BBQ ban at iconic North Wales beach where people are 'worried sick'
BBQs and camp fires have been formally banned at one of Wales' most popular beaches. It follows 15 fire-related incidents at tree-lined Traeth Llandwyn, Anglesey, over the weekend.
The iconic beach is backed by 2,500-acre Newborough Forest, currently tinder-dry after weeks of dry weather. Fearing the forest's destruction, and impacts on nearby homes, worried residents in the nearby village of Newborough have long campaigned for greater fire curbs.
Camp fires are already banned but this is routinely ignored. A BBQ area is provided in the beach car park but, concerned this sends out the wrong message, the facility is to be removed in the coming weeks and replaced with a picnic area.
Local people have shared photos of 'near-miss' fires that threatened to consume the entire forest. The 'idiotic' binning of still-smouldering disposable BBQs has also been highlighted.
Last month, resident Cathy Sands told North Wales Live: 'Everyone is massively concerned. If the forest burns, so will crops in the fields and then our homes. It worries me sick, it really does.'
The forest and beach, a National Nature Reserve, is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). In recent weeks, in response to calls from alarmed locals, its wardens have been actively discouraging illegal camping and BBQs. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
But last weekend was the final straw. Over the two days, wardens worked late into the evenings, dealing with 15 fires and BBQs and ensuring they were extinguished. They also spent 'hours' speaking with campers, explaining why overnight stays and open flames are not allowed.
Online, the wardens said: 'Thankfully most people responded positively and packed up when reminded of the rules.' However the ongoing threat has now forced NRW to introduce changes making Newborough Forest and its beach an officially a fire-free area.
Justin Hanson, NRW's north west team leader, said: 'Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is a much-loved and ecologically important site. We're listening to local concerns and doing all we can to minimise risks.
'With warm, dry weather increasing the risk of wildfire, we're asking everyone to respect the rules and help protect what makes this place so special. Visitors are reminded to take litter home, leave no trace, bring a picnic and never light fires or BBQs – especially during dry spells. Local signage and fire warnings should always be followed.'
As well as threatening homes and the countrywide, fire is a risk to the area's rare wildlife. Newborough's beach, forest and dunes are home to species like the red squirrel, great crested newt and the sand lizard.
Online, NRW added: 'It's vital we keep this place safe for them and for future generations to enjoy.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
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