The new 870 mile Wales Coast Path was officially launched on 05 May 2012 with three flagship events in Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Flint. The Welsh Wildlife Trusts were at all three, with North Wales Wildlife Trust at Flint, Wildlife Trusts Wales in Cardiff, and WTSWW flying the flag in Aberystwyth.

Wales Coast Path launch Aberystwyth L Wilberforce

The day got off to an auspicious start with bright sunshine, some of the first we’ve seen for a while. WTSWW and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre both had stands in the marquee and we were busy all day, as local residents and tourists streamed in to celebrate the launch of this fantastic path, which gives the public access to some amazing scenery and wildlife, as well as many Wildlife Trust reserves which lie along the route.

We were able to hand out lots of information about our coastal reserves as well as encouraging people to sign a scale for our Petition Fish- the Wildlife Trusts’ campaign for greater protection of our marine wildlife. Around 400 people signed a scale at the Wales Coast Path launch alone, which is a great boost to our campaign in Wales, so thank you to everyone who signed! If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to sign up, you can still do so on the Wildlife Trusts’ Petition Fish website.

Wildlife Trusts Wales has also worked with the other Trusts in Wales to produce a really usefulleaflet that acts as a guide to the 32 nature reserves which lie on or immediately adjacent to the coast path which you can download here or pick one up from your local Wildlife Trust office or visitor centre.