Stop leaving socks at Dobby's gravesite, Welsh conservation group begs Harry Potter fans

As part of the review, the National Trust Wales considered tearing down the memorial, fearing continued erosion of the area. Luckily for Dobby’s disciples, however, the gravesite was allowed to say—with a few new parameters.

“The memorial to Dobby will remain at Freshwater West in the immediate term for people to enjoy,” the National Trust Wales, a local conservation group, share in their assessment. “The Trust is asking visitors to only take photos when visiting the memorial to help protect the wider landscape.”

In the books, Dobby escapes a life of indentured servitude to the haughty Lucius Malfoy by tricking Malfoy into gifting him a sock. In receiving a gift from his master, Dobby becomes a free elf and wears the sock until his death.

According to the National Trust Wales, “items like socks, trinkets, and paint chips from painted pebbles could enter the marine environment and food chain and put wildlife at risk.” Beyond socks, some fans have reportedly emblazoned rocks with the phrase “Here lies Dobby, a free elf,” Harry Potter’s tribute to Dobby in the film.

“While we’re delighted that so many want to visit, we have to balance the popularity of the site with impacts on the sensitive nature of the beach and wider environment, and pressure on the facilities and surrounding roads,” Jonathan Hughes, an official with National Trust Wales, adds.