Council steps up beach cleaning as litter concerns mount

Swansea Council has brought in a team of 13 seasonal beach cleaners to deal with growing litter issues along the city’s coastline as visitor numbers rise over the summer months.

The move comes as part of a wider effort to keep beaches, parks, and public toilets clean—something the Council says already costs around £6.5 million annually.

Cllr Cyril Anderson said the extra staff are there to support existing teams but stressed the responsibility shouldn’t fall entirely on the Council.

“All we’re asking is that visitors use common sense. If bins are full, don’t just dump your rubbish—take it home.”

Public toilets in busy beach locations are being cleaned regularly, but misuse remains a concern.

“It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone else,” he said.

Of particular worry are discarded disposable barbecues, which can retain heat for hours if buried in sand and have caused serious injuries in recent years. The Council has installed 15 clearly marked red bins on popular beaches to safely dispose of BBQs.

Beyond litter patrols, seasonal staff are also maintaining Changing Places accessible toilet facilities and clearing sand and weeds from footpaths and roads.

With several of Swansea’s beaches holding Blue Flag status, the Council says keeping them clean is vital to sustaining tourism and public safety.

➡️ Learn more about Swansea’s beaches: swansea.gov.uk/beaches ➡️ Explore local parks and green spaces: swansea.gov.uk/parks

#beachCleaners #beaches #BlueFlag #CllrCyrilAnderson #disposableBbq #litter #Parks #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

‘Make Memories, Not Mess’: summer litter campaign launches across West Wales

As summer crowds head for West Wales’s beaches, parks and green spaces, Keep Wales Tidy has launched a new campaign urging everyone to “Make Memories, Not Mess” — by taking litter home and leaving no trace behind.

The charity says litter continues to blight communities, threaten wildlife, and damage the natural environment, with recent figures showing fast food packaging on 26.4% of streets and drinks litter on 43.6% across Wales.

“Our parks, beaches and green spaces are at the heart of what makes Wales so special,” said Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy. “It’s simple: if you bring it with you, take it home. Let’s enjoy everything Wales has to offer this summer, without spoiling the experience for others or harming the environment.”

The campaign — funded by Welsh Government and part of the wider Caru Cymru movement — aims to spark a sense of pride and collective responsibility, especially in areas where bins are full or unavailable2.

West Wales, with its Blue Flag beaches, national parks, and coastal trails, is expected to see a surge in visitors over the coming weeks. Keep Wales Tidy hopes the campaign will encourage small changes in behaviour that make a big difference to the places people love.

Celebrating Swansea Bay’s natural beauty

Four Swansea beaches named among Wales’s best in prestigious Wales Coast Awards
Published May 2025: Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Rhossili recognised for cleanliness, safety and environmental excellence.

Pembrey’s Cefn Sidan Beach retains Blue Flag status
Published May 2025: One of Wales’s most awarded beaches continues to meet international standards for water quality and visitor facilities.

Swansea Bay parks and green spaces recognised among world’s best with Green Flag Awards
Published July 2025: Six Swansea parks join the global list of top-rated green spaces, highlighting their role in wellbeing and biodiversity.

#BlueFlag #CaruCymru #GreenFlag #KeepWalesTidy #litter #MakeMemories #MakeMemoriesNotMess #WelshGovernment

Four Swansea beaches named among Wales’ best in prestigious Wales Coast Awards

Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy today announced the recipients of the much-coveted annual awards, with three beaches receiving the globally-recognised Blue Flag Awards, and one receiving a Green Coast Award.  

A total of 49 beaches across Wales were recognised in the awards, which play a vital role in protecting our precious marine environment and are known around the world as a symbol of quality.  

Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon, all in Gower, all retained their status as Blue Flag beaches. This is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and tourism boats, recognising not only the highest standards of water quality, but also high-quality amenities, sustainable development of tourism, information provision, environmental education, safety and access, and site management  

The three locations were among 21 across Wales achieving the Blue Flag accolade. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), beaches must adhere to specific criteria ensuring the beach or marina is clean, safe, and well-managed, promoting sustainability and attracting visitors.    

