Visitors to a popular beach have been urged not to leave socks at a memorial for a Harry Potter elf.
Dobby the house-elf is a character in the popular book and film series about JK Rowling‘s young wizard.
Fans created the memorial at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire, on the beach where his death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 was filmed.
People have been leaving pebbles – some with messages on them – at the shrine for many years.
But environmental concerns have been raised after people have also been leaving socks at the filming location.
Dobby himself once received a sock from Harry Potter making him a free elf, but authorities are urging people not to follow suit.
The National Trust has issued a plea to visitors to help “protect” the wildlife, while the local councillor has urged visitors to “respect” the scenery.
Filming for the movie took place at the beach in 2009 and was quickly followed by scenes for Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe.
The Dobby memorial at Freshwater West. Pic: Richard Thomas
A National Trust Cymru spokesperson said: “We love welcoming people to Freshwater West to enjoy this special place.
“When visiting the memorial to Dobby, we ask that visitors leave no trace.
“In order to protect marine wildlife – including grey seals, harbour porpoise, and seabirds – from plastic pollution in the marine environment and food chain, we are urging visitors to take photos only when visiting the memorial.”
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Councillor Steve Alderman represents Hundleton ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.
He told Sky News that people needed to understand the beach was a “special area of conservation”.
Cllr Alderman said even if the memorial was moved to another location “people would still go back”.
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“The sad part is Dobby would have been buried on the beach where there’s sand – which is covered by the tide twice a day,” he said.
“The message to all that come on holiday to Pembrokeshire is they need to appreciate the stunning scenery and respect it for what it is.”
