Event tackles impact of beach marine litter

A litter pick was recently held to reduce the impact of littering on Prestatyn beach towards localised flooding and the surrounding environment.

Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team orgainsed the event and with the support of local volunteers tackled the beach areas near the East Nova car park.

Marine litter can block up waterways and drainage, obstructing water flow and causing localised flooding further upstream.

By removing the marine litter more help is provided to the area’s natural defences. Cleaner beaches and healthy coastal environments including dunes and seagrass beds are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Twenty-six volunteers managed to collect 22 bags of litter from the beach and surrounding area on the day. Keep Wales Tidy also provided some of the litter picking equipment used at the event.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “It was great to have the support from volunteers to help tidy up this area of the beach and we hope this Prestatyn Beach Clean will become a regular event.

“Not only have the volunteers helped reduce the risk of localised flooding in this area and the impact of litter on the environment, they have also helped to improve the look of the beach for residents and visitors and also provided a helping hand for local nature by removing elements such as plastic which can be harmful to some wildlife.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added: “I’d like to thank all who made the time to come and support this litter pick. Monitoring the flood risks around Prestatyn beach is highly important for local residents and the surrounding environment. Not only that it’s a prime attraction for the town and the group’s efforts will improve the areas for people to walk and enjoy.”

Give support to Denbighshire’s birds

Can you give an hour this weekend to help gather support for Denbighshire and UK birds?

From this Friday (January 23) until Sunday (January 25), the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch will take place.

The campaign that has run for over 40 years encourages people to put aside an hour in their own garden or local park to help count how many of each bird species lands nearby.

UK skies over the last 50 years have seen around 38 million birds lost, with popular species such as house sparrows and starlings continuing to struggle.

Denbighshire residents of all ages who want to lend a helping hand to local bird populations and do not have access to a back garden, can visit one of the many county parks and nature reserves that are available near their homes.

Denbighshire County Council Senior Biodiversity Officer Liam Blazey said: “Across Denbighshire you may see birds including the Long-tailed tit (who move around together in small flocks), goldfinches, starlings (who can form very large flocks over winter, and sometimes perform aerial displays called murmurations), redwings (a relative of the blackbird, who breed in the north of Europe, and visit us over winter).

“If you give your time to support this great campaign in your back garden you might also see blue tit, great tit, and robins who are common visitors to household gardens.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “It is so important to keep track of the state of our local bird populations so we can help the birds that have decreased in numbers. Giving your time to this survey can really help protect the future of all county and UK bird populations.”

To submit your findings to the survey, log on to https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch

Cabinet agrees next steps for reactive maintenance framework

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet has agreed to begin the re-tendering process for its Reactive Maintenance Framework, ensuring the continued delivery of essential repairs and maintenance across council buildings.

The current framework, which supports responsive repairs in schools and other council properties, is due to expire in July 2026.

To make sure services continue without disruption and to meet procurement requirements, Cabinet approved starting a new tender initiative process at the recent January meeting. The lotting structure of the tender should encourage local contractor participation and the retender process will be compliant with Contract Procedure Rules and Public Contracts Regulations.

The Reactive Maintenance Framework allows the Council to appoint approved contractors to carry out urgent and routine repairs, including electrical, mechanical and general building works.

It supports the Council’s Corporate Plan by helping keep buildings safe and operational, supporting local contractors, reducing disruption to services, protecting public health, maintaining schools and education facilities, and improving energy efficiency through timely repairs.

The new framework is expected to run for an initial two years, with options to extend for up to a further two years. 

Cllr Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “Looking after the condition of our buildings is paramount for delivering a range of important services across the county. I’m pleased we have been able to agree today to launch the retendering process for this Framework, in a format that should continue to encourage local contractor participation and ultimately provide continued provision for the essential maintenance and repairs at Council buildings. ”

Work progressing well at Corwen Library

Refurbishment work at Corwen Library is progressing well and the project is now entering its final stages, with completion expected soon.

