Instagram hotspot boss faces Seven Sisters rewilding challenges
The new chief executive of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has shared the challenges of managing the Seven Sisters due to its popularity as an "international hotspot". The SDNPA took over the management of the Seven Sisters Country Park in 2021 from East Sussex County Council. Siôn McGeever told Radio Sussex it has close to 850,00 visitors a year and the Seven Sisters was one of the top travel internet searches in China. "We have become a serious international hotspot but it comes with pressure in how we manage it," he said.
"We have put in some great investments, we spent £2m investing in facilities and we are proud of that."The big challenge now is re-naturing the area. We want to show what the best natural landscape can look like."Mr McGeever said the national park authority's goal was to connect people with restoration and nature recovery."We want to focus on how we manage the land and how we manage the chalk grassland," he said.One of the SDNPA's rewilding initiatives is conservation grazing where ponies, cows and sheep help protect and enhance the chalk grassland, he added.
It is also working with a number of national trusts, wildlife trusts and local authorities to create a Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve (NNR).Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, South East Water, National Trust, Eastbourne Borough Council, Forestry England and Natural England are involved in the scheme to create the "super nature reserve".The project's objectives are to protect drinking water resources, chalk geology and habitats, and protect biodiversity."We are waiting to hear back from National England, if they approve we would be very excited," said Mr McGeever."It would signal to people that the Seven Sisters isn't just a beautiful place to have a nice photo on Instagram, but it's also about the area's natural habitats and wildlife including the birds and butterflies."
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Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh coastal walk with wildlife, sandy beaches and a lush seaside cafe at the end
Welsh coastal walk with wildlife, sandy beaches and a lush seaside cafe at the end This lush coastal walk passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes Follow the path for a lovely walk (Image: Portia Jones ) What could be better than a lovely seaside stroll with a cafe with a view at the end? If you're looking for a new coastal walk, why not head down to the Bridgend coastline on the waymarked Wales Coast Path. Along the way, you'll spot local wildlife, traverse sandy bays and find a swish cafe with an ocean panorama. The lovely three-mile walk between Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes. It's a linear walk that ends with a cafe stop at the Rest Bay Cafe, where you can have a brew with a view or a cheeky glass of wine overlooking the sea. It's a relatively straightforward stroll along the coast, but you can also download the All Trails app for guidance. Begin your walk at the Kenfig Nature Reserve, one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves and rich in wildlife. Located near Porthcawl, the reserve was once home to one of the sixth most significant towns in Glamorgan, but now makes up part of the most extensive active dune system in Europe and features a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, attracting bird watchers and walkers from across Wales. Sunset at Kenfig National Nature Reserve is a special place to be (Image: Getty Images/500px Prime ) Article continues below The land was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1989 and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2003. These designations help to protect rare habitats and species, such as the Fen Orchid, which is found here and at only two other sites in Wales. Today, the 1,300-acre site is home to a Reserve Centre, Hyde Out Cafe, and is a convenient hopping-on point for the Bridgend Coast Path and for reaching the remote Skeer Beach. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . You can follow the signposts (Image: Portia Jones ) On the edge of the reserve sits Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool. Although some may be disappointed it's not open for wild swimming (boooo), the lake provides the perfect place for bird watchers with bird hides around the lake. Just remember to bring your binoculars. Pop into the visitor centre for information on the route, and then follow the signposts towards Skeer Beach. This vast sandy expanse is worth visiting for a spot of solitude. After grabbing coffee and cake from The Hyde Out Cafe, I followed the waymarked trail towards Sker Beach (Image: Portia Jones ) Once you're on the right path—and don't worry, the cheerful yellow arrows will keep you on the right track- you meander through a peaceful conservation area and along a sandy trail that eventually spills onto the shore. Now, the sand paths that twist between the dunes? Absolute ankle workouts as you navigate the shifting sands. Still, it's all part of the charm. As you slowly trekked along the golden sands, look for resident gannets, skuas, storm petrels, and roseate terns. Step down the pebble bank and you'll be on firm sand that seemed to go on for miles. To your left is a rocky headland, and to your right, the steelworks loom in the distance, giving a Blade Runner vibe. Eventually, I could hear the sea as I plodded towards the unmistakable sound of the ocean (Image: Portia Jones ) In 1947, Skeer was the scene of a famous shipwreck, when the steamer Samtampa was driven onto the rocks by a storm with the loss of the entire crew. At Sker Point, you can take a short detour from the path for a closer look at Sker House. It inspired R.D. Blackmore's novel The Maid of Sker, which is said to be haunted by ghosts. Keep following the well-marked path and head towards Pink Bay beach. The rocks at the top of the beach have a unique pink marbling effect in a certain light, hence the name Pink Bay. Time your walk right and you might see surfers at sunset (Image: Mark Lewis ) It's a rural beach, so you won't find a cafe or toilets, but Rest Bay isn't too far away and has plenty of amenities. A monument to the crew of the Mumbles Lifeboat and the SS Samtampa – a 7,000-ton wrecked steamship - is also visible at low tide on nearby Sker Point. It's a straightforward walk along the coastline (Image: Portia Jones ) Keep walking alongside the golf course (watch out for flying balls), and eventually, Rest Bay should come into view. Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. The Watersports Centre is the home of Porthcawl Surf School and the training centre for lifeguards, surfing trainers and the Welsh Coast Surf Club. Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. (Image: Portia Jones ) It's here you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar, with a commanding position over the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11:30 and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. There's also a sea-facing ground-floor kiosk for drinks and snacks on the go. The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) At this point, you can continue onwards to Porthcawl town centre or meander back to Kenfig Nature Reserve the same way you came, making the walk around six miles in total. Thanks to signposts and relatively flat terrain, this is an ideal walk for the kids or for anyone who wants to get their steps in while admiring an ocean view. Need to know Start Point: The walk to Sker Beach begins at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a 1,300-acre dune system near Porthcawl. Here, there's parking (charges apply), a visitor centre, loos, and The Hyde Out Café for a pre-walk caffeine fix or post-walk treat. Article continues below Getting There: Pop Kenfig National Nature Reserve into your satnav (postcode: CF33 4PT). It's signposted from the A48 and M4 (Junction 37). The nearest train station is Pyle, roughly 2.5 miles away, and there are local buses to Kenfig Village
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Wales Online
The deserted Welsh beach you can only reach on foot and it's worth every step
The deserted Welsh beach you can only reach on foot and it's worth every step This remote sandy beach is south Wales at its wild, windswept best There was hardly a soul around despite the clear blue skies and sunshine (Image: Portia Jones ) The empty beach stretched out for miles before me, the steep pebble bank giving way to a vast expanse of golden sand and gentle waves rolling in. There was hardly a soul around despite the clear blue skies and sunshine. I spotted a dog walker far in the distance and two horse riders clopping along the shoreline, but no deckchairs, ice cream vans or sunbathers were in sight. You don't stumble across this beach by accident. It takes a bit of legwork to get here, but that's half the fun. Reached via a winding coastal path and only accessible on foot, this is one of Wales' most gloriously deserted beaches, and trust me, it's worth every step. Remote Sker Beach is the most westerly of Porthcawl's beaches and is only accessible by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. While it's a perfectly lovely sandy stretch, this is where you come for a spot of solitude, to walk the dog or have a bracing sea dip. There are no facilities here, including toilets, cafes or lifeguards, so if you're plodding down here, you'll need to bring everything with you. It's a proper wild seashore, free from seaside resort tat shops, whirring arcades and beachside fish and chip shops. Sunset at Kenfig National Nature Reserve is a special place to be (Image: Getty Images/500px Prime ) I had heard of the beach via a wild swimming friend (yes, I'm one of those people, I have a tow float and everything) and decided to see if it was as peaceful as she claimed. Article continues below I arrived on a gloriously sunny Saturday morning at Kenfig Nature Reserve, one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves. Located near Porthcawl, the reserve was once home to one of the sixth biggest towns in Glamorgan, but now makes up part of the largest active dune system in Europe and features a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, attracting bird watchers and walkers from across Wales. The land was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1989 and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2003. These designations help to protect rare habitats and species, such as the Fen Orchid, which is found here and at only two other sites in Wales. Today, the 1,300-acre site is home to a Reserve Centre, Hyde Out Cafe and is a convenient hopping on point for the Bridgend Coast Path, part of the longer Wales Coast Path. Today, the 1,300-acre site is home to a Reserve Centre, Hyde Out Cafe and is a convenient hopping on point for the Bridgend Coast Path, part of the longer Wales Coast Path. (Image: Portia Jones ) On the edge of the reserve sits Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool. Although some may be disappointed it's not open for wild swimming (boooo), the lake provides the perfect place for bird watchers with a series of bird hides around the lake. Just remember to bring your binoculars. After grabbing coffee and cake from The Hyde Out Cafe, I followed the waymarked trail towards Sker Beach. Once you're on the right path—and don't worry, the cheerful yellow arrows will keep you on the right track you meander through a peaceful conservation area and along a sandy trail that eventually spills out onto the shore. After grabbing coffee and cake from The Hyde Out Cafe, I followed the waymarked trail towards Sker Beach (Image: Portia Jones ) Now, the sand paths that twist between the dunes? Absolute ankle workouts as you navigate the shifting sands. Still, it's all part of the charm. As I slowly trekked along the golden sands, I spotted plenty of pretty butterflies. I looked for resident gannets, skuas, storm petrels, and roseate terns. Despite the sunshine, I was surprised to find the trail almost empty. Just a few friendly dog walkers, some runners, and some wetsuit-clad teens legging it to the