Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was released in 2010. The film is halfway through the fantasy series and follows the tragic death of Dobby, a beloved character who is released from captivity after receiving a sock as a gift. Dobby dies to protect Harry— — which makes his death especially poignant for the audience.
Dobby’s devastating final scene was filmed on Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Shortly after the film’s release, fans erected a makeshift grave on the beach, hundreds of stones with messages like “Dobby is here” and even a cross.
They also left hundreds of socks in memory of Dobby, according to the National Trust, which manages the site and other British heritage sites. The National Trust says two or three socks, painted pebbles and even shoes are left in graves every day during peak season.
According to the National Trust, the decade-long buildup of unnatural materials poses a risk to the landscape. Earlier this year, the group commissioned a report on beach sustainability. After eight months of research, they concluded that the site could be preserved – but visitors should only photograph the tomb and not leave behind any new pebbles, socks or other souvenirs.
The grave dedicated to Dobby is located at Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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The National Trust says the beach welcomes about 75,000 guests a year. The waters surrounding the beach are home to grey seals, harbour porpoises and some of the world’s largest populations of seabirds, according to the release.
To protect these animals and the entire landscape, they ask visitors to “leave no trace”.
Rhian Sula, interim general manager of Pembrokeshire for National Trust Cymru, said in a release: “The need to manage the natural environment and uniqueness of this very special beach, while keeping everyone entertained, is a balance we need to find. .”