The improvements are being delivered thanks to £83,469 of funding from the Welsh Government’s Capital Transformation Programme and will transform the library’s ground floor into a modern, welcoming space for the local community.

The refurbishment includes the creation of a dedicated children’s library area, new self-service technology to make borrowing and returning books easier, and the installation of Open+ technology to allow registered members to access the library during unstaffed hours. The work also includes full redecoration, new desks and display shelving, and upgraded staff facilities.

While work continues, library staff remain on hand to support customers and are looking forward to welcoming residents back into the improved space very soon.

The newly refurbished Corwen Library is expected to reopen later this month.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said:

“It’s great to see work progressing so well at Corwen Library. These improvements will create a modern, welcoming space that will support reading, learning and community life for years to come.”

You can find further information on our libraries on our website.

Active travel works begin in Llangollen

Works have begun to improve the walking routes in and around Llangollen.

Denbighshire County Council successfully secured grant funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel fund to improve some of the walking routes in the Brook Street and Pengwern areas of Llangollen.

The Welsh Government’s funding is in place to reduce the number of short everyday journeys that are undertaken in motor vehicles and to increase levels of active travel.

These works will aim to increase the levels of active travel in Llangollen, through creating safer walking routes to key local amenities such as schools and the town centre.

The improvements, which will take place between January and March, will include localised footway widening, improved pedestrian crossings and works to enhance junctions and will be undertaken by Pronin Ltd.

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

“The introduction of a series of new active travel enhancement is a welcome addition to Llangollen. Not only is active travel creating safer walking routes for our most vulnerable road users such as the elderly and children, but it will also encourage residents to lower their carbon footprint by choosing to walk over driving short distances.”

If you have any queries regarding the scheme, please contact Denbighshire County Council via walkingandcycling@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706000.

Applications for commuted sums are now open!

Applications are now open for funding to help improve open spaces and play areas across Denbighshire.

Funding totalling £101,064.42 is available to support local projects.

The funding comes from commuted sums, which are payments made by developers when it is not possible to provide outdoor open space as part of a new development. These funds are set aside to enhance parks, play areas and other open spaces, usually within the same town or community where the development took place. In some cases, the money can also be used to benefit nearby communities within Denbighshire.

A range of organisations can apply for funding, including:

• City, town and community councils
• Community and voluntary groups
• Charities
• Public sector organisations
• Amateur sports clubs
• Denbighshire County Council

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities said:

“Commuted sums funding plays an important role in helping us protect and enhance open spaces and play areas across Denbighshire. This investment helps ensure that local communities continue to benefit from safe, welcoming and well-maintained spaces that support wellbeing, play and community life. I would encourage eligible organisations to consider applying and to take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive difference in their local area.”

The funding closes for applications on 20 April 2026. Further information and application forms is available online here: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/commutedsums.

The amount of funding available, and in which areas is listed below:

Denbighshire County Council welcomes new Chief Executive

Helen White has officially joined Denbighshire County Council today (19 January) in her role as Chief Executive.

A Welsh speaker who was raised in Henllan, Helen has been Chief Executive Officer with Taff Housing since 2019. Having started her career in housing and community development, Helen brings a wealth of experience to Denbighshire with over 20 years working across the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Helen joins a well performing council which was praised as ‘well-run’ in its Panel Performance Assessment at the end of 2024. It is also a pivotal time for the council in challenging times as it continues to deliver its activities in a sustainable way for the long-term benefit of its communities.

Embarking on her new role as Chief Executive Helen said: "I'm honoured to be taking on the role of Chief Executive. I know it’s a challenging time for so many in our communities, and I’m looking forward to working alongside dedicated colleagues to help make a positive impact in the county I was born and raised in.

"I want to thank the Leader of the Council and all of the other Elected Members for putting their faith in me as the new Chief Executive."

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council said: “I’m delighted to welcome Helen on her first day as Chief Executive bringing a new chapter of leadership for our county. This has been an excellent appointment and her previous experience and track record, particularly in housing and community development, aligns with Denbighshire’s organisational values.

