**Welsh Beauty Spots Embrace Smoke-Free Beach Initiative to Protect Wildlife and Coastline**
In a move aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity and stunning coastal landscapes of North Wales, three much-loved beaches have declared themselves “smoke-free zones”. This action, spearheaded by National Trust Cymru, comes as conservationists and health officials look to combat the enduring challenges of environmental pollution and the risk of wildfires linked to discarded cigarette ends.
The beaches making the transition into smoke-free territory — Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd — are noted both for their spectacular scenery and their ecological importance. Discreet but clear signage has already been installed, politely encouraging visitors to refrain from smoking and embrace the fresh sea air. Although voluntary and not backed by legal enforcement, the new scheme is part of a growing trend towards creating healthier public spaces.
National Trust Cymru, collaborating closely with RSPB Cymru, highlighted the environmental vulnerability of these locations. They argue that even small changes in visitor behaviour can have an outsized impact on protecting fragile habitats. Cigarette ends, described by Ash Wales Cymru as one of the world’s “most littered” items, continue to represent a severe threat to wildlife and marine ecosystems. When left behind, these butts often break down into microplastics and leach harmful chemicals including arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde into coastal and aquatic environments.
The detrimental effects of smoking on others are also in the spotlight. Reducing second-hand smoke exposure for beachgoers — particularly young people — is a significant health motivator for this change. The hope is to both lessen the risks to non-smokers and discourage future generations from picking up the habit through visible social cues.
Welsh Government officials have voiced their support for the growing movement. Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, underlined the region’s aspiration for a “smoke-free Wales by 2030”. Creating smoke-free public spaces, she said, is a practical step toward “protecting our beautiful landscapes and limiting the harmful effects of smoking on both health and the environment”.
This initiative is not the first of its kind in Wales. In 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay, also on Anglesey, embraced voluntary bans, following successful precedents set in South Wales. Further afield, Spanish resorts introduced blanket bans on smoking and vaping along beaches and terraces as part of a wider campaign against cigarette litter, while France, Italy and Greece have all enacted similar policies over the last decade.
The three smoke-free beaches in North Wales are not only prized for their appeal to holidaymakers but are key havens for wildlife. Cemlyn, situated on Anglesey’s north coast, offers sanctuary to around 1,500 pairs of Sandwich terns, making it the third largest colony of its kind in the UK and a designated National Nature Reserve. Meanwhile, Porth Dafarch’s rocky outcrops on Holy Island are home to the rare chough, a striking member of the crow family, as well as thriving populations of seals and porpoises. Porthor, known affectionately as the “Whistling Sands” for the distinctive noise produced underfoot, supports a rich diversity of birds, attracting visitors with its unique charm and environmental significance.
Dewi Davies, project manager for the National Trust in North Wales, emphasised the role of public cooperation in preserving these cherished locales. “We’re asking visitors to support our efforts by not smoking and by ensuring waste from cigarettes is properly disposed of,” he said. Davies noted that discarded smoking materials could trigger wildfires or cause harm to sensitive habitats and the creatures that rely on them.
A celebratory beach clean at Porth Dafarch, set for 19 June and involving local schoolchildren, will draw attention to the ongoing issue of cigarette litter and its impact on marine life. Initiatives like these, organisers argue, help foster a sense of local stewardship and highlight the responsibility that comes with enjoying Wales’ natural assets.
Public opinion appears firmly behind the shift, particularly in Anglesey, where local support for coastal smoke-free zones is reported to be as high as 87%, compared with a strong 56% backing across Wales as a whole. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, framed the campaign as “an opportunity to help the 325,000 people in Wales who still smoke to quit, while creating a cleaner, safer environment for all.” She added, “Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces underlines that smoking is not the norm — people, wildlife, and the planet take priority.”
As more Welsh beaches embrace these voluntary bans, the measures set a precedent for similar efforts elsewhere in Britain and underline the fast-changing expectations of public space in the 21st century. For locals and tourists alike, the message is clear: enjoy the natural beauty, but leave only footprints behind.