sea. Honestly, I expected this absolute stunner of a South Wales spot to be heaving on a sunny Saturday morning, but nope, it felt like I had it almost to myself. Eventually, I could hear the sea as I plodded towards the unmistakable sound of the ocean. I walked up a small incline, and suddenly a huge beach was before me. Eventually, I could hear the sea as I plodded towards the unmistakable sound of the ocean (Image: Portia Jones ) Stepping down the pebble bank, I was soon on the firm sand that seemed to go on for miles. To my left was a headland with a solitary fisher casting a line; to my right, I could see the steelworks loom in the distance, giving Blade Runner vibes. As I traversed the shoreline, I spotted dog walkers in the distance and horse riders playing in the surf. It was remarkably quiet here, even on a gloriously sunny day. Perhaps because this isn't the most accessible beach in the Vale of Glamorgan, it deters families with young children looking for a beach day with plenty of amenities for the kids. Instead, this vast sandy stretch attracts dog walkers, horse riders and experienced surfers looking for a remote bay to ride the waves in peace. Horse riders love this flat sandy beach (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're new to surfing, this might not be the best spot to give it a whirl. The waves can pack a punch here, and the rip currents can be downright feisty. There's also no lifeguard here, and the nearest loos and facilities are a good mile away at Kenfig. Instead, head to nearby Rest Bay, where you'll find a surf school and plenty of facilities, including an awesome beach view cafe. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here You can continue on the coast path from the beach, heading towards Rest Bay and Porthcawl town centre one way or towards Port Talbot and Aberavon Beach in the other direction. The waves can pack a punch here, and the rip currents can be downright feisty (Image: Portia Jones ) If you're doing a longer walk, have plenty of water and snacks and follow the Adventure Smart guidance, especially if you plan a sea swim. So, would I recommend a jolly to Sker Beach? Definitely, just don't expect 99 Flakes, changing facilities and a cone of chips. This is south Wales at its wild, windswept best. It's a beach for reflective walks, dipping your toes in cold waters and a moment of peace away from the crowds. Pack a flask, wear decent boots, and maybe bring a mate who won't moan about the lack of loos. Need to know The walk to Sker Beach begins at Kenfig National Nature Reserve (Image: Portia Jones ) Start Point: The walk to Sker Beach begins at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a 1,300-acre dune system near Porthcawl. Free parking, a visitor centre, loos, and The Hyde Out Café for a pre-walk caffeine fix or post-walk treat. Location: Sker Beach is located on the Glamorgan coast, forming part of the wilder edge of Bridgend County. It's the westernmost beach in the Porthcawl area and lies just beyond Kenfig Burrows. Getting There: Pop Kenfig National Nature Reserve into your satnav (postcode: CF33 4PT). It's signposted from the A48 and M4 (Junction 37). The nearest train station is Pyle, roughly 2.5 miles away, and there are local buses to Kenfig Village. The Walk: The route to the beach is via waymarked trails through Kenfig's dunes. It's roughly a 40-minute walk (around 2.5 miles there and back), and the shifting sands make for a moderate leg workout. The Wales Coast Path: This route forms part of the Wales Coast Path, a continuous 870-mile walking route around the Welsh coast. You can walk west towards Port Talbot and Aberavon Beach, or east to Rest Bay and Porthcawl. Just follow the waymarks or use the All Trails app. Article continues below What to Bring: There are no facilities at Sker Beach, no loos, lifeguards, or refreshments. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and anything else you might need. Decent walking boots or trainers are essential, even in summer. If you plan a sea swim, follow Adventure Smart advice and check local tide times.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- BBC News
Instagram hotspot boss faces Seven Sisters rewilding challenges
The new chief executive of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has shared the challenges of managing the Seven Sisters due to its popularity as an "international hotspot". The SDNPA took over the management of the Seven Sisters Country Park in 2021 from East Sussex County Council. Siôn McGeever told Radio Sussex it has close to 850,00 visitors a year and the Seven Sisters was one of the top travel internet searches in China. "We have become a serious international hotspot but it comes with pressure in how we manage it," he said. "We have put in some great investments, we spent £2m investing in facilities and we are proud of that."The big challenge now is re-naturing the area. We want to show what the best natural landscape can look like."Mr McGeever said the national park authority's goal was to connect people with restoration and nature recovery."We want to focus on how we manage the land and how we manage the chalk grassland," he of the SDNPA's rewilding initiatives is conservation grazing where ponies, cows and sheep help protect and enhance the chalk grassland, he added. It is also working with a number of national trusts, wildlife trusts and local authorities to create a Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve (NNR).Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, South East Water, National Trust, Eastbourne Borough Council, Forestry England and Natural England are involved in the scheme to create the "super nature reserve".The project's objectives are to protect drinking water resources, chalk geology and habitats, and protect biodiversity."We are waiting to hear back from National England, if they approve we would be very excited," said Mr McGeever."It would signal to people that the Seven Sisters isn't just a beautiful place to have a nice photo on Instagram, but it's also about the area's natural habitats and wildlife including the birds and butterflies."
