Brown Sludge Covers Popular Saundersfoot Beach Ahead of Easter

Visitors to one of Wales’ best‑loved beaches were met with an unpleasant surprise this week after large patches of brown sludge washed up across the sand at Coppet Hall Beach in Saundersfoot.

The mess was spotted on Friday, March 27, just days before families are expected to flock to the coast for the Easter holidays. The substance has not yet been officially identified, but environmental campaign group Surfers Against Sewage currently lists an active discharge alert at the Saundersfoot car park overflow.

“Absolutely disgusting” — locals warn beachgoers

Local resident Leigh Mears, who came across the sludge while walking his dog, said the scene was shocking.

> “It’s absolutely disgusting. There are no warning signs anywhere,” he told Pulse Media.  

> “I had to warn several people because they were throwing balls for their dogs straight into what looks like thick piles of poo.”

He said the sludge was spread across much of Coppet Hall Beach and raised concerns about children coming into contact with it during the busy half‑term weekend.

> “Kids will be using the beach — imagine if they ingest it.”

Mr Mears has since reported the incident to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Authorities now investigating

An NRW spokesperson confirmed the report and said officers are looking into the matter.

> “This issue has been reported to NRW and we are investigating.”

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water also confirmed it is examining a possible storm overflow spill in the area.

> “We’ve received a report from Natural Resources Wales of a possible storm overflow spill in Saundersfoot,” a spokesperson said.  

> “Our team is on site to investigate and understand the cause.”

Further updates are expected once testing and inspections are complete.