“I’d also like to thank Graham Boase for his hard work and dedication to Denbighshire County Council in his many roles over a number of years, and of course, most recently in his role as Chief Executive. In this role he’s guided the authority skilfully through extremely challenging times. Graham has been a huge support to me, and we’ve worked well together over the years. I’d like to wish him the very best on his retirement.”

Rhuddlan school extension project sees first phase progress

Recent work on the Ysgol y Castell classroom extension project has seen advancements in the first two classrooms, with scaffolding now in place for the continuation of the work into this year.

External walls for the first two classrooms

During the course of the project, Ysgol y Castell will receive extra space upgrades in four of its existing classrooms as well as energy improvement works.

The first phase of the project commenced last year, with the further energy reduction works to be undertaken during the second phase of work.

The external walls for the first two classrooms are currently being worked on, which will be rendered as part of the later project work.

Upon completion of the external brickwork, focus will then move onto the joinery for the flat roof and planning for the new sky-lights.

The work is currently focused on the first two classrooms, before moving onto the next set of classrooms which are due to be extended. The first two classrooms are due for completion by the end of spring this year.

The school yard will also be reinstated, with resurfacing work to commence towards the end of the project.

The extension will provide 16 square metres of additional classroom space in all four of the classrooms, producing a total extension of 64 square metres for pupil use and will see updated learning facilities added at the same time.

The first phase of work is set to be completed in Winter of this year.

Work on the school

This first phase of the project is 65% match funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

The remaining 35% of funding has primarily come from a developer’s contribution provided by the Tirionfa housing development in Rhuddlan.

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

“It is pleasing to see the progression of the work on this project. It is a much-needed extension which will see generational benefits for pupils in the Rhuddlan area, with more space and improved learning facilities.

The work is progressing well, and I am excited to see how the first two classrooms look by the end of spring”.

Primary pupils help shape new school nature habitat

Pupils have rolled up their sleeves to experience creating a new habitat to help nature on their school grounds.

Guided by Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity and Countryside Service team members, Ysgol Llywelyn pupils have helped plant over 700 trees of varied species.

This work is funded by the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

Supported by the Council staff, pupils have helped plant hedgerows and standard trees on the school grounds.

Varieties of trees planted included alder, downy birch, bird cherry, field maple, holly and cherry plum.

Hazel trees planted by the pupils, once established, will help the children learn how this species provides food for moths, butterflies and shelter for ground-nesting birds such as the willow warblers and yellowhammers.

The youngsters will also learn how the hazel trees provide a valuable source of early pollen for bees and the nuts provide food for small mammal species including squirrels and most notably the Hazel Dormouse which is named for its association with this tree species.

Hawthorn trees, also planted by pupils to make up the majority of the habitat, will support pollinators through its nectar rich flowers and its berries will provide food for birds.

Seventeen fruit trees were also planted to create a school orchard. The fruit trees were all local provenance Welsh heritage varieties, including the Rhyl Beauty apple and Denbigh plum, to help conserve these rare local species in their area of origin for cultural importance as well as biodiversity.

The habitat creation not only gives the pupils an area to learn about local nature but will also create an area that will contribute to the lowering of carbon emissions locally thanks to extra trees in the ground.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “We are really grateful to Ysgol Llywelyn pupils for their fantastic support in helping our staff shape this brilliant new area for the local nature to enjoy and also to benefit the wellbeing and learning of all the youngsters involved.”

Team treats thousands of miles to keep Denbighshire on the move

A team took on the equivalent of over 13 road trips from Land’s End to John O’Groats to help keep drivers moving safely during the recent winter weather.

Denbighshire County Council’s Highways and Streetscene  gritting crews have tackled 11,285 miles of county road network during the cold snap which impacted the region from New Year’s Eve till Sunday January 11.

During winter weather the county gritted network is currently split into nine routes covering 950km of which 605km is treated. We aim to grit priority gritting routes four hours before a minimum temperature of zero degrees or one degree if no actual frost is forecast by our weather forecast provider. The gritting salt must be crushed by traffic to make it effective.

