Issues of litter and waste spoil tranquil ‘paradise’ spot on Anglesey

Litter, plastic bottles, broken glass and soiled toilet paper is among the  debris being left scattered at a secluded and peaceful coastal ‘paradise’ spot on Anglesey.
The magical White Beach area at Llangoed 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.
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.
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 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.”
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 th 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.”
The National Trust  were contacted for comment.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter