FAMILIES are being urged to swap Barafundle Beach for neighbouring Broadhaven South this summer, in a bid to preserve the Pembrokeshire coastline.

This summer holidays, more than 40,000 people are expected to visit one of the best beaches in the world, Barafundle Bay.

Only half that will visit neighbouring beach, Broad Haven South, just 2.6 miles away.

National Trust in Wales has created a Seashore Safari around this hidden gem of a beach, not just for families to discover the quieter spots on the Stackpole Estate, but to help ease the pressure on the coastline.

Yesterday (Thursday), National Trust in Wales launched the project by working with local sand artist Marc Treanor and primary children from Penrhyn School in Hundleton to create a 30-metre castle out of footsteps to bring to life the castle markers along the trail and symbolise the footfall on Wales’ coast.

The organisation says swapping Barafundle for Broad Haven South will help conserve the coast by spreading the footfall, reducing the erosion of footpaths, minimising the disturbance to wildlife in the dunes and ensuring less litter is being washed out to sea.

Rhian Sula, visitor experience manager at National Trust Stackpole said: “We are proud to work on this part of Wales’ beautiful coastline.

"There is so much of the Stackpole Estate to explore and enjoy.

"We wanted to spread the love, so have created our Seashore Safari to show off the less popular areas and ensure it remains special for visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

For more information on Stackpole’s Seashore Safari and a list of beaches and coastal walks to enjoy with the family over the summer months, click here.