A shore thing

the prestigious Blue Flag Awards were announced last month – and once again many of Wales’ beaches were praised as part of the Wales Coast Awards

Keep Wales Tidy recently announced the recipients of the Wales Coast Awards for 2023, unveiling the 51 coastal areas achieving the exceptional standards required to receive the prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award. This year Wales has retained not only 25 of its Blue Flag beaches, but also scooped 14 Green Coast awards and 12 Seaside Awards. Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and boats, and promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems, and ensures safety and access for beach users. The 25 Welsh beaches achieving this accolade have to adhere to very specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.

Title toppers

In addition to the 25 Blue Flag awards, 14 beaches in Wales were also awarded the Green Coast Award, including a new site at New Quay, Traeth Gwyn, recognising its clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Awards are ‘hidden gems’ along the Welsh coastline, exceptional places to visit and enjoy diversity and rich coastal heritage. A total of 12 beaches achieved the Seaside Award for the standard of their facilities and water quality, with three new sites at Llantwit Major, Penarth and Southerndown. Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said: “These remarkable figures and continued success around our Welsh coastline are due once again to a huge, concerted and conscientious effort, and the collective willpower to persist in the face of exceptionally challenging circumstances. Wales has some of the best beaches and water quality across the whole of Europe, and it is only fitting that this is recognised with the awarding of Blue Flags. We’re known across the world for our beautiful coastlines, and if we’re to keep our beaches and coast this way we need to ensure we leave nothing but footprints so Blue Flags can continue to fly for many generations to come.”

Clean Sweep

A recent survey by Keep Wales Tidy found that the Blue Flag is most associated with good water quality and beach cleanliness. The survey also indicated that awareness of the Blue Flag award in Wales is still very high, with over 90 percent of people having heard of the award and more than 50 percent of people stating that the loss of a Blue Flag could influence their decision to visit a beach. Additionally, more than 75 percent of businesses located near Blue Flue beaches believe that the award attracts visitors to the area.

The recently published Blue Flag survey report further showcases the importance of the award and reinforces the need to strive for environmental excellence around our coastal areas.

Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: “The results of Wales Coast Awards are in, and we’re delighted to have our suspicions confirmed – some of the world’s best beaches are right here on our doorstep. These awards are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who strive to maintain and enhance the natural splendour of our coastline. However, with the privilege of enjoying these breathtaking landscapes comes the responsibility to protect and preserve them. Let us all pledge to do our part by respecting the environment and keeping our beaches clean and litter-free. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Wales’ coast.”

Setting The Bar

The chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism echoed the congratulations, praising Ceredigion County Council for having 14 of its beaches recognised in this year’s Wales Coast Awards. The area has contributed strongly to the overall totals for the country, with five of Ceredigion’s most popular beaches set to be flying Blue Flags once again in 2023, while a further nine in the county have also made a splash in the awards (see list, right).

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, said: “Congratulations to the award-winning beaches and Ceredigion County Council for maintaining such a high standard again, to benefit both local residents and visitors alike. It’s great to see New Quay Traeth Gwyn beach joining the list of Green Coast Award winners this year.

“Ceredigion is such an important tourist destination and marine wildlife haven, known for its bottlenose dolphins and a particularly scenic and spectacular section of the Wales Coast Path. I endorse the appeal made by Keep Wales Tidy for everyone visiting our wonderful beaches along the Mid Wales coast to respect the environment and not leave litter.”

What does a Blue Flag stand for?

Blue Flag is an iconic environmental award trusted by millions around the globe. Since it launched 1987, Blue Flag has transformed water quality, cleanliness, safety and services, and recognises the best beaches, marinas and boat tour operators in nearly 50 countries. Wales has more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK.

What is the Seaside Award?

The Seaside Award is the national standard for the best beaches across the UK. Wherever you see the distinct yellow and blue flag flying, you’re guaranteed to find a clean, attractive and well-managed stretch of coast.

What is the Green Coast Award?

The Green Coast Award recognises the untouched, rugged beaches that line so much of our coast. They may not have the facilities of more traditional seaside resorts, but Green Coast Award beaches have excellent water quality and are held to high environmental standards.