Further assistance is provided by external agricultural contractors during periods of adverse weather and snow conditions, with the network divided into 31 additional routes.

During this period the crews used 2,805 tonnes of salt to treat the roads, that’s a larger weight than one of the UK’s famous landmarks, the Blackpool Tower which comes in around 2,000 tonnes

The team spent 2,040 hours treating the roads and in all completed 40 gritting runs covering the nine priority rotes throughout the county with additional patrolling and salting. 

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “A huge thank you to all our gritter drivers who have kept working hard often throughout the night into the early hours of the morning, during this period of adverse winter weather. They are a fantastic team who have worked hard in pretty awful conditions at times to keep our priority routes safe as possible for our residents and drivers, what they have done and continue to do is appreciated by so many in the county.“

Winter maintenance to boost community nature space habitat

A St Asaph nature site has received further support to help boost its biodiversity heading into the 2026’s spring and summer seasons.

Denbighshire County Council’s Climate team, Countryside Services and volunteers joined together to help plant 150 additional trees at the Glan Elwy Community Nature Space.

The site was created in 2024 as part of the Council’s Woodland Creation Project which received £800,000 from the UK Government through the 2023-25 UK Shared Prosperity Fund for this and other similar developments in the county.

Glan Elwy provides stronger habitat spaces for nature as well as improved access and facilities for residents young and old to enjoy.  It provides an opportunity to observe and learn about local wildlife, especially from the purpose-built viewing platform located next to the public footpath.

St Asaph City football club youth teams and Elwy Care Group helped originally plant nearly 2,000 trees on the site alongside council officers and other volunteers.

The new trees planted in December supplement the 2024 stock, taking account of continuous monitoring and aftercare by Countryside Rangers through the year, and include replacements for some trees that unfortunately did not survive the long periods of exceptionally dry weather faced by the UK in Spring and Summer.  The additional trees received funding from the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

The winter maintenance work has allowed the opportunity to look at new planting areas on the site and introduce different species and varieties of trees to increase resilience against any future drought conditions.

Countryside Ranger Matt Winstanley who is managing the development of the site explained: “Losing some trees at land the scale of this site isn’t unexpected, especially with the extreme dry conditions we have faced. Spring 2025 was an unprecedented season of warmth and sunshine and the driest in over 50 years, according to the Met Office.

“We are developing a slightly different area of the site to make use of the better ground. What we have planted are oaks, rowan, silver birch, downy birch and aspen. The gravelly conditions of this area next to the river should suit aspens and they are also more drought tolerant as well.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity champion added: “These sites take time to grow and develop and we are grateful to the continuing support from everyone setting foot on Glan Elwy that is nurturing a fantastic area for both the surrounding communities to visit and enjoy and for local nature to thrive in.”

Event to tackle marine litter impact at Prestatyn

A call has gone out for volunteers who want to make a positive difference to support their local coastline.

Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team are leading a marine litter clean-up campaign at Prestatyn Beach on January 19 from 3pm until 4pm.

The event will help reduce the impact of marine litter on the beach which can block up waterways and drainage, obstructing water flow and causing localised flooding further upstream.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “By removing marine litter we are also helping to support the area’s natural defences. Cleaner beaches and healthy coastal environments including dunes and seagrass beds, are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.”

“Carrying out this campaign also gives us the chance to improve the look of the beach for residents and visitors and also give a helping hand for the local nature by removing elements such as plastic which can be harmful to some wildlife.”

She added: “Anyone willing to do their bit for their local beach at Prestatyn and help this great environment and reduce flooding risks in the area is more than welcome to join us.”

The Prestatyn Beach Clean event will meet at the East Nova Centre car park, by the Offa’s Dyke sign, at 3pm.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “Controlling the risk of localised flooding from the impact of marine litter hitting our county beaches is extremely important. It’s also beneficial for the wellbeing of our residents and people who visit these areas and the wildlife found on these beaches, I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to join in.”

