The report found that Dolwen is a friendly and welcoming service, and that care staff know people well and are attentive to their needs.

The report praised management practices at the home, saying that the management of the service carefully monitor how the service is performing, and their systems help to identify and act upon any issues they find. The responsible individual (RI) visits the service regularly to ensure good quality care and support is being delivered.

The report also stated that staff follow clear and detailed plans, ensuring health and support needs are met and that care staff are clear about people’s personal outcomes and support them to achieve these.

Speaking of the living arrangements, the report said that residents were proud to show their rooms, and saw they had brought some of their own possessions and photos from home to make it their own. It stated that residents live in a home which has plenty of places to sit and relax, enjoy activities, or meet with visitors and that the kitchen in the day centre has adjustable worktops, and is accessible for wheelchair users.

Pamela Pack, Residential Home Manager at Dolwen said:

“We are delighted to have received such a positive report, and that it reflects and acknowledges the effort that both the staff and residents have made to make this care facility the place that it is.

I am very proud of the environment we have created here at Dolwen, and would like to thank all of the hard working staff who show up every day to make this care home a real home for our residents.”

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:

“I am very pleased to see that one of our care homes has received this glowing report from the Care Inspectorate Wales.

I’d like to give a mention to the staff who work tirelessly at this facility to ensure that top quality and professional care is given around the clock to the residents who live at Dolwen. A very well done to all involved.”

Last year, the Council spent £39 million on providing packages of care and support to some of the most vulnerable adults in the county, this amounts to roughly 15% of the Council’s overall budget.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council said:

“I know that Councillor King is committed to providing quality education and creating an environment that nurtures the growth and potential of every child and will be excellent in the role. She is a dedicated and experienced public policy professional with a strong background in education, child protection, and governance. I am looking forward to working with her.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Denbighshire County Council's mission of providing excellent education and support for children and families in the community.

I am confident that my experience in working in the education sector, my skills in strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving will enable me to effectively address the challenges and drive positive change in the education sector.”

Councillor Julie Matthews, who currently sits as Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities will now also take up the role as Deputy Leader of the Council. Councillor Matthews was elected to the Council in 2022 and represents the Meliden Ward and also sits on the Planning Committee. Councillor Matthews is also the Armed Forces Champion for the Council.

Councillor Jason McLellan said:

“I am also happy to announce that Councillor Julie Matthews has accepted the role of Deputy Leader. Councillor Matthews will make an excellent deputy and I look forward to working with her going forward.”

The Council has had to deliver £10.4m of savings as part of the 2024/25 budget, and the proposal to review the public convenience provision in the County is one of the savings proposals identified.

Whilst there is no legal requirement for the Council itself to provide public conveniences, The Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 requires the local authority to evidence that it has reviewed the needs of the local population and to produce a strategy that shows how it will try to meet these needs.

As a result, the Council is currently carrying out a needs assessment for the public conveniences in the County. This will identify the number of public conveniences needed in Denbighshire and will help the Council to develop a suitable Public Toilet Strategy.

To develop this Strategy, a public consultation is being undertaken and residents, business owners and visitors are encouraged to take part and have their say.

Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“We understand that public conveniences are highly valued assets by certain parts of the community. However, the fact remains that the provision of public conveniences is not a statutory duty, and we do not now have a big enough budget to enable us to keep delivering services in the same way that we have always delivered them in the past.

“In areas where the provision of public conveniences is considered essential, we hope to work with City, Town and Community Councils to look at alternative arrangements.

“No decision has been made about closing any public conveniences at this stage, and any decisions on this will be made by our Cabinet, following a further report to our Communities Scrutiny Committee."

To take part in the consultation, go to our County Conversation consultation page.

The sessions will be held on the 30th of September and 1st of October and will be open to the public between 1pm and 7pm, allowing for a flexible timeslot for both parents and children to attend.

These sessions are an opportunity for the team to present a proposed design that could be used for the new Drift Park Play Area.

The team will be asking local residents and businesses who attend for their views and suggestions on this design, which will then help inform the final design going forward.

If residents are unable to attend either session, there will be an online form which can be found and filled in on the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme’s webpage.

