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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Bethan Shufflebotham & Liam Buckler

Grave of Harry Potter's Dobby could be removed from beach after National Trust survey

The grave of Harry Potter's Dobby could be removed from a beach - with fears the area is being overrun with fans.

The unofficial gravestone to the former Malfoy Manor slave can be found on Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales, and is regularly visited by Harry Potter fans from across the world.

Potter enthusiasts travel thousands of miles to view a collection of pebbles around the grave of the house elf to pay their own respects to the fictional character portrayed by Toby Jones, NorthWalesLive reported.

However, National Trust Wales have commissioned a survey to ask the public whether the grave should be removed, or remain on the beach the charity own most of, as they believe it is not "sustainable in the long-term".

Potter-lovers have been flocking to the spot where the fictional elf was buried (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
It attracts thousands of visitors who leave tributes like painted stones, socks, tea towels, flowers, dolls, gnomes, and laminated messages. (AnneShaw/WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The conservation organisation said: “Over time, the much-loved Freshwater West has become increasingly popular.

"Access to nature and the outdoors for all is vitally important but the increase in visitors has added additional pressure on the environment and facilities.

"This does not feel sustainable in the long-term, without negatively impacting on this special place.

“We hope elements within this menu of options will help get closer to a viable, sustainable and environmentally respectful future solution for the management of this special place and we would value your further input.”

Dobbys burial with and Hermione and Ron. (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

As thousands of Potter fans visit the attraction each year, the survey asks locals and visitors for their views on how Freshwater West should be managed in the long term.

National Trust Cymru continued: “Over the past few years we have seen an increase in visitors wanting to experience all that Freshwater West has to offer.

"It is much loved for its beautiful beach, good surf and lifeguard service, and its use as a Hollywood filming location.

"This growth in visitor numbers to the site continues to put pressure on the facilities and infrastructure.

Dobby's gravestone in Wales (Sarah Curtis/WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Fans pay homage to one of the books best-loved characters. (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The 30-question survey has two questions about Dobby’s grave, one asking if the grave should be removed, and a second suggesting it could be transferred to a "suitable publicly accessible location off-site".

Those taking the survey can answer on a spectrum from definitely against to strongly support, with a neutral option, "don’t know", with space for comments to share further thoughts.

Other questions include those about traffic, parking and toilet facilities in the area.

The survey is open until May 31.

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