For further details contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk/ 07785517398

Garden subscription renewal goes live

Denbighshire gardeners who use the garden waste subscription service can renew their collection from today (January 12)

Renewal for 2026 to 2027 is now open to make sure there is time for everyone to sign up before the new service period starts from April 1.

The Council is encouraging residents who are subscribing for the first time also take advantage of this sign-up period from today (April 1) to take full advantage of the 12-month service.

Residents are encouraged to renew their collection service online using the link below:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/garden-waste.aspx

The two weekly garden waste service offers residents a convenient, cost-effective means of dealing with their garden waste and makes a significant contribution towards meeting statutory recycling targets.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “Today’s the day to renew or sign up for the 12 months garden waste collection service. I would urge residents to do this at their earliest convenience to account for the delivery time of any new containers and to and to take advantage of the full 12-month service.

Residents can check whether they have a live subscription on the bin collection dates page of the website or find out further information on the service here

Smart and Sustainable ways to dispose of your Christmas Tree

Did you know that there are sustainable ways to wrap up your Christmas Tree use following the festive celebrations?

Denbighshire County Council is encouraging residents to properly dispose of their Christmas tree, be it real or an artificial one.

If you have an artificial tree, it is recommended that it is reused year after year as much as possible to help reduce waste. When you do decide to dispose of your artificial tree, it can be taken to your local Recycling and Waste Park.

Real trees can be recycled by using the green wheelie bin (if you have a garden waste subscription). Make sure the tree is cut up first to ensure it fits properly in your bin. If you cannot fit it into your bin, real trees can also be taken to the local Recycling and Waste Park for disposal.

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

“Celebrating the festive season with Christmas Trees and decorating them is often the highlight of many families’ Christmas period.  When it does come time to dispose of your tree, it is important to remember the correct channels that will really help cut down on waste over the festive period.”

For more information, please go to our website.

New look for Bryneglwys community hub

Works have been completed to convert an old unused school into a much-needed community hub.

Following the closure of Ysgol Bryneglwys in 2014, a group of volunteers from the village came together to ensure that a once valuable community asset could become integral to the community again.

The group of residents formed Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) and obtained a charity status in April 2020, with the aim to convert the old school to a much-needed community hub. 

On the 19th of January 2023, Denbighshire Council received confirmation that they had secured £10.95m from the UK Government for the former Clwyd West constituency to support the development of 10 projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing and rural communities.

This project was one of the 10 included within the Council’s application to UK Government, and as a result Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) received £327,000 of this UK Government funding to renovate the former village school and secured a further £65,000 from the Clocaenog Windfarm Fund towards the project.

Having secured funding for the project, the CCIA appointed Adever Construction to undertake the improvement works.

The works included removing existing asbestos within the building, conducting clean air tests and rendering the exterior of the building, with the idea of converting the old school into a community hub with a café that also has space to host future community events for the residents of Bryneglwys.

Pat Downes, Chair of Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) said:

“Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) was formed as a one issue charity to turn the old school into a much-needed community hub. It has been a lot of hard work and so many people have helped us over the years. There has been a real team effort around this project.

“It’s an exciting time, not just for CCIA, but for the whole village who have been looking forward to having this amenity. The opening of the community hub here in Bryneglwys will offer an opportunity for residents to get together on a regular basis in the new café, and we will now be able to provide a space to host events such as concerts. The community hub will also be available to hire for private functions”.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said:

“It is exciting that Denbighshire County Council has been able to support this community to achieve their aspirations. Hubs such as these play a vital role in bringing the residents together and we are delighted that works have been completed just in time for Christmas!

“I would like to thank the CCIA and the local member, Councillor Hugh Evans, who have worked tirelessly throughout this process to ensure that the residents of Bryneglwys have a dedicated space to gather as a community”.

Bodelwyddan park celebrates re-opening to the public

A ceremony was recently held to mark the official opening of the site since works began in 2022.

