Yesterday (16th June) artwork capturing a snapshot of the Welsh coast has appeared on Penbryn beach, Ceredigion — inspiring the public to ‘leave no trace’ as they explore the Wales Coast Path.
Created by Welsh artist, Rachel Shiamh, the artwork highlights the importance of enjoying Wales sustainably this World Refill Day and beyond — to help keep the environment, oceans and communities plastic-free for generations to come.
One such way of eliminating single-use plastics includes the use of reusable water bottles — which can be conveniently filled at over 600 water refill stations located along the Path.
Exact locations of the refill stations across Wales and the wider UK can be found via the Refill app or website, allowing people to quickly and easily access free tap water whilst out and about.
Natalie Fée, CEO and Founder of City to Sea — the environmental not-for-profit behind World Refill Day and the Refill campaign — commented: “This artwork is part of a world-wide campaign to inspire and empower people to live with less plastic by connecting them to places they can eat, drink and shop with less waste.
“The Refill Revolution is happening in Wales and we’re working with local businesses, tourist attractions and community groups to ensure it’s accessible to residents and visitors alike.
“There are few places more beautiful than the Welsh coast and few things more upsetting than seeing plastic pollution ruin such a beautiful place. Together we can and we will put an end to plastic pollution.”
And by partnering with National Trust Cymru (who care for Penbryn Beach), Ceredigion Council and Wales Coast Path, City to Sea hopes to amplify its call for sustainability in Ceredigion and along the wider Welsh coast ahead of summer.
Rebecca Williams, Assistant Director at National Trust Cymru, said: “As custodians of 157 miles of the Welsh coast, we are proud to be supporting City to Sea, Wales Coast Path and Ceredigion Council in encouraging everyone to leave no trace when visiting — especially during the Path’s tenth anniversary year.
“To further support World Refill Day, 10 National Trust Cymru cafés have been added to the Refill App. And while we’ve been offering free water for several years, being listed on the App means visitors will be able to find free water at the click of a button — as well as receiving a 25p discount on hot drinks when bringing their own reusable cups.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Regeneration and Economy, added: “Ceredigion County Council is proud of the success of the Wales Coast Path which has quickly established an international reputation over the last 10 years — attracting new visitors to the area, extending the season and contributing to the development of a sustainable visitor economy.
“It is also great to see businesses embracing the potential of the Path and contributing to its sustainable management through supporting voluntary initiatives such as Refill.”
Eve Nicholson, from the marketing team for Wales Coast Path, said: “As we come together to celebrate our tenth anniversary year, there has never been a better time to promote sustainability along the Path — in order to preserve this national treasure for another ten years and beyond.
“The Wales Coast Path logo is widely recognised in Wales and the wider UK, but it’s wonderful to see it further brought to life in the name of sustainability — as a cause so close to our hearts along the 870-mile coastline of Wales.”
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, the Wales Coast Path has also released a bespoke collection of sustainable merchandise products, using biodegradable and eco-friendly materials and packaging — with each purchase contributing to the conservation of the Path.
To find out more about Refill and the stations along the Path, please visit: Home – Refill – find more than 280,000 Refill Stations globally
To explore Wales Coast Path’s full merchandise collection, please visit: https://bit.ly/3t4soFL
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