The National Trust of Wales has urged visitors to Harry Potter’s Dobby’s grave to stop leaving socks or similar items in tribute to his death in the film, as the amount of gifts has had a negative impact on those living there have animals.
The film character’s grave is on the beach at Freshwater West near Pembrokeshire in West Wales, where some scenes from the films Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows take place. “National Trust” is an organization that, among other things, is committed to preserving the country’s nature and started a survey in May 2022 as to whether the grave should stay or not – ultimately it can stay.
After a consultation with the public, National Trust Cymru say Dobby’s grave can stay on Pembrokeshire’s Freshwater West. But they’re asking visitors to leave no trace after paint chips and socks have been damaging the natural environment here. pic.twitter.com/Ydea3WRmqr
— Charanpreet Khaira (@CharanpreetBBC) November 1, 2022
Every year around 75,000 people visit the protected area, which is home to seals, porpoises and a variety of seabirds. Lizards and ground-nesting birds can also be found on the beach. Gifts for house elf Dobby are problematic because “Items such as socks, trinkets and paint chips from painted pebbles could end up in the marine environment and the food chain, endangering wildlife.”
The reason for the socks comes from the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where Harry Potter gives the house elf a pair of socks, freeing him from his bondage. In the second part of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” you can see a tombstone at the spot in Freshwater West with the inscription “Here lies Dobby. A free elf”. In addition to stones with this inscription, you can also find stones with “RIP Dobby” and “We love you Dobby”.
“The memorial for Dobby will remain in Freshwater West and be available to the people for the foreseeable future,” said a spokesman for the National Trust, which accepts the wishes of tourists but insists that no objects will be left in the future be left on the beach. A “leave no trace” policy is to be introduced for this purpose. Visitors can still take as many photos as they want. It will also continue to engage with people, communities and other stakeholders to find long-term solutions.
“While we are pleased that so many visitors want to come, we have to balance the popularity of the place with the impact on the delicate nature of the beach and the wider area, as well as the strain on the facilities and the surrounding roads,” said Jonathan Hughes of National Trust.