Blue Flags, Green Coast and Seaside Awards mark a clean sweep for Mid Wales coastline
THIRTEEN beaches in Ceredigion have been recognised for their high environmental and water quality standards in this year’s Wales Coast Awards.
Borth, Llangrannog and Tresaith will once again fly the prestigious Blue Flag, while six beaches have earned Seaside Awards and a further four have been given Green Coast Awards.
The Green Coast Awards were presented to Llanrhystud, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Penbryn and Mwnt, celebrating their unspoilt beauty and excellent water quality. Seaside Awards were achieved by Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau/North and Aberporth.
Organised by Keep Wales Tidy, the awards are a benchmark for beaches and marinas that meet high standards in water quality, safety, environmental management and visitor information.
To achieve Blue Flag or Green Coast status, a beach must meet the highest standard of water quality, provide appropriate facilities, and demonstrate strong safety and management practices. Seaside Awards, meanwhile, recognise beaches with good water quality and amenities that are well managed and safe.
Suzy Davies, vice chairman of MWT Cymru, welcomed the news: “These awards are a celebration of the high-quality beaches we have here in Ceredigion. They’re a fantastic natural resource, of which the whole of Wales should be proud.
“MWT Cymru is delighted to see residents and visitors enjoying these beaches responsibly, helping keep them clean and safe.”
Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: “While many people are familiar with the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, the Green Coast Award is equally important. It celebrates the wild, unspoilt beaches that define the Welsh coastline – places of extraordinary natural beauty that deserve recognition.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regeneration at Ceredigion County Council, praised the many volunteers and organisations who work year-round to protect the county’s coast.
“Without their continued support, we wouldn’t be able to nominate so many beaches for these prestigious awards,” he said. “This recognition places Ceredigion among the very best coastal destinations in Wales and the UK.”
MWT Cymru represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia).
