Traeth Llandwyn was closed by Natural Resources Wales after a blaze in neighbouring Newborough Forest
Llanddwyn’s car parks were closed for much of Bank Holiday Monday – though some visitors still trekked through the forest to reach the beach(Image: Stephen Llowarch/Wiki)
A well-loved beach was sealed off for the second weekend running after fire erupted in neighbouring woodland in north Wales.
Those already at the location were urged to give firefighters “space to work” whilst they battled the flames. Local residents could detect smoke from the blaze in Newborough Forest, which sits alongside Traeth Llanddwyn.
Unauthorised wild campers were believed to be responsible and site operator Natural Resources Wales (NRW) condemned their “irresponsible behaviour”. The surrounding community has been on tenterhooks this summer as tinder-dry conditions created the threat of a devastating fire.
Additional patrols were deployed over the Bank Holiday weekend but appeals not to ignite BBQs and campfires were ignored. On Sunday evening, August 24, local NRW wardens shut the road gates at Newborough Forest, through which visitors must pass to access the beach.
They confirmed a small blaze in the forest had been put out but remained at risk of rekindling. Wardens explained they closed the site as a safety precaution to protect visitors and the surrounding community.
The shutdown continued through most of Bank Holiday Monday when the fire was discovered to have reignited, reports North Wales Live. Eight days earlier, the National Nature Reserve was locked down for the very first time after reports wardens had been “overwhelmed” by the volume of illegal campers.
Despite yesterday’s lockdown, visitors reportedly defied the closure and strolled to the beach after parking on the A4080. Numerous cars in the vicinity were ticketed by Anglesey Council enforcement officers.
It wasn’t until 9.23pm last night that NRW announced the reserve was open again. Visitors were reminded that camping is not allowed and BBQs are prohibited throughout the reserve.
A spokesperson said: “The vast majority of people visiting this special place do so responsibly. Yet, this weekend, we have unfortunately seen the significant impact irresponsible behaviour can have on this landscape.
“A single spark from a BBQ or campfire can lead to fires that can devastate habitats and wildlife, and put people at risk of harm. We all have a role to play in minimising the risks of wildfires during this very dry spell. We’re asking everyone to follow the rules and help protect what makes this place so special.”
Illegal camping and fires on the beach and in the forest have become a major issue this summer (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group)
Traeth Llandwyn and Newborough Forest have gained popularity on social media, with the beach becoming known as a filming location for HBO’s House of the Dragon series. Despite extensive messaging by NRW, issues have escalated at the reserve this summer.
To address the traffic problems in the nearby village of Newborough, new parking regulations were implemented this summer at Traeth Llandwyn’s three car parks. When full – often by 10am during peak times – these are now shut until mid-afternoon.
The cost for all-day parking was also increased to £15. However, locals have noted that latecomers simply park on nearby roads and undertake the lengthy walk through the forest to Traeth Llanddwyn.
“I see hundreds walking past my home on hot days,” a local resident said. “About 60% are carrying tents, BBQs and back packs. Its heart-breaking.”
Traffic wardens are cracking down on vehicles parked on A4040 verges at Newborough Forest(Image: Anglesey council)
Wardens can only request visitors to take down their tents and put out fires – often facing hostility when doing so. NRW is hopeful that a new barrier-less parking system set to be introduced this autumn will help manage overnight camping.
Some locals remain doubtful and are calling for more overnight restrictions. “Maybe we can sleep a bit better in the evenings knowing that the forest won’t go up in flames,” one woman commented online.
Another agreed with the need for continuous patrols. She stated: “Like many other Anglesey residents, I feel unable to enjoy this beautiful place because of the actions of disrespectful people.”