Parking on beach could end to protect environment

PARKING on one of Wales’ most beautiful beaches could soon be a thing of the past as climate concerns prompt potential restrictions.

Ynyslas, near Machynlleth and opposite Aberdyfi across the Dyfi estuary, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and precious sand dune ecosystems, which support flora and fauna including orchids, mosses, liverworts, fungi, insects and spiders.

Natural Resources Wales, which manages a popular car park on the beach at Ynyslas, is contemplating stopping vehicle access to the site in an effort to address the effects on nature and the ongoing climate crisis.

Financial pressures are also threatening the future of the Ynyslas Visitor Centre, which is at risk of closure. While no final decisions have been made regarding the car park or the visitor centre, the situation is under review.

Elsie Grace, head of sustainable commercial development at NRW, said: “We know that as an organisation we need to focus on activities that have the most impact on both the nature and climate emergencies and pollution prevention. One consideration is to look at the impact of parking vehicles on Ynyslas beach.”

She added: “We are currently looking at all the possible implications of such a change, but there is no decision at the moment.”