Coastal Conservation At Freshwater East

Pockets of land surrounding Freshwater East beach have been gradually bought by the Park Authority since the late 1970s.

Image by: PCNPA

 

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by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

November 09, 2007

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has completed the registration of its legal title to the land it has acquired at Freshwater East, one of the Park's most popular beaches.

This purchase will help safeguard the area's special qualities long into the future.

Pockets of land surrounding Freshwater East beach have been gradually bought by the Authority since the late 1970s. But the Authority made a step-change in its commitment to safeguarding the area by its major purchase in 2001 of a further 90 acres. Delays in completing the registration of part of this land have been overcome so the Authority is now the registered owner of approximately 120 acres of land at Freshwater East.

The Authority can now begin to implement the process of the decision it took in January to dedicate a new right of access to the land at Freshwater East under the CROW (Countryside and Rights of Way) Act 2000.

Senior Ranger for the South of the Park, Libby Taylor, explained, "The dunes, beach and car park areas at Freshwater East are an important amenity for local people and thousands of holiday-makers looking for a traditional beach-orientated holiday.

"The Burrows are also an important landscape feature in the bay, and have considerable local value for nature conservation and recreation. The area has long been valued by local people and visitors as a place for quiet recreation and enjoyment, providing many opportunities for access and education.

"Now that the Authority has completed its land purchase in the area, we are better able to protect these important conservation features and to ensure the land's availability as a community resource for recreation, conservation and education."

Over the years, the Authority has also carried out a sand dune stabilisation project at Freshwater East, which is helping to manage erosion and the retreat of the dunes.

The conservation work in the area is supported by the Freshwater East Joint Management Group, which comprises residents and representatives of local interest community groups.