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The Herald Scotland
04-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
'Scotland needs better availability of land ownership data'
This comes as the Scottish Government is actively developing an Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) as a new mechanism to encourage private investment in nature restoration and biodiversity projects. Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, all public bodies in Scotland are required to further the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out their responsibilities. READ MORE: However, the new report from UHI concludes that there is no universal standard to measure biodiversity. As a result, measuring success or failure of biodiversity initiatives is 'extremely challenging'. The report, which focused on biodiversity assessments on community-owned land, suggests that 'community landowners cannot know if or how they are achieving their biodiversity objectives despite the biggest community buyouts have a higher-than-average proportion of sites of ecological importance such as peatlands and Sites of Special Scientific Interest'. The report also found that community ownership is inherently geared towards biodiversity, with 12 of the 18 largest community landowners directly constituted to 'conserving, protecting or enhancing the environment or natural heritage, and with environmental sustainability central to community aspirations'. As well as standardising the way in which biodiversity is measured, the report recommends local people – with their often-detailed understanding of the area – should become more involved in designing and carrying out biological monitoring. The report highlights the need for better methods to measure levels of biodiversity (Image: Community Land Scotland) It also calls for specific measurable targets for landowners around biodiversity objectives. The UHI report also found that making assessments of land use and management across Scotland is unnecessarily challenging due to the lack of land data and lack of transparency. To have robust climate and biodiversity projects there needs to be readily available data on land boundaries, ownership and land use so that successes, failures and differences can be assessed in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Dr Josh Doble, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Community Land Scotland, welcomed the research from UHI. He said: 'It clearly demonstrates the issues inherent in Scottish landownership data and how to accurately measure biodiversity. It provides important pause for thought as the Scottish Government consults on how to leverage in private finance to biodiversity recovery. 'For our members there are important findings regarding the number of key ecological sites they are custodians of, as well as where ecological recovery needs to take place. We wholeheartedly agree with UHI that community-led biological monitoring should have a far more prominent place in biodiversity assessments as well as the need for much stronger data to assist all landowners in understanding what biodiversity actions need to happen on their land.' Dr Mike Daniels, a researcher at UHI's Centre for Mountain Studies, added: 'It is surprising, given the high priority of biodiversity in public policy, how difficult it is to get data on biodiversity outcomes for specific areas of land. Scotland needs better availability of land ownership data and greater transparency on how it is managed.'
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Scotsman
Generation Green 2: A landmark success connecting young people with nature
Young people on a Generation Green school trip A generation of young people, including local youngsters has rediscovered the power of the outdoors thanks to the 12-month Generation Green 2 project. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The initiative has enabled 26,663 young people from some of the most socially disadvantaged areas to explore National Parks, National Landscapes, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, often for the first time. Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the landmark £4.5 million programme has transformed access to nature for thousands across England at a time when young people need it the most. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the newly released Generation Green 2 Celebration Report, the impact has been profound. Eight in ten participants said they would not have had the chance to experience the outdoors without the programme's support. For over a third of participants, it marked their first-ever visit to the countryside. Delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition, which includes YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes in England, the programme provided life-changing outdoor experiences - from day trips to residentials - designed to improve wellbeing, confidence, and environmental awareness. 'This isn't just about fun and fresh air,' said James Blake, Chair of Access Unlimited and Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales). 