Once the academic year is back in session, further engagement with local schools will be done regarding the design of the park.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“We are pleased that the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme has now reached the phase where we are looking at the re-installation of the Drift Park, which sits on Rhyl’s promenade.

These sessions with residents and businesses will allow the team to take in feedback and ideas from the local community.

We understand that the essential works on the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme has had an impact on the availability of play spaces on the promenade, however, these works are vital to ensure that Rhyl’s coastal stretch is fully protected from flooding events. The reinstallation of the park was always the plan, and I am glad to see that this is now on the horizon.

I am looking forward to hearing the public’s views and opinions on the design of the park, which will be informed by the local people who will use it for years to come.”

An orchid has taken up residence for the first time ever at a town meadow.

The Council’s Biodiversity Team made a new discovery while surveying the wildflower meadow next to County Hall, at Ruthin.

The team visited the site to check on its progress this season which has already seen a strong display of wildflowers including red campion, oxe daisy and common catsear.

This site is part of the Wildflower Meadows Project which includes just over 70 acres of meadows helping and protecting local nature and supporting community wellbeing across the county. This project has also been funded by Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

Investigating the meadow, the Biodiversity Team discovered a pyramidal orchid growing amongst the other species.

The wildflower has only previously been found on two coastal meadows at Prestatyn during 2023.

It has pink flower spikes that forms a pyramidal shape and is usually located on chalk grassland, coastal habitats, scrub, roadside verges, old quarries and railway embankments.

Pyramidal orchids flower in June and July and will attract and support a variety of butterflies and moths.

Liam Blazey, Senior Biodiversity Officer said: “The meadows across the county are managed to help bring back an important piece of biodiversity that we have lost over the years for our nature to thrive and also for pollinators to keep being able to support the food chain we as humans rely on.

“This is a great find at Ruthin as it shows the meadows we have are working as a combined highway for insects and animals across the county to help repopulate these sites by carrying seeds from one to the other.

“It’s great for local communities as well as the meadows are bringing back plants that our future generations can enjoy once more alongside the positive support they are bringing for local nature.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is a fantastic first find at one of our town best meadows and it shows that as our meadows mature they are becoming crucial in providing support for nature that has struggled due to the impact of climate change.

“As more wildflowers such as this orchid return to sites they will help to add diversity and colour across our sites for the community to enjoy, along with the pollinators at risk who help put food on our tables.

“Given the time they need to establish, all of our meadows will be for the equal wellbeing of residents and wildlife to both enjoy now, and most importantly, for our future generations in the shape of our younger Denbighshire residents.”

The pyramidal orchid has been recorded by the Biodiversity team who manage and monitor all the species found on the county’s meadows to help protect and grow future support for them.

If you need further information, please email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk

Work is ongoing to connect a local Rhyl community with the wellbeing benefits of a new nature site.

Development of the new Community Nature Space adjacent to Ffordd Elan Park at Llys Brenig on the Park View Estate is continuing this summer ready for project completion by December.

This work accompanies three other Community Nature Spaces being established by the Council this year at St Asaph, Henllan and Clocaenog.

The Community Nature Spaces Project has received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A new wetland area was created at the site earlier this year and has already shown welcome signs of new species, with a variety of surrounding wildflowers supporting pollinating insects. The wetland work followed Ysgol Bryn Hedydd Year 4 pupils planting with countryside rangers and volunteers over a thousand trees on the site which are now flourishing.

Contractors are putting the finishing touches to a new footpath around the edge of the site which will connect the space with Llys Brenig and Ffordd Elan, allowing the local community to enjoy the nature once the site is opened.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see this site really flourishing after all the hard work that everyone involved with the area put into the acquisition of the land.

“I’ve watched the ducks already enjoy this new community nature space and I can’t wait to see the local community enjoy walking around the site as it will really help their mental and physical wellbeing and enable them to learn about local wildlife.

In conjunction with nearby sites at Maes Gwilym, The Green, Fern Way and the adjacent park at Ffordd Elan, it will also contribute to a network of green spaces to help provide wildlife corridors within the suburban neighbourhood.

The Rhyl nature space will also give other community benefits such as improved air quality, urban heat cooling, and areas of mixed interest for education and play.

