A BEAUTY spot beach has been closed to the public despite the late summer heatwave to protect seals during their breeding season.

Owners National Trust decided to shut Mwnt beach in west Wales which is a well known haven for seals and dolphins.

But now the beach has been closed to protect the seals during breeding season, despite the warm spell making the spot more popular than ever.

National Trust bosses have said that the public can disturb pups which can lead them to drown in the sea.

A National Trust spokesperson said: “To help protect the seals on Mwnt beach, we have temporarily closed the beach until further notice.

“This is to minimise disturbance and avoid stress to the mothers and their pups.”

The decision was welcomed by wildlife enthusiasts after reports of pups being found dead along the coastline of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Sea Trust Wales has repeatedly urged people to refrain from swimming or kayaking in and around seal breeding areas between mid-August and November and has stressed that approaching pups can be potentially fatal as they are unable to swim until they are at least three weeks old.

If the pups become scared or distressed by human activity, then they will enter the sea and are in danger of drowning.

Mwnt Beach was given a 2023 Green Coast Award after being named as 'one of Europe's top 10 loveliest, hidden beaches'. ‘Country Life’ magazine suggested it as one of their favourite picnic spots.

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Mwnt, which is a Special Area of Conservation, was also voted by the public as one of the National Trust's top 'Special Places' in 2014.
“We thank everyone in advance for their understanding as we care for nature and wildlife across Ceredigion,” said the National Trust.

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