The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looking for Volunteer Rangers who would like to help our team take care of the southern end of the designated landscape.

The Dee Valley is an iconic area of truly outstanding scenery, rich in cultural and industrial heritage. As a volunteer ranger, you can become an ambassador for the AONB, share your love and knowledge of this area, and inspire local people and visitors alike to help protect what makes the Dee Valley so special.

Volunteer Rangers will primarily be based at two of the most popular sites in the area; Castell Dinas Brân, the ancient hill fort which overlooks Llangollen; and Horseshoe Falls, Thomas Telford’s masterpiece and starting point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

They will be provided with branded uniform and will meet and engage with members of the public, sharing information and answering questions.

Volunteers are being sought to help the AONB Ranger team at their busiest times, so we are looking for people who can commit to at least a couple of days a month, either on weekends or week days during school holidays. All new Volunteer Rangers will receive training prior to starting in their roles.

The role is open to anyone over the age of 18, no previous experience required but a love of the landscape is essential! If you are interested in joining the team we will be holding an information session about the roles on the evening of Tuesday, 23 April. To book your place please contact Hannah Law. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday, 19 April.

The Communities and Nature Programme has received £292,772 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Funding support is now available for community sustainable environment projects in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), set up by the Welsh Government and managed by the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB is now open for applications.

This capital funding is available for projects in the AONB area that look to reach a more sustainable way of living in the countryside and provide opportunities for communities to remain socially healthy with a robust economic wellbeing.

The scheme opened on 1 April 2024 and a pot of £90,000 will be available. Grants can be made for less than £1,000 or larger grants of up to £25,000. Funding is open to organisations including community or voluntary groups, local authorities, as well as the private sector and individuals.

The private sector and individuals must demonstrate that their projects have a wider public benefit, and the proposed project must meet the aims and objectives of the scheme and be located in or have direct benefit to an AONB. Projects must also comply with any relevant regulatory requirements such as planning permission or building regulations.

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “SDF is primarily for practical, innovative schemes, which engage local communities and young people in projects in Welsh AONB's. The types of projects that will be supported are those which meet the sustainable aims of the SDF and AONBs.

“These aims are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB, including the built environment, to promote sustainable forms of social and economic development in AONBs, to promote the economic and social well-being of local communities and to promote quiet enjoyment of AONB's.”

Priority will be given to project proposals that:

• Demonstrate innovation or best practice.
• Involve local communities and young people.
• Lever in contributions from other sources in cash or in kind.
• Overcome barriers to sustainability and promote a wider understanding of sustainability.
• Promote sustainable forms of social and economic development or add value to existing sustainability projects.
• Raise awareness of AONBs and generate jobs or income for communities, without damaging the landscape.

For more information about the funding and on how to apply please visit the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley website.