‘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

Green Flag flying at Kilvey Community Woodland thanks to decades of volunteer care

A cherished patch of nature on the edge of urban Swansea has been officially recognised as one of the best community-managed green spaces in Wales. Kilvey Community Woodland, maintained by the dedicated Kilvey Woodland Volunteers, has received its first Green Flag Community Award — a mark of quality bestowed by Keep Wales Tidy.

The award celebrates the woodland’s high standards in cleanliness, safety, biodiversity and community engagement. It joins 22 Swansea sites recognised this year, as reported by Swansea Bay News in our earlier coverage of the Green Flag Awards, which saw Wales lead the world in community-managed green spaces.

Volunteer David said the award was “a huge achievement” and a tribute to the decades of work by volunteers who’ve transformed Kilvey Hill into a thriving haven for wildlife and people. Fellow volunteer Chris added:

“Our cherished Kilvey Hill gives the space to breathe — from children playing in muddy puddles, to runners, bird watchers, and loved ones scattering ashes in meaningful spots.”

The woodland offers seasonal events, guided walks, conservation days, school visits and workshops, all free and open to the public. It’s a place rich in biodiversity, heritage and community spirit — and now officially recognised as such.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy, said:

“These sites play a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of communities across Wales. Kilvey Community Woodland is now recognised as among the best in the world.”

The volunteers are calling on the community to help maintain the woodland’s high standards and support future events. Updates and opportunities to get involved are shared regularly via their social media channels.

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#GreenFlag #KeepWalesTidy #KilveyCommunityWoodland #KilveyHill #Swansea #volunteers #woodland

Swansea Bay parks and green spaces recognised among world’s best with Green Flag awards

Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed that Wales now flies more Green Flag Community Awards than any other country worldwide, with a record-breaking 315 sites recognised this year — including 223 community spaces.

Among the winners are six of Swansea’s main parks, including Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Brynmill Park, Parc Llewelyn, Cwmdonkin Park and Victoria Park. All are managed by Swansea Council and welcome thousands of visitors annually.

Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our city is blessed with some beautiful parks which we are proud of and work hard to maintain. They all provide a space where families and visitors can relax, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. I’m thrilled that these locations have been recognised on a national level.”

Additional Green Flag Awards have been given to Swansea University Singleton Campus, Penllergare Valley Woods, and Mount Pleasant Hospital, managed by Coastal Housing Group.

Thirteen community-based gardens and green spaces in Swansea also received Green Flag Community Awards, including Friends of Coed Gwilym Park, Pontlliw Park, Swansea Canal, Mayhill Washing Lake & Community Food Garden, Swansea Community Farm and Coedbach Park.

Cllr Francis-Davies added: “It’s great to see a large number of community gardens get recognition for what they offer residents. This is largely down to community groups and volunteers, who take it upon themselves to look after these green spaces and make sure that wherever you live in Swansea, there is certain to be somewhere nearby that families can visit.”

In Neath Port Talbot, a wide range of parks and gardens have also achieved Green Flag status, including Gnoll Estate Country Park, Margam Country Park, Talbot Memorial Park, Victoria Gardens, and Swansea University Bay Campus Grounds.

Community Awards were also given to Amman Valley Trotting Club, Cilybebyll Community Growers, Craig Gwladus Country Park, The Friends and Neighbours Centre, Gardd y Pobl, Sandfields Community Garden, Cwmafan Community Orchard, Glantawe Riverside Park, Vivian Park Nature Garden, and The Lane Community Garden.

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said: “These awards signify parks and community green spaces which have met very high standards and they represent a reward for outstanding environmental and gardening efforts and the maintenance of excellent visitor facilities. These are awards are due to a great team effort from our dedicated staff and from many hard working, much appreciated volunteers from our local communities.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Green flags fly high above Neath Port Talbot parks
Local parks and gardens recognised for excellence in environmental standards and visitor facilities.

Prestigious Green Flags flying in Swansea parks
Six of Swansea’s main parks awarded Green Flag status for their contribution to wellbeing and biodiversity.

Margam Country Park named one of the best in the UK
Public vote places Margam among the top ten parks and green spaces nationwide.

Cadle Heath Local Nature Reserve receives first Green Flag award
Volunteers praised for their commitment to preserving one of Swansea’s hidden rural gems.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: “We’re thrilled that green spaces managed by Swansea Council and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council have once again achieved the prestigious Green Flag status — a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the many staff and volunteers who care for them.”

