Tenby’s North Beach in the UK did not receive a prestigious Blue Flag designation this year due to concerns about water quality. While South Beach and Castle Beach in the same town were awarded the Blue Flag status, North Beach did not apply for it in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards.
The water quality at North Beach declined from ‘excellent’ to ‘good,’ leading to the loss of the Blue Flag award. This is not the first time this has happened, as the beach also lost the accolade in 2022 and 2023 for similar reasons after holding the title for over 25 years.
The Blue Flag, granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education, is a globally recognized symbol that indicates a beach or marina meets strict criteria for cleanliness, safety, and management, promoting sustainability and attracting visitors.
Natural Resources Wales is investigating the cause of the water quality decline at North Beach, with no definitive reason identified yet. The Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy expressed disappointment and commitment to assisting authorities in restoring North Beach’s water quality and regaining its Blue Flag status.
Despite the setback, North Beach still maintains a ‘good’ standard of water quality, positioning it among the top beaches in Wales. The importance of sustainability and delivering a high-quality visitor experience was highlighted as essential for earning a Blue Flag Award.
Efforts to improve water quality are underway, with Welsh Water investing significantly in environmental improvements. Various factors contribute to water quality issues, requiring coordinated action across different sectors for progress.
Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and effective management along the coastline is vital for attracting tourists and ensuring the beaches remain accessible and enjoyable for both visitors and locals for years to come.