Harry Potter: Dobby's tribute site on Welsh beach saved for now
- Published
Fans visiting the Dobby memorial at Freshwater West beach have been asked to not leave painted pebbles or trinkets
A tribute site to Dobby the House Elf can remain on an environmentally sensitive beach for now, the National Trust Wales has said.
The fans site for the fictional Harry Potter character sits above Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, where an important scene featuring Dobby was filmed.
But worries about high visitor numbers and pollution led to the Trust asking people about a possible move to another location.
The site mainly consists of pebbles with messages to the elf, voiced by Toby Jones in the film series, and of course... socks.
Dobby was one of the most popular characters in the Harry Potter series
The beach is a legally protected conservation area, home to lots of wildlife, including lizards, orchids and rare ground-nesting birds.
The surrounding area is home to large grey seals, harbour porpoise, and some of the largest populations of seabirds in the world.
In the Harry Potter stories, house elves are only freed from being servants if they are given clothes.
In the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter tricks the Malfoy family into giving Dobby a sock... and his freedom.
People paint tributes to the character
"Based on the consultation results," National Trust said, the site "will remain at Freshwater West in the immediate term for people to enjoy".
But it also encouraged visitors to protect the environment by not leaving items at the memorial.
"The trust is asking visitors to only take photos," it said.
"Items like socks, trinkets, and paint chips from painted pebbles could enter the marine environment and food chain and put wildlife at risk."
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