Situated at the foot of the historic Bodelwyddan Castle, the site celebrated its official opening following the completion of the first phase of works.

Denbighshire County Council’s Chairman Arwel Roberts officially opened the country park at the ceremony.

The project received £900,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the work looking to address the condition of the parkland beginning in 2022.

As a part of the works to reopen the parklands, woods and orchards to the public, nearly one and a half miles of new disabled friendly limestone topped pathways meander from the bottom of the parkland right up to the woodland at the top of the site.

To accommodate for the returning visitors, a new 73 space car park near the bottom entrance off the A55 was created, whilst a countryside ranger with a designated budget for management and maintenance at the park was appointed on a full-time basis.

Hedgerows were planted along new boundary fencing to also support local nature on the parkland, with access to resident deer provided at certain parts of the boundary fence. Special protective fence enclosures were also built in the woodland to protect tree and plant areas including the old Victorian Orchard from deer to allow certain species to flourish stronger going forward.

Further work was undertaken to preserve the historic First World War trenches at the top of the parkland with a new fencing enclosure protecting the site. 

The project also delivered over 19,000 m² of green space, 2 km of footpaths, planted 7,150 trees and installed several interpretation boards along the paths to explain the surrounding land.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“The opening of this park signifies a fantastic milestone for the project. I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of our countryside team who have worked tirelessly to address the condition of the park in order for us to be in the position to open the site to the public.

“The regeneration of the parkland will provide vital support that our local wildlife needs to survive going forward and will also give Denbighshire residents and visitors a great place to visit to experience the nature our county has to offer.”

Denbighshire Trading Standards holds successful free electric blanket testing events

Denbighshire trading standards service offered residents free electric blanket testing and free replacement blankets this past winter.

The testing events took place during December to February in three different areas of the county.

During the 3 sessions held, a total of 77% of the electric blankets tested failed. One of the main reasons for the failures was due to the age of the blankets, with several blankets brought for testing over 20 years old, and one blanket being 50 years old.

Another reason for failures was the heating elements within the blankets coming loose and collecting in one area of the blanket which presents a risk of fire.  

The funding granted to Trading Standards allowed residents whose electric blanket failed the safety testing to receive a brand-new replacement blanket of a same size.

Around 43 fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets in the home. They should be stored flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said:

“Consumer Protection is a priority area for the Public Protection. Wear and tear on these products is inevitable and faulty electric blankets pose a significant fire risk. It is good to see that residents have made good use of the opportunity to have these items tested. We look forward to building on the success of this work in the future.”

Foster Wales Denbighshire carers receive parking permits as part of fostering package

Foster carers who decide to foster through the local authority are now issued a parking permit as standard as part of Denbighshire’s fostering package.

To assist foster carers with parking for vital appointments, foster meetings, and any associated activities, Foster Wales Denbighshire carers are now issued with parking permits for all long-stay car parks within the county once they are accepted through the Foster Wales scheme.

This initiative is part of the council’s transformation programme which has the ambition to increase the number of Foster Wales Denbighshire carers, allowing children to be cared for closer to their communities and achieve better outcomes.

Rhiain Morrlle, Head of Children’s Services said:

“I am pleased to see that has been implemented. This is just one of the assistive policies that we will be rolling out for those who decide to foster through the local authority, with more to be announced within the coming months.

I feel that this policy emphasises our commitment to those who make the rewarding decision to foster within Denbighshire.

I would also like to note my thanks to colleagues in Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services for their support in implementing this scheme, and to demonstrating their support to Denbighshire’s foster carers as part of our One Council ethos.” 

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

“Denbighshire County Council’s fostering team help make a real difference to the lives of children and young people within the county.

The friendly staff help guide new foster carers through each step of the process and are always on hand to provide expert knowledge.

We hope that by issuing these permits, we can help our foster carers to attend the vital appointments and meetings that can come with fostering and make their lives a little easier.”

