ONE new mid Wales beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its “exceptional standards”, while another new entry has received a Green Coast Award as part of the Wales Coast Awards for 2023.

Five beaches in the county have received a Blue Flag from Keep Wales Tidy, which is judged on water quality, cleanliness, safety and the services available.

Four of the beaches – Borth, Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberystwyth South – all retained their Blue Flag from 2022, while Aberporth has also been awarded a Blue Flag for 2023.

A further five beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award, which is given to “hidden gem” beaches recognising their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt, and Penbryn retained their Green Coast Award from 2022, and New Quay Traeth Gwyn also received the award this year.

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Four beaches have retained the Seaside Award for the standard of their water quality and facilities.

These are Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, Clarach, and Traeth y Dolau.

However, the beaches at Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt, Aberporth, Penbryn, Llangrannog and Tresaith did not retain their Seaside Awards.

Keep Wales Tidy has announced that 51 beaches and coastal areas across Wales have been recognised in the 2023 Wales Coast Awards.

Across Wales, 25 of its Blue Flag beaches have retained their status, as well as 14 Green Coast awards and 12 Seaside Awards.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and tourism, said: “It’s fantastic to see Blue and Seaside Award flags flying at Ceredigion’s most popular bathing beaches again this year and we are fully expecting to see very busy beaches once again throughout this season.

County Times:

“This has been achieved with the continued and much valued support of the numerous community voluntary groups and individuals championing the Caru Ceredigion message by undertaking regular clean-up and educational activities on our beaches and along the foreshore of Ceredigion.

“This has again, in no small way, contributed to our ability to put forward such a large number of our beaches and successfully obtain these prestigious awards, placing Ceredigion beaches amongst the very best in Wales and the UK.”

Minister for climate change Julie James said: “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.”

Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, 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 breath-taking 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.”

Here is a list of the local winners.

Blue Flag

Ceredigion

  • Borth
  • Llangrannog
  • Tresaith
  • Aberporth
  • Aberystwyth South

Pembrokeshire

  • Amroth
  • Newgale
  • Saundersfoot
  • Dale
  • Whitesands
  • Coppet Hall
  • Tenby South
  • Tenby Castle
  • Poppit Sands
  • Broadhaven North

Seaside Award

Ceredigion

  • Aberystwyth North
  • New Quay Harbour
  • Clarach
  • Traeth y Dolau

Green Coast Award

Ceredigion

  • New Quay Traeth Gwyn
  • Cilborth
  • Llanrhystud
  • Mwnt
  • Penbryn

Pembrokeshire

  • Abereiddy
  • Freshwater East
  • Manorbier
  • Penally
  • Caerfai
  • Druidston
  • West Angle Bay