Outdoor coastal care opportunities are providing benefits to both people and local nature.
Across the county coastline, volunteers have helped rangers reintroduce marram grass to the dune system around Rhyl harbour to support local biodiversity, repaired timber on the boardwalk and installed two new benches.
They have also supported the installation of new Wales Coast Path discs to signage and waymarkers around the harbour and Horton’s Nose and Barkby and Gronant Dunes.
Volunteers also help with the annual set up of the Little Tern colony at Gronant Dunes, and are a great help with the day-to-day running of the colony during little tern season.
Scrub clearance has been a priority during the winter months, with work carried out at the dunes at Barkby and Gronant, and Tower Beach. Volunteers guided by the rangers have also carried out important maintenance to the solitary bee boxes, giving them a good clean out and ensuring they are ready to go back out in the spring.
North Denbighshire Coastal Ranger Claudia Smith said: “Having the volunteers get stuck into the work with us is fantastic as you can see how much they enjoy being outdoors and doing something important to help local nature and their own community enjoy the area they are helping with.
“Countryside volunteering with us is a great way to boost your health, gain experience and also care for the environment you live in as well.”
Upcoming coastal work that people can attend includes:
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Location
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Activity
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Date
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Time
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North Wales Bowls Centre, Ferguson Ave-nue, Prestatyn LL19 7YA
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Scrub clearance
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Friday 7th February
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10am-3pm
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Barkby Beach Car Park, by public toilets, Barkby Avenue LL19 7LG
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Sand dune tasks
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Monday 10th February
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10am-3pm
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Tower Beach play area, Ffordd Idwal, Prestatyn LL19 7US
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Sand dune tasks
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Monday 17th February
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10am-3pm
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Barkby Beach Car Park, by public toilets, Barkby Avenue LL19 7LG
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Scrub clearance
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Monday 24th February
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10am-3pm
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Councillor Alan James, the Council's Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Stepping outside is important for helping physical and mental health and we are grateful for this continuing opportunity from the rangers for the volunteers to support their own well-being.
“It’s also vital we do all we can to protect our nature in these amazing environments we have on our coastline, and this will help preserve these areas and habitats for people to visit and enjoy.
Anyone interested in helping can contact Claudia on 07785517398 or email Claudia.Smith@denbighshire.gov.uk.