Volunteers in the north of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park started their autumn season with a clear-up at Whitesands beach. They repaired damaged fencing and cleared away the remains of fires in the dunes and St. Patrick's field.
National Park ranger for the area, Ian Meopham, said: "The unspoilt, peaceful nature of the Park is one of the reasons it is so well loved and we all share a responsibility to help keep it special. "Much is said about sea erosion, but human erosion is evident here too, because dune fires destroy the grass forever and then the rain and wind remove the sand and a few more inches of coastline are at risk."
He added: "An additional problem is that glass bottles are thrown onto the fires and the shattered glass creates a hazard for the volunteers." Volunteers play a vital role in helping the authority with its work protecting and conserving the landscape of the National Park.
Anyone who is interested in helping in the north of the county should contact Ian, who explained: "Our volunteers are invaluable to us. Nobody is expected to do more than they wish. Work is varied, it can include tree planting, path clearing or putting up gates.
"The rewards include fresh air and exercise with good company, often in parts of North Pembrokeshire that are rarely seen." If you are interested in volunteering, call the National Park Authority on 0845 345 7275.