This work supports the drive to reduce the county’s carbon footprint as well by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) by trees.

A volunteering opportunity has helped inspire a gardener to brighten up her neighbourhood.

Corinne Barber, of Llangollen has been taking part in volunteer gardening sessions led by staff at Plas Newydd and backed by Nature for Health.

Nature for Health is a collaborative project that works together with individuals and communities to highlight the role access to nature can have in improving health and wellbeing.

Plas Newydd has launched volunteering opportunities for keen gardeners who are also interested in preserving a piece of the town’s history.

The home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby contains around ten acres of grounds from rose gardens to woodland and dell areas, complemented by a stream flowing through.

Corinne explained it had been an ‘inspiration’ to volunteer at the historic site as one of the gardeners.

She said: “I live in a flat with no garden just a car park. I love gardening and a friend suggested I volunteer with you. I have a dog who is now old and not very able so taking him up there meant he could sit in the fresh air whilst I gardened.

“After a few months I felt inspired to try to make our car park more attractive not just for myself but the neighbours too. I painted the fences and potted loads of shrubs and plants. My sister made me a plant stand from a pallet and a neighbour painted ‘The Grapes Community Garden’ on it.

“Neighbours have all come together, some gave plants, some gave money and some gave gratitude and moral support. I have found by doing this the neighbours have come together. We have somewhere pleasant to sit and I added solar lights to give a nice ambience in the evenings.

“A few of us come together and sit outside for a chat and even people walking up and down the hill pop in for a chat to discuss the plants. I cannot believe the difference it has made to our little community and it is all because of my volunteering at Plas Newydd, it gave me the inspiration and confidence to create our own little oasis

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “Volunteering to help with the garden at Plas Newydd is great opportunity for residents interested in gardening to boost their wellbeing by spending time helping in this wonderful outdoor area.

“It’s great to hear that Corianne has enjoyed this experience and used it to create a fantastic community garden area for her and her neighbours to enjoy and experience the benefit of the outdoors right on their own doorsteps.”

A project team is preparing to protect little arrivals to help an under-threat bird survive.

Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes is taking part in the project “Curlew Connections Wales”, a Curlew Recovery Wales partnership project working with Bannau Brycheiniog and GWCT.

This is under the all-Wales partnership project Gylfinir Cymru an all-Wales partnership project that aims to help breeding curlew across the country, including Denbighshire.

Curlews are under severe threat and is ‘Red Listed’ on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC). Since the1990’s over 80 percent of the breeding curlew population has been lost across Wales.

A decline in numbers is due to a number of reasons including habitat loss, farming pressures during nesting season and the impact of predation on the birds.

Work is on to protect the birds across 12 areas in Wales which is funded by Welsh Government through the Heritage Lottery fund (HLF).

Local Curlew and People Officer Sam Kenyon is leading the work for the area which takes in large areas of Denbighshire, parts of Flintshire and parts of Wrexham.

Working alongside farmers and volunteers Sam and her team have located nearly 30 curlew pairs and are preparing for what will be the busiest phase of the project yet.

She said: “The project is going really well, we are getting a lot of knowledge about our birds this season by getting to know them and the pairs better and how they behave thanks to the local knowledge we have in and around our communities.

“The farmers have been amazing to work with. We've had such great support which has been hugely helpful to the project. Eleven people from eight different farms recently met the team at the Berwyn Arms and the knowledge exchange was so valuable”.

Working with the farmers, Sam and the team have carried out simple interventions to protect the Curlews and nests over the ICA (Important Curlew Area).

At the moment the team are monitoring seven nests some which have seen electric fencing surrounding each nest to help keep off predators.

Sam explained “With this being our first year, doing the interventions we have taken, we’re looking to bring up the hatching rate from say 30 percent to around 90 percent successful.”

Signs of the first possible hatchings of chicks are approaching fast and Sam and the Team are ready to move into the next stage of protecting and monitoring the birds with the help of local farmers.