The Green Flag Award is delivered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy and supported by Welsh Government. Sites are judged against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for Climate Change, said: “I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the world in community-awarded green flag sites. Our local green spaces play a vital role in connecting us to nature, supporting biodiversity and providing opportunities for healthy recreation.”

A full list of Green Flag and Green Flag Community Award winners for 2025/26 can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website.

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Swansea Marina ‘sea bin’ trial aims to help keep marina water clean

The technology is being trialled, thanks to Swansea Council teaming up with environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Sea bins are bucket-shaped devices that rise and fall with the tide, collecting floating litter and debris.

As water is drawn in by a pump, it passes through a catch bag which then traps the waste.

Clean water is pumped back out, while litter and debris are safely contained for proper disposal.

Powered 24 hours a day, the sea bin at Swansea Marina has a capacity of 30 litres to collect waste.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “It would be a lot better if people didn’t irresponsibly drop their rubbish in the first place, but the trial of this sea bin shows we’re continuing to be innovative in all we do to keep our city and waterways as clean as possible.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Keep Wales Tidy on the introduction of this technology and will continue to explore its effectiveness as part of the ongoing trial.

“Research shows about 80% of marine litter originates from land-based sources, so it’s important we do all we can to protect our marine environment and encourage people to either use bins or take their waste home with them.”

The initiative is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The council say the sea bin is being regularly monitored to investigate what it collects and to check for any unintended impacts or interactions with wildlife.

#CllrCyrilAnderson #Environment #KeepWalesTidy #litter #SeaBin #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarina

New community garden opens in Port Talbot’s Sandfields

The garden, developed on unused green space behind Sandfields Library, was officially unveiled this week by Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Alan Roberts, local resident and Chair of the Friends of Sandfields Community group.

Led by Local Area Coordinator Aled Davies and supported by a wide range of local residents, volunteers and partner organisations, the garden is the result of more than two years of community-led development in Sandfields. It follows the success of working alongside the weekly coffee mornings, multi-agency drop-in sessions, the area’s first ‘Library of Things’ (a scheme where you can loan out everyday items), and more recently, a new food pantry and repair café.

Organisers say the garden will now provide a welcoming space for people to meet, grow fresh produce, and support biodiversity – with all produce made available for local residents to enjoy.

This project was funded by the Keep Wales Tidy Local Spaces for Nature (supersize package) who provided the resources and knowledge of Roger Key who helped the volunteers build the garden.

Councillor Jo Hale said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people are empowered and supported to take the lead in their communities. The garden is more than just a green space – it represents connection, purpose and pride. I was honoured to be invited to open the garden and to see first-hand how much it means to those involved.”

The project has been supported by a wide range of organisations including Keep Wales Tidy, Tai Tarian, The Woodland Trust, Morrisons, local councillors, Coastal, CJ Construction, Tempo Time Credits, NPT Community Food Partnership, The National Lottery, and pupils and staff from Awel-y-Mor.

Roger Key, Roving Officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside such passionate volunteers to bring this space to life. Thanks to the Supersize Package from our Local Places for Nature scheme, we were able to transform an underused area into a vibrant garden that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come. We were thrilled to attend the opening and can’t wait to see the garden thrive.”

In addition to supporting people in need in the community, Local Area Coordinators say they also help people to start up local community groups that benefit local residents and help them to grow.

#CommunityGarden #Gardening #KeepWalesTidy #LocalAreaCoordination #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Sandfields

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

UK: Wales – Umweltorganisation Keep Wales Tidy fordert Festivals auf Einweg E-Zigaretten zu verbieten

Die Forderung der Umweltorganisation Keep Wales Tidy (arch) an Festival Organisationen Einweg E-Zigaretten zu verbi

https://dampfdruck-presse.hu/2023/07/23/uk-wales-umweltorganisation-keep-wales-tidy-fordert-festivals-auf-einweg-e-zigaretten-zu-verbieten/

#News #Disposables #KeepWalesTidy #Wales

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Margam Country Park has made it into the UK’s prestigious top ten parks and green spaces list following a public vote.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/16/margam-country-park-named-one-of-the-best-in-the-whole-of-the-uk/ #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #Margam #KeepWalesTidy #GreenFlag #Parks