnight in vehicles at the small car park above the beach, whilst others wild camp on the grassy platform below the cliffs, leaving litter and evidence of camp fires.

Site of Special Scientific Interest

The heath surrounding the beach is known as ‘Fedw Fawr’ and is part of the Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon site of special scientific interest, managed by the National Trust.

Trust signs at the end of the car park clearly show that camp fires, overnight stays, and littering are not allowed.

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But locals say the signs are frequently ignored and the problems at White Beach – which started in lockdown – have been getting worse.

Local resident artist Mark Russell said he had seen a rise in the number of people camping in the area, with some inconsiderate visitors leaving the hedgerows stuffed with coffee cups, plastic water bottles, lids, beer and soft drinks cans, food containers and sweet wrappers.

In some areas, bushes were also being used as toilets, with soiled paper and wipes scattered about. Dog dirt in plastic bags are also sometimes left hanging from fences and trees.

Mark said: “The littering has been getting worse as and more people have been coming here. It all started after lockdown people were seeing places on their computers, more people got to hear about this area and it attracted people to stay overnight and camp.

“The litter gets everywhere it is in the bushes, the trees and you see plenty of toilet paper and tissue stuff about. Some stay overnight in the car park whilst there are more people camping down on the platform area, having fires and leaving rubbish. Something does need to be done about it.”

‘Disgusting’

One Llangoed resident, a regular walker in the area, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “You see plastic drinks bottles, rubbish dumped left here and there in the bushes and ferns. There is a lot inside the old water tank but you can’t see it for the brambles.

“They shove it into the sides of the hedges, and in the grass by the car park. I worry about it hurting the wildlife. Some out of the way areas are being used as toilets, they leave paper and tissues scattered about, it’s disgusting.

“White Beach is such a beautiful area, but some thoughtless people just think it is OK to trash it, and leave their rubbish lying around for others to clear up. They should just take it home.”

A National Trust Cymru spokesperson said: “Fedw Fawr is an NRW designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, and we encourage everyone to visit responsibly.

“Our teams work incredibly hard to look after the area and carry out regular litter picks.

“We ask visitors to help us protect this special stretch of coastline for both people and wildlife by taking litter home as there are no public bins available. Please clean up after your dogs and keep them under close control around livestock. We ask visitors to respect the countryside. Camping is not permitted at this site.

“If parking spaces are full, please seek appropriate alternative locations. Let’s work together to protect our beautiful areas and respect our local communities.”