In addition, Bracelet Bay, on Mumbles Head, retained its status as a Green Coast Award-winning beach, one of 15 locations in Wales to achieve the award which celebrate the ‘hidden gems’ of the Welsh coastline. The Green Coast Award celebrates Bracelet Bay as an exceptional place to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity. It joins the likes of Mwnt and Penbryn in Ceredigion, and Freshwater East and Manorbier in Pembrokeshire in being commended for unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and a high standard of environmental education.  

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our award-winning beaches are a real asset for the city and a huge draw for visitors and locals alike.

“Gaining and retaining blue flag status takes a lot of time and investment so locals and visitors can enjoy clean, safe and beautiful beaches all year-round. So we are delighted to once again fly the Blue Flags at some of our most iconic Gower beaches.”

Alongside the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards, Seaside Awards were given to 15 beaches across Wales, including Aberavon in Neath Port Talbot, Aberystwyth South and North, Penarth and Barry Island’s Whitmore Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan. This is a UK-only beach award available in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, with its distinctive yellow and blue flag signifying a clean, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch, with a good standard of water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management.  

The Wales Coast Awards have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years and signify that a beach or marina meets and maintains the highest environmental standards and achieves tough water quality targets, as well as ensuring high standards of information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management.  

The Awards are voluntary and recognise the huge effort of staff and volunteers across Wales who are committed to protecting and preserving our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances. 

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy congratulated Swansea on its award-winning coastal locations. 

He said: “Congratulations to Swansea on its Coast Award-winning beaches for 2025. Swansea is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Wales and we’re delighted to see this recognised in the 2025 Wales Coast Awards. Not only are these beautiful beaches to visit, but visitors can. Ow be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.” 

He added: “The Wales Coast Awards are a fantastic celebration of Wales’ beautiful and diverse coastline and are testament to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.”  

#BlueFlag #BraceletBay #CaswellBay #Gower #GreenCoastAwards #KeepWalesTidy #LanglandBay #PortEynon #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Pembrey’s Cefn Sidan beach retains blue flag status

The Blue Flag Award, managed by Keep Wales Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education, is an internationally renowned mark of quality. Cefn Sidan remains one of the most celebrated beaches in Wales, offering eight miles of golden sand, stunning coastal views, and a pristine natural environment for locals and visitors alike.

Carmarthenshire Council, which owns the beach and the country park, says that retaining Blue Flag status is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local authorities, park staff, volunteers, and the community in maintaining high environmental standards. The beach continues to implement sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that its unique coastal habitat is protected for future generations.

Cefn Sidan was hailed as not only being beautiful but also safe and accessible, with excellent lifeguard services, clear safety signage, and well-maintained facilities. The beach is a haven for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as walking, cycling, beachcombing, and water sports.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans said: “We are thrilled that Cefn Sidan Beach has retained its Blue Flag status once again. This award reflects our ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance our natural coastline while ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. We encourage everyone to continue respecting and protecting our beautiful beach.”

#BlueFlag #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CefnSidanBeach #Environment #KeepWalesTidy #Pembrey #PembreyCountryPark

Passing at 270km/h can be wild.

#BlueFlag
#Bathurst1000

Rare crosspost, but since I talk a lot about manga here I figure I might as well put the Blue Flag Love Quadrangle here as well :3

Full alt text in media description and on https://cohost.org/PolyWolf/post/6884663-please-read-blue

#BlueFlag

Geoff Cooper: Lib Dems announce plan for more protection of rivers | Hampshire Chronicle
https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24366990.geoff-cooper-lib-dems-announce-plan-protection-rivers/

#Cooper
#LibDems
#Rivers
#RomseyAndSouthamptonNorth
#Romsey
#Hampshire
#Sewage
#BlueFlag
#Ofwat