National Trust releases appeal to help save Pembrokeshire coast

There are a number of beautiful places across Pembrokeshire and western Wales that are under threat by coastal erosion. In an effort to halt the negative effects, the National Trust has recently released a “Most at Risk” list.

At one location, in Stackpole, they highlighted a rising threat of flooding to low-lying valley areas. Also in Pembrokeshire, they mentioned the area around Abereiddi due to failing sea defences that have been removed to allow a beach area to move 30 metres inland.

The announcement came during the release of the National Trust’s Shifting Shores – Ten Years On. The report is keenly focused on protecting the coastline of the British Isles.

Llanrhidian Marsh on the Gower Peninsula is another one of the Welsh locations on the list of suffering natural wonders. With a crumbling sea wall dating back to medieval times, the area was highlighted at a recently convened conference. Porthdinllaen, on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, also features in the Trust’s environmental review.

In releasing the report, Richard Neale, Wales’ Coastal Path Project Manager for the National Trust, said he will call for "a joined-up approach" amongst a number of local and national stakeholders to address the issues.

"The launch of Shifting Shores – Ten Years On is calling for urgent action from Government agencies across the UK to ensure all coastal areas are ready for the enormous challenges presented by severe storms and rising sea levels,” Neale said to the media. "With devolved powers and responses under way in Wales we feel it is timely to host this conference and calling for a crucial shift 'from saying to doing' to avoid significant problems in Wales in future.”

Experts have highlighted that the local Coastal Management Policy has improved in Wales, but there is always more to do. Mentioning cooperative efforts, like work at Gupton Farm where the marshlands were protected, the National Trust said it needs to come up with solutions that bring people together and harness the natural processes of reclaiming the land.

Pembrokeshire has a wealth of natural beauty and it is one of the selling points for countless generations enjoying holiday cottages in Tenby, Saundersfoot, and across the county. Visitors to the region are urged annually to protect the environment, and help to ensure its safety for the future.

Image Credit: Ed Webster (flickr.com)