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Project

The Freshwater West UK Community Renewal Fund Consultation

A triangular shelter overlooking the sea at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Overlooking the coast at Freshwater West | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Freshwater West is a much-loved, wild and beautiful beach, which over time has become increasingly popular. Access to nature and the outdoors for all is vitally important, but the increase in visitors has put increased pressure on facilities and parking and impacted on the beaches natural and protected features of this very special place. Learn how the Community Renewal Fund Consultation is finding solutions to balance tourism and nature at this very special place.

The Community Renewal Fund Consultation

To help understand these issues, and consider future options, an eight-month consultation process was carried out by Planning Solutions Consulting Limited. We are now sharing the findings, proposals and action plan from The Freshwater West UK Community Renewal Fund Consultation with everyone.
The consultation’s overall aim was to find solutions to balancing the needs of the natural environment at Freshwater West, with everyone’s enjoyment of the beach and coastline. Nearly 5,000 people contributed to two online surveys, with more attending drop in events, workshops and discussions that formed the consultation’s detailed research programme.

View over Freshwater West and Gupton Farm, Pembrokeshire, Wales
View over Freshwater West and Gupton Farm | © National Trust Images/Owen Howells

Through engaging with everyone that visits the beach on a wide range of proposals including car parking, traffic, toilets and signage, key priorities have been identified for Freshwater West.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Read the full Sustainable Freshwater West Final Report.

To request a pdf copy of Sustainable Freshwater West – Executive Summary or a copy of the full Sustainable Freshwater West Final Report please email stackpole@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sustainable Freshwater West project timeline

July 2023

Thank you to all those who attended the sand drawing event

A sand art drawing event was held at Freshwater West on July 8, with local artist Charlotte Cortazzi. The beach will be welcoming many visitors over the coming summer months, and the aim of the event was to  encourage everyone to leave no trace and help us keep the beach and its surroundings litter-free. This is particularly important for the dunes, a designated SSSI site. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who participated.

Aerial view of sand art event, Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Aerial view of sand art event, Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire | © Dave Welton
Visitors walking on the beach, with sand dune grass in the foreground, at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Discover more at Freshwater West and Gupton Farm

Find out how to get to Freshwater West and Gupton Farm, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

Our partners

Planning Solutions Consulting

Tourism consultants, experts in visitor experiences since 1995.

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PLANED

PLANED delivers sustainable outcomes for communities by a collaborative, people-led approach.

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Hiraeth

Hiraeth Architecture: Embracing the past, creating the future.

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UK Government

UK Community Renewal Fund

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