“We’ll be monitoring the chicks on the ground and working closely with our farmers to keep the chicks as safe as possible. Because they're on the ground for six weeks till fledging, all in all it’s around 10 weeks from egg laying to take off”

The male Curlew will take care of most of the chick rearing while the females make the most of being able to feed themselves back up and regain their condition.
Sam added: “The chicks won’t really leave the electric fence area for the first couple of days, but then quite quickly they can build up to covering a few hundred metres across the ground on those little legs, meaning they can move through fences, to other fields and onto other farms, and that’s another place in the project where our network of farmers helps us to keep track of the birds”.

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “This is a very important project for a bird that was once a popular sight not just in Denbighshire and North Wales but across the whole of the UK. We are grateful that this project and funding allows the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes to really move forward with protecting the curlews we have and encouraging the populations to survive and hopefully thrive in the future.

For further information on the project or to report any sightings or hearings of curlews in the areas listed please email samantha.kenyon@denbighshire.gov.uk

Following incidents reported around Moel Famau, people are being urged to follow important advice to keep pets on leads whilst taking in the countryside during the holidays.

Livestock worrying, where dogs disturb and chase sheep, is illegal. Dogs that are caught worrying livestock can be destroyed and their owners can be prosecuted.

Visitors to the countryside should make themselves aware of what restrictions and guidelines are in place at the specific area they visit and to keep themselves and others safe. People are also reminded to check ahead to see if countryside facilities are open during busy periods and also park responsibly in designated areas.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We do know that many dog owners visiting our countryside areas are respectful and do take care to keep their pets on a lead whilst enjoying the sights and I would like to thank them for making this effort.

“However, we know there is a minority who do not follow the rules and we ge them to remember that they are ultimately responsible for their dog’s welfare while walking through the countryside.

“All dog owners who disregard the rules and let their pets harass can be prosecuted and their animal can be legally shot if caught in the act. This is extremely distressing to all and an outcome we really want to work to prevent.

“If you are bringing your dog to our countryside, please always plan ahead, know the land you are going to walk through, respect the countryside code and always keep your dog on a lead.”

For more information, visit the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB website. 

A final piece of restoration work is set to preserve a Prestatyn slice of history for future generations.

Work has been carried out at the Prestatyn Roman Baths to help protect and restore the historical site at Melyd Avenue.

The hidden gem was first discovered in the 1930’s during a round of excavations on the site. It was then covered, only to be excavated again in the 1980s, during the construction of the neighbouring housing estate. It is believed that the Bath House was constructed in around 120AD, and further extended in 150 AD.

There is some debate over the reasons for its location in Prestatyn. However, it is believed to be linked to the Roman legions in Chester and Caernarfon, lying around halfway between the two.

It may also have been associated with a nearby harbour, due to its coastal location.

The Roman Baths is looked after and manged by Denbighshire Countryside Services who have carried out a programme of restoring the area.

Recent restoration work carried out by Ben Davies who specialises in restoration work on the site included restoring the remains as last time they were worked on, the stone was put back in place with cement which is not ideal.

Ben, who is also an artist, has been removing this and putting stones back in their original position but using lime mortar instead. Lime mortar is what would have been used historically and allows for expansion/contraction during temperature changes helping to preserve the original stone (preventing cracking etc.)

Voids have also been filled to prevent water sitting on the remains and subsequent frost damage.

Countryside rangers alongside volunteers supported by the Nature for Health Programme also carried out work to improve the footpaths at the site.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “This important site really is one of Prestayn’s ‘hidden jewels’ and we are grateful to all who have been involved in restoring and preserving this historical area.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in history to come and visit the Roman Bath House to view this slice of ancient times that proudly sits in Prestatyn.”

The Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes are reminding visitors to park responsibly while visiting countryside attractions this Summer.

Visitors looking to enjoy countryside hotspots around the Dee Valley and Clwydian Ranges are urged to plan ahead before travelling into the areas.

A number of preparations have already been made for an increase in traffic into the area as the summer holidays get underway.

Extra countryside rangers will be in place at areas including Llangollen’s Horseshoe Falls, Moel Famau and Loggerheads Country Park to provide support and information for visitors.

Civil enforcement officers will also be monitoring sites, especially at predicated peak busy time.

Visitors coming into the Llangollen area on a Saturday can now use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus which provides a circular route running every Saturday until August 30, linking Llangollen and the surrounding villages to Horseshoe Falls and popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass.

