To mark National Clean Air Day (19th June), we’ve teamed up with National Trust Cymru and RSPB to launch three smoke-free beaches which aim to protect wildlife, reduce litter, and promote a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy. Three treasured locations, Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd have now become voluntary smoke-free zones.

A Voluntary Step for a Healthier Coastline

This initiative invites visitors and locals alike to support a cleaner, safer environment by choosing not to smoke on these special beaches. Though voluntary, the move is designed to limit the environmental damage caused by cigarette litter, particularly to coastal wildlife and marine habitats and to help set a positive example for young people.

Discarded cigarette butts are one of the world’s most common types of litter. Each one contains toxic chemicals like lead and arsenic, and over time, breaks down into microplastics that pollute waterways and endanger marine life. There’s also the fire risk, discarded smoking materials have the potential to spark wildfires, particularly in dry, natural areas.

By expanding smoke-free spaces, we aim to shift social norms, protect wildlife and coastal ecosystems, and support efforts to make Wales smoke-free by 2030.

Our Ambition To Create a Smoke-free Wales

Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, welcomed the initiative:

“I welcome this national partnership between ASH Wales Cymru and the National Trust, which will make three more of Wales’ beaches smoke-free. Not only will more smoke-free places help protect people from harmful second-hand smoke and reduce the environmental damage from smoking, but they will help make smoke-free the norm in Wales, discourage young people from taking up smoking and support more smokers to quit. 

“Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this. It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.” 

Why These Beaches?

Each of the three beaches chosen has strong environmental significance:

• Porth Dafarch, on the west side of Holy Island, is surrounded by dramatic rock formations that are home to rare birds such as choughs, along with seals and porpoises in the nearby waters.
• Cemlyn, also on Ynys Môn, supports the third largest colony of terns in the UK, including around 1,500 Sandwich tern pairs, as well as Arctic and Common terns. The beach and surrounding area form part of a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
• Porthor, known for its ‘whistling sands’, offers sanctuary to a variety of seabirds and mammals including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and even the occasional dolphin.

Protecting Our Natural Environment For Future Generations

Dewi Davies, Project Manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said:

“We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature. All three locations we’ve chosen as voluntary smoke free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant.  

“We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire.  

“As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.”  

Visitors to the beaches will now see new signs inviting them to support the smoke-free approach and help reduce litter.

The Need for Action

Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, said:

“Smoke-free spaces are not only popular, they’re essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. Cigarette butts are the world’s most littered item, threatening marine life and increasing wildfire risk.” 

“With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm – people, wildlife and the planet come first.” 

Public Support

Public opinion across Wales shows strong support for smoke-free spaces. A national public opinion survey (2025) shows 56% of Welsh adults support a smoking ban on beaches – a local survey in Anglesey showed even stronger support, with 87% in favour.

In response to public opinion in March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales – following in the footsteps of Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales.  

Celebrating with a Beach Clean

To celebrate the launch, a beach clean is taking place at Porth Dafarch on 19th June, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School, Ynys Môn. The activity will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of cigarette litter and the importance of protecting our marine life and coastlines.