'It's about equity, opportunity, and giving every young person the chance to thrive in and care for the world around them. However, further funding is needed if we are to keep the momentum going.' Rebuilding Connections Lost to the Pandemic The report comes amid mounting evidence that outdoor and nature-based learning is being squeezed out of children's lives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research from The Sutton Trust recently revealed that 53 per cent of senior school leaders have been forced to divert Pupil Premium funding, away from outdoor learning to cover shortfalls in core budgets. Originally launched in 2021, Generation Green has played a vital role in helping young people rebuild connections with nature that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, one million children missed out on school residentials. Many of these outdoor learning opportunities have yet to return, with some activity centres closing permanently. In the immediate aftermath of Covid, the first Generation Green programme - lasting 18 months - provided essential access to green space at a time when children's mental health and connection to the environment were under increasing strain. Subsequent funding for Generation Green was granted by Defra in March last year for a further 12-month programme. Generation Green 2 focused on nights under the stars, a key recommendation in the Government's Landscapes Review, which argued that every child should have the opportunity to experience a night in nature if they are to become future custodians of our green spaces. A Proven Model for a More Equitable Future Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Participants came from some of the most deprived parts of the country, including Croxteth in Liverpool, Blackburn and other low-income areas. The programme created safe, supported, and inspiring spaces for young people to grow, connect, and learn outdoors. 'We know that time in nature can be life-changing,' said Blake. 'We want to do more, and we're ready to do more. But we need long-term support and policy commitment to ensure no child is left behind.' With Generation Green 2 now at an end, its delivery partners are highlighting the urgent need to build on its success and connect more young people to nature and heritage. Access Unlimited Partners celebrate success Speaking of the impact Generation Green has made in the lives of young people and the continuation of the programme, CEOs for Access Unlimited commented in the Celebration Report: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our National Parks and other protected landscapes are where we go to experience and engage with nature, to rest and recreate, and to learn about our landscapes. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this vital part of our national fabric, but sadly not everyone does. Generation Green 2 takes us a step closer to a society where everyone feels engaged with the outdoors, the countryside and nature. That should be everyone's right, but it's also what we need if we want to foster a culture that can respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis in the future.' - Jayne Butler, National Parks England 'In 2023 our Girls' Attitudes Survey revealed 81% of UK girls aged 7-21 found being outdoors and in nature helps them feel happy. The funding from Generation Green 2 has allowed us to give even more girls the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have a trip away, to build their confidence and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing and we're very appreciative to have been involved in Generation Green.' - Angela Salt OBE, chief executive, Girlguiding 'Generation Green 2 hasn't just opened the door to the outdoors, it's thrown it wide open. Tens of thousands of young people, many from Britain's most disadvantaged communities, have climbed mountains, camped under the stars, and found their confidence in the wild. And in doing so, they've built resilience, connection, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. This project proves what we've always known at Outward Bound: When you give young people meaningful experiences in nature, they don't just grow, they thrive. The legacy of Generation Green 2 will live on in every young person who now sees the outdoors not as something distant, but as a part of who they are.' - Martin Davidson, CEO, The Outward Bound Trust 'Generation Green 2 has again demonstrated the big impact that high quality outdoor learning can have on so many aspects of a young person's life. For many it was completely new, for some it will be life changing and Field Studies Council is proud to have played our part in that. We saw improvements in mental health, confidence, a love of learning, classroom subjects sparking into life and a renewed sense of joy in running around and being a child. The project also showed us the need for more such opportunities to ensure that no child misses out.' - Mark Castle, CEO of Field Studies Council Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Generation Green 2 has been a powerful reminder of the impact that time spent in nature can have on young people. We're incredibly proud to have worked with our partners to deliver such inspiring experiences across our National Landscapes — from day visits and farm walks to life-changing residentials. This project has not only opened doors for thousands of young people but has also strengthened our collective commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.' - John Watkins, Chief Executive, National Landscapes Association 'Generation Green has been a powerful catalyst in helping over 3,700 young people, many from underrepresented backgrounds - connect with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. By removing barriers, we've widened young people's access to protected landscapes and sparked deeper connections to the environment - supporting wellbeing, resilience and an appreciation for the natural world.' - Aidan Jones, Chief Executive, Scouts 'If we want the environment and nature to be looked after, we need to inspire the next generation. Generation Green 2 has proven how government funding and civil society delivery can work together to extend this inspiration, and the personal development it provides, to many more young people. Through a true partnership approach, Generation Green has connected more than 26,000 disadvantaged young people with the natural world, encouraging the environmentalists of the future, promoting green jobs and setting young people up for lifetimes of enriching adventure through activities in protected landscapes.' – James Blake, CEO, YHA (England & Wales) Why We Need Generation Green 3 Generation Green offers a proven blueprint for change, bringing nature into the lives of young people who need it most. 1 in 5 children aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). 18% of children in the most deprived areas never visit any kind of natural space. never visit any kind of natural space. Half of the country's most deprived areas are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. Almost 30% of children in England live in poverty, affecting their access to safe outdoor experiences. Read the Generation Green 2 Celebration Report at
