Smoking ban introduced on three North Wales beaches

North Wales Chronicle

20-06-2025

Cared for by National Trust Cymru, the beaches are part of a new scheme launched in partnership with ASH Wales aimed at protect wildlife, nature, and public health.
The 'smoke-free' zones were introduced on June 19 to mark National Clean Air Day and include Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, as well as Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd.
The shores of Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, North Wales (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: "We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature.
"All three locations we've chosen as voluntary smoke-free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant.
"We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.
"As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy."
Cemlyn, Anglesey (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) The scheme aims to reduce cigarette litter, which poses a threat to marine environments and wildlife.
Cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals into the water, and discarded smoking materials can also pose a wildfire risk.
The beaches were chosen for their environmental importance.
Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, is home to a colony of choughs, the rarest member of the crow family, as well as seals and porpoises.
Cemlyn supports one of the UK's largest colonies of Sandwich terns, with around 1,500 pairs, and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Nature Reserve.
Porthor, known for its 'whistling sands,' is a haven for birds and marine life, including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and seals.
Notice boards have been placed at each site to inform visitors of the scheme.
Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "Smoke-free spaces are not only popular—they're essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations.
"Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first."
According to National Trust Cymru, public opinion shows 'strong support' for the scheme, with 56 per cent of Welsh adults supporting a smoking ban on beaches.
In Anglesey, support for the ban rises to 87 per cent.
The launch was marked with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School on June 19.