The popular car park at Llanddwyn beach may close due to sand accumulation and climate change impacts.
They keep clearing sand from the car park, which holds four hundred vehicles. Some cars got stuck in the deep sand.
They spent two days clearing sand this month, but fresh sand came with Friday’s strong winds. NRW will clear it for now, but says this approach is not sustainable.
The car park is popular, offering views of Eryri and Llŷn. It’s near Ynys Llanddwyn island, which is part of a UNESCO Geopark. In peak season, traffic jams reach Newborough village. Queues stretch for almost two miles!
Each winter, they close the car park to remove sand. Storms are getting worse and now more common. Soon, they may not be able to control the sand.
Justin Hanson works for NRW. He said climate change causes various issues. They must balance conservation and forestry, while also managing traffic.
Sand is moving onto the car park. They lost sixty meters of dune front in ten years. Storms tied to climate change make it worse.
When sand covers part of the car park, they act fast. They direct traffic and clear blockages. This year, they will reduce sand movement as they look for longer-term solutions, as maintaining this level of parking is not sustainable.
NRW works with others, consulting Anglesey Council and the community. They are also talking with the Gwynedd and Anglesey Public Service Board. Last year, people suggested park-and-ride. Other ideas included boat taxis and cable cars.
NRW said solutions must work with nature and respect the community. They are gathering data to improve access and protect the environment.
They might move the car park to reduce traffic and encourage better travel. Meanwhile, they will keep the car park open. They hope to give visitors and residents a good experience.
Newborough Forest stabilized mobile dunes after WWII. A study showed the coastline retreated six meters quickly, dumping sand inland.
In 1331, a sand storm buried houses. Elizabeth I ordered the planting of marram grass in the 1500s to stabilize the dunes.
NRW wants low-impact solutions that fit within nature. Mr. Hanson said they will balance community, nature, and climate.
He said they will work with partners, aiming to create a plan for the community that also works for visitors.