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Scotsman
Generation Green 2: A landmark success connecting young people with nature
Young people on a Generation Green school trip A generation of young people, including local youngsters has rediscovered the power of the outdoors thanks to the 12-month Generation Green 2 project. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The initiative has enabled 26,663 young people from some of the most socially disadvantaged areas to explore National Parks, National Landscapes, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, often for the first time. Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the landmark £4.5 million programme has transformed access to nature for thousands across England at a time when young people need it the most. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the newly released Generation Green 2 Celebration Report, the impact has been profound. Eight in ten participants said they would not have had the chance to experience the outdoors without the programme's support. For over a third of participants, it marked their first-ever visit to the countryside. Delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition, which includes YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes in England, the programme provided life-changing outdoor experiences - from day trips to residentials - designed to improve wellbeing, confidence, and environmental awareness. 'This isn't just about fun and fresh air,' said James Blake, Chair of Access Unlimited and Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales). 'It's about equity, opportunity, and giving every young person the chance to thrive in and care for the world around them. However, further funding is needed if we are to keep the momentum going.' Rebuilding Connections Lost to the Pandemic The report comes amid mounting evidence that outdoor and nature-based learning is being squeezed out of children's lives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research from The Sutton Trust recently revealed that 53 per cent of senior school leaders have been forced to divert Pupil Premium funding, away from outdoor learning to cover shortfalls in core budgets. Originally launched in 2021, Generation Green has played a vital role in helping young people rebuild connections with nature that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, one million children missed out on school residentials. Many of these outdoor learning opportunities have yet to return, with some activity centres closing permanently. In the immediate aftermath of Covid, the first Generation Green programme - lasting 18 months - provided essential access to green space at a time when children's mental health and connection to the environment were under increasing strain. Subsequent funding for Generation Green was granted by Defra in March last year for a further 12-month programme. Generation Green 2 focused on nights under the stars, a key recommendation in the Government's Landscapes Review, which argued that every child should have the opportunity to experience a night in nature if they are to become future custodians of our green spaces. A Proven Model for a More Equitable Future Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Participants came from some of the most deprived parts of the country, including Croxteth in Liverpool, Blackburn and other low-income areas. The programme created safe, supported, and inspiring spaces for young people to grow, connect, and learn outdoors. 'We know that time in nature can be life-changing,' said Blake. 'We want to do more, and we're ready to do more. But we need long-term support and policy commitment to ensure no child is left behind.' With Generation Green 2 now at an end, its delivery partners are highlighting the urgent need to build on its success and connect more young people to nature and heritage. Access Unlimited Partners celebrate success Speaking of the impact Generation Green has made in the lives of young people and the continuation of the programme, CEOs for Access Unlimited commented in the Celebration Report: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our National Parks and other protected landscapes are where we go to experience and engage with nature, to rest and recreate, and to learn about our landscapes. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this vital part of our national fabric, but sadly not everyone does. Generation Green 2 takes us a step closer to a society where everyone feels engaged with the outdoors, the countryside and nature. That should be everyone's right, but it's also what we need if we want to foster a culture that can respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis in the future.' - Jayne Butler, National Parks England 'In 2023 our Girls' Attitudes Survey revealed 81% of UK girls aged 7-21 found being outdoors and in nature helps them feel happy. The funding from Generation Green 2 has allowed us to give even more girls the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have a trip away, to build their confidence and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing and we're very appreciative to have been involved in Generation Green.' - Angela Salt OBE, chief executive, Girlguiding 'Generation Green 2 hasn't just opened the door to the outdoors, it's thrown it wide open. Tens of thousands of young people, many from Britain's most disadvantaged communities, have climbed mountains, camped under the stars, and found their confidence in the wild. And in doing so, they've built resilience, connection, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. This project proves what we've always known at Outward Bound: When you give young people meaningful experiences in nature, they don't just grow, they thrive. The legacy of Generation Green 2 will live on in every young person who now sees the outdoors not as something distant, but as a part of who they are.' - Martin Davidson, CEO, The Outward Bound Trust 'Generation Green 2 has again demonstrated the big impact that high quality outdoor learning can have on so many aspects of a young person's life. For many it was completely new, for some it will be life changing and Field Studies Council is proud to have played our part in that. We saw improvements in mental health, confidence, a love of learning, classroom subjects sparking into life and a renewed sense of joy in running around and being a child. The project also showed us the need for more such opportunities to ensure that no child misses out.' - Mark Castle, CEO of Field Studies Council Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Generation Green 2 has been a powerful reminder of the impact that time spent in nature can have on young people. We're incredibly proud to have worked with our partners to deliver such inspiring experiences across our National Landscapes — from day visits and farm walks to life-changing residentials. This project has not only opened doors for thousands of young people but has also strengthened our collective commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.' - John Watkins, Chief Executive, National Landscapes Association 'Generation Green has been a powerful catalyst in helping over 3,700 young people, many from underrepresented backgrounds - connect with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. By removing barriers, we've widened young people's access to protected landscapes and sparked deeper connections to the environment - supporting wellbeing, resilience and an appreciation for the natural world.' - Aidan Jones, Chief Executive, Scouts 'If we want the environment and nature to be looked after, we need to inspire the next generation. Generation Green 2 has proven how government funding and civil society delivery can work together to extend this inspiration, and the personal development it provides, to many more young people. Through a true partnership approach, Generation Green has connected more than 26,000 disadvantaged young people with the natural world, encouraging the environmentalists of the future, promoting green jobs and setting young people up for lifetimes of enriching adventure through activities in protected landscapes.' – James Blake, CEO, YHA (England & Wales) Why We Need Generation Green 3 Generation Green offers a proven blueprint for change, bringing nature into the lives of young people who need it most. 1 in 5 children aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). 18% of children in the most deprived areas never visit any kind of natural space. never visit any kind of natural space. Half of the country's most deprived areas are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. Almost 30% of children in England live in poverty, affecting their access to safe outdoor experiences.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban National Trust Cymru wants to protect wildlife and the coastlines with a new initiative The rugged shores of Porth Darfarch, Anglesey (Image: John Miller/National Trust ) Three popular beaches in North Wales have been declared "smoke-free zones" in a bid to protect the natural environment and prevent wildfires. Visitors to these scenic spots will now notice new signs as part of the voluntary initiative, gently urging them to put out their cigarettes and enjoy the fresh sea air smoke-free. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd – are under the care of National Trust Cymru and were chosen for their "environmental significance" with backing from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru is championing smoke-free beaches as a means to safeguard wildlife and coastal areas by minimising environmental litter. Ash Wales Cymru highlights that cigarette ends rank among the most discarded items globally, posing a significant hazard to marine life and ecosystems. The charity warns that over time, cigarette butts disintegrate into microplastics, releasing harmful chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and formaldehyde into delicate marine habitats. By deterring beachgoers from smoking, there's also the benefit of protecting youngsters from second-hand smoke and discouraging them from starting the habit. Article continues below Supporting the initiative is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She commented: "Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this." "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes." In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales, following in the footsteps of Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales, reports North Wales Live. Last year, Spain took a firm stance against smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces to combat the littering of cigarette butts. France has been implementing similar bans since 2011, and Italy and