Tourists are being warned to stay away from Brombil Reservoir, a viral beauty spot in South Wales, as its owners struggle to manage the surge in visitors. The 19th-century reservoir, known as the 'blue lagoon', is located in the valleys of Margam, near Port Talbot, and features striking blue waters surrounded by lush green hills. Around 100 feet deep and rumoured to contain several abandoned cars, it is accessible only via a steep 900-metre public footpath.
Owners introduce £2 levy as a deterrent
Since 2024, the reservoir has been owned by Leisure Estate Investments Ltd. Following concerns over visitor numbers, the company introduced a £2 levy per visit, described as a 'temporary deterrent'. They have also installed barriers on the dam face, though reports from the BBC indicate that trespassers have already dismantled them. The reservoir gained viral attention during the pandemic as people sought peaceful escapes, but the spike in popularity has led to local complaints about traffic issues, fly-tipping, and littering.
Littering sparks outrage on social media
Visitors have documented enormous amounts of rubbish left along the climb, including drinks cans, water bottles, and plastic bags. One TikTok user, @giorgiawakeham, shared clips of the mess, captioning her video: 'A bit shocked when we visited Brombil reservoir yesterday. People have no respect for nature.' In response, user @Katwoman wrote: 'I will never understand why people go to beautiful places and then leave their rubbish. There will be no beautiful places left to visit.'
Owners seek public sector support
A spokesperson for Leisure Estate Investments Ltd told the BBC: 'Our long-term vision has always been to build a sustainable public-private framework so the community can safely enjoy this asset. However, managing a critical piece of infrastructure presents immense structural, environmental, and financial challenges that cannot be indefinitely sustained by a private entity alone.' The company faces mounting costs, including an annual fee of £276 to Natural Resources Wales, a Welsh Government Sponsored Body. The owners say their repeated attempts to seek support from Neath Port Talbot council and local politicians have been unsuccessful.
Reservoir's role in flood protection at risk
The reservoir has a 'unique aquatic system' and plays a crucial role in flood protection, helping shield downstream residential areas. Without public sector support, it could be at serious risk. On social media, the owners are imploring people who 'love and cherish this special place' to help keep it safe by giving donations. The blue-green algae that give the water its otherworldly hue are also a natural phenomenon that attracts visitors, but the environmental and structural challenges remain.
