Harry Potter fans save 'Dobby's grave' from undersea cable

A massive undersea power cable project has been rerouted thanks to the passionate efforts of Harry Potter fans who mobilized to protect a beloved fictional memorial. The £430 million Greenlink project, designed to connect Ireland and the UK with a vital power supply, faced unexpected opposition from fans concerned about the cable's proximity to a "virtual grave" of the house-elf Dobby.

The site in question is Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, famously used as the filming location for Dobby's death and burial scene in the 2010 film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1." Following the movie's release, fans created a memorial at the beach, placing stones inscribed with "Here lies Dobby, a free elf."

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I didn't know who Dobby was, and I was baffled by the 'phone bomb'. ... Dobby is a fictional character, they told me. Everything is fictional, what are you talking about?

When the Greenlink project's planned route included running the cable near this sensitive location, fans reacted strongly. Simon Ludlam, the project's manager, described the situation as a "phone bomb," revealing that the project team initially didn't understand the significance of Dobby. "I didn't know who Dobby was, and I was baffled by the 'phone bomb'," Ludlam stated, adding that he was told Dobby was a fictional character. However, upon realizing the depth of fan sentiment, the team reconsidered.

"We were getting close to a Bronze Age site, and we could avoid Dobby's grave," Ludlam explained, indicating that a new path was found. This change of heart was met with relief and joy from the fans, who felt their efforts had successfully protected the tribute to the cherished character. The successful campaign highlights the powerful connection fans have with the Harry Potter universe and their willingness to defend its elements.

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We were getting close to a Bronze Age site, and we could avoid Dobby's grave.