Greece have also introduced stricter anti-smoking measures. The new smoke-free zones in North Wales are not only popular with holidaymakers but are also vital for wildlife. Cemlyn, located on the north coast of Anglesey, boasts an internationally significant colony of Sandwich terns. It's also a hotspot for Arctic and Common terns, and occasionally, the elusive Roseate tern makes an appearance. Cemlyn is recognised as having the UK's third-largest colony of terns, with approximately 1,500 pairs. The pristine water quality is essential for their survival. The area is protected as both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ecological importance. Porth Dafarch, nestled on Holy Island's Anglesey, is renowned for its ancient rocky cradle teeming with choughs - the crow family's rarest members, easily spotted by their red legs and beak. The surrounding waters are a sanctuary for seals and porpoises alike. Just as enchanting, Porthor Beach is acclaimed for its melody producing "whistling sands" and serves as a bastion for an array of avian species including Choughs, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags, and Yellowhammers, while welcoming seals and dolphins to its shores. National Trust Cymru's project manager in North Wales, Dewi Davies, remarked: "We work hard to look after these special places." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The emphasis on conservation is strong, with Davies urging: "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire." To mark the establishment of new smoke-free zones, Porth Dafarch will host a celebratory beach clean on Thursday, June 19, involving pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland in Holyhead. The initiative aims to shed light on the impacts of discarded cigarette butts on marine ecosystems. Positioned at the vanguard of the smoke-free beach campaign are the National Trust and ASH Wales, buoyed by a swell of public approval in Wales. Recent polls indicate a significant 56% national endorsement for coastal smoke bans, with even more emphatic backing from the locals of Anglesey, where 87% support the measure. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Article continues below "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first."
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Three popular beaches in North Wales where common activity now frowned upon
Three popular beaches in North Wales have become 'smoke-free zones' to safeguard nature and reduce the risk of wildfires. The initiative is only voluntary, with noticeboards erected at each site asking visitors not to light cigarettes. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd – are all managed by National Trust Cymru. They were selected for their 'environmental significance' with support from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru hopes smoke-free beaches will help protect wildlife and the coastlines by reducing environmental litter. According to Ash Wales Cymru, cigarette butts are one of the world's most littered items, posing a serious threat to marine environment and wildlife. Over time, said the charity, each butt will break up into microplastics, leaching toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic and formaldehyde into fragile marine ecosystems. It's hoped that by stopping people smoking on beaches, this will also protect young people from second-hand smoke and encourage them not to take up smoking. Backing the initiative - launched today on National Clean Air Day (June 19) - is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She said: 'Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales. This followed similar designations at Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales. Last year, Spain banned smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces in an attempt to tackle cigarette butt blight. France has had similar bans since 2011, while stricter anti-smoking measures have been introduced in Italy and Greece. The latest North Wales additions are all renowned for the bird colonies and visitors. Cemlyn, on Anglesey's north coast, is home to an internationally important colony of Sandwich terns. Nesting colonies of Arctic and Common terns are also seen here, and, occasionally, the rarer Roseate tern. With around 1,500 pairs of terns counted in recent years, Cemlyn has the UK's third largest colony, with good water quality key to their prospects. Much of the surrounding coastline is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Porth Dafarch, on Anglesey's Holy Island, has ancient rock formations that host a colony of choughs - the least common member of the crow family and recognised by its red bill and legs. The surrounding sea is home to seals and porpoises. The beach at Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands', is a stronghold for all manner of birds, from Choughs to Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. Other visitors here include seals and dolphins. Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: 'We work hard to look after these special places. "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.' The launch of the latest smoke-free spaces will be celebrated with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch on Thursday, June 19. Involving children from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland, Holyhead, the event aims to highlight the dangers of cigarette waste on marine life. Smoke-free beaches are a partnership between the National Trust and ASH Wales. They believe there is strong public support for the idea in Wales. A national survey earlier this year showed 56% in favour of a smoking ban on beaches. A local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: 'With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first.'