The service will enable visitors and residents to visit and explore these locations without the need of having to constantly find car parking spaces at the sites.

Stops include Llangollen Pavilion where there is ample parking to leave vehicles for the day.

A series of measures have also been introduced at Moel Famau to relieve congestion in the area including double yellow lines, additional parking spaces and road side parking provision to improve visitor flow.

Visitors are also urged to respect the countryside and be sensible by parking responsibly, not littering and only riding bikes on permitted routes.

If the weather is fine over the period, people ae urged not to have BBQ’s, camping stoves or campfires on moorland areas because of the significant risk of fire. Bring a picnic rather than a BBQ and take all litter home with you.

Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We want people to enjoy the great outdoor attractions we have to offer but also remind them that parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces. Anyone not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice from civil enforcement officers.

“Our rangers are working every weekend to provide advice and guidance to visitors coming to the site and I would ask that the public also respect the role they are there to carry out.

“Please plan your day in advance, try to use facilities such as the Dee Valley bus to travel on which will save parking spaces and make sure you have other options planned for visiting and parking if you cannot stop at your first choice of venue as our fantastic area has plenty of attractions to visit.

The School Essentials Grant can help with costs of school uniform including footwear, sports kit and equipment for after school activities, school activities like learning a musical instrument or classroom essentials, including pens, pencils, and bags as well as laptops and computers. The grant can also go towards the cost of uniforms for wider activities like scouts and guides and equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Children of families on lower incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. This includes all learners in reception or year 1 to 11 (except year 7). Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7.

Geraint Davies, the Council's Head of Education said:

“The School Essentials Grant, helps to reduce the financial burden placed on families when buying school uniform and equipment, enabling children to attend school and take part in activities at the same level as their peers.

Even if your child already receives Universal Primary Free School Meals, you still need to apply for the School Essentials Grant. It also means your school will receive extra funding.

We know that families are feeling the pressure due to the cost of living and this grant funding can make a real difference.”

The window to apply for funding for this year opens on 1 July and closes on 31 May 2025. People that are eligible for Free School Meals, as well as the School Essentials Grant, may use the same online application form to apply for both. Anyone who has already applied, doesn’t need to apply again.

If your child goes to a school in Denbighshire, you can apply online for a grant by visiting our schools essentials grant page.

An historic Ruthin house has helped all ages learn about how they can make a difference for local nature.

Bionet recently held their second Nature Day at Nantclwyd y Dre Ruthin, bringing a feast of nature education and information together from across the region.

The day, which attracted nearly 300 visitors to the historic venue, was aimed at helping people understand the roles of some of the conservation organisations that look after nature across North East Wales.

People of all ages were able to chat with representatives from Bionet, Chester University, Denbighshire County Councils Tree Nursery, Clocaenog Red Squirrel's Trust, Curlew Connections Wales, Denbighshire County councils Nature For Health, Ruthin Friends of the Earth, North Wales Butterfly Conservation, North Wales Wildlife Trust and Wild Ground.

Fun family activities were held throughout the day including ‘make your own curlew’, potting your own wildflowers, facepainting, live storytelling sessions, and willow weaving workshops.

Bionet covers the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, working to conserve, protect and enhance the biodiversity of the region for current and future generations.

Clare Owen, BIONET Project Officer, said: “The day went really well, the weather played its part and it was fantastic to see everyone having a go at the activities we put on and also taking time to really stop and learn about the important conservation work going on across the Bionet region. Our aim was to connect people to nature and based on the feedback received we definitely achieved that. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those involved and to all those who attended.”

Kate Thomson, manager of Nantclwyd y Dre Historic House and Gardens said: “It was brilliant to welcome so many people, of all ages, who were truly engaged with the conservation organisations and interested in how they can help to protect our natural world. A very big thank you to all those who helped make it such a successful event at Nantclwyd y Dre.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Council Biodiversity Champion, said: “Bionet’s Nature Day is becoming a firm fixture in the calendar that really highlights the work of organisations to protect our local nature. It’s great to see so many people taking an interest during the day about the work all these organisations do in such a lovely heritage setting and I hope everyone who visited will take away inspiration to how they can make a difference themselves to nature’s future."