Working Denbighshire reflects on a year of supporting local people

As 2025 comes to a close, Working Denbighshire is highlighting the difference made for individuals and families across the county. Through collaborative efforts with partners and communities, hundreds of residents have accessed training, employment support, and opportunities to improve their skills and confidence.

This year also marked an exciting milestone as Working Denbighshire was selected as part of a UK Trailblazer Pilot. This allows Working Denbighshire to ‘turbo-boost’ its provision focusing on its core mission and new and innovative approaches to employment and skills support, to help local people overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

A few highlights from 2025 include:

• Community Engagement: More local events and activities supported than ever before, creating spaces for people to connect and learn.
• Household Support: Hundreds of households received tailored assistance, helping families overcome barriers and access vital services.
• Skills and Education: Significant growth in retraining and education opportunities, opening doors to new careers and qualifications.
• Employment and Confidence: Many residents have gained employment, gained qualifications, and reported improved confidence and employability.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said:

“These achievements reflect Working Denbighshire’s commitment to tackling barriers to employment and creating opportunities for all.

“By focusing on skills development, confidence building, and community engagement, the programme continues to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

“This year has been a real milestone for Working Denbighshire. Alongside supporting individuals and families, we’ve taken on new opportunities to innovate as part of a UK Trailblazer Pilot.’

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to build on this success in the year ahead.”

Working Denbighshire aims to build on this momentum in the year ahead, with plans to expand volunteering opportunities, strengthen in-work support, and continue tackling barriers to employment.

To stay informed about future events and opportunities, visit working.denbighshire.gov.uk or follow Working Denbighshire on social media.

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Denbighshire based bird colony continues heling hand for Little Terns

Image by David Woodfall

A Famous Denbighshire bird colony has celebrated its 21st anniversary of supporting a rare summer visitor.

This year marks the 21st year Denbighshire Countryside Service has managed the Little Tern colony at Gronant Dunes.

The area is the largest breeding colony found in Wales. It is known internationally as it contributes to over 10 percent of the entire UK breeding population as well as supporting other colonies.

Little Terns spend the winter in Africa; they arrived at the dunes in May to breed on the shingled beach in a protected site prepared in April by Countryside staff and volunteers. They start flying back south at the end of August.

The bird’s nests consist of just a scrape in the sand, where pairs will take turns in incubating one to three eggs. Little terns feed exclusively on a diet of sand eels, which they fish for out at sea.

Twelve electric fenced pens and a section of strap fencing along the landward side of the colony were constructed to protect the breeding Little Terns.

Also, a boundary fence was implemented to prevent the public from accessing and disturbing the colony. However, the public could drop into a temporary observation centre and bird hide to find about and view the birds from afar.

A team of wardens on site helped look-out for aerial predators – mainly kestrels and peregrine falcons, as well as engaging with the many visitors who come to Gronant each year

This season saw 95 breeding pairs recorded and a total of 103 fledglings, a decrease on the number of young seen during the 2024 season due to factors including predation, the harsh dry weather, and a smaller number outside the pens were lost to spring tides and other predation.

However, the colony an average of 1.08 fledglings per breeding pair, brought a slight increase on figures from last year

Wardens also worked with the British Trust for Ornithology to ring several of the birds to keep track of them in the future. They helped ring 59 chicks with British Trust for Ornithology (metal rings, and a further nine were also ringed with colour rings.

The Little Terns visitor centre hosted a total of 883 visitors to the designated viewing points and 175people engaged in the project via trips and visits to the site. Volunteers from the North Wales Little Tern Group, Denbighshire Countryside Services and Merseyside Ringing Group logged 1085.5 volunteering hours throughout the season.

Countryside staff operate a ‘no-trace’ policy at the colony site, and all equipment is taken off and stored until next spring arrives.

Garry Davies, Countryside Officer and County Allotments Manager, said: “We are proud to be involved for over 20 years with this project which is so much more than the protection of a very rare seabird. The volunteer participation at the colony continues to be higher than any other activity offered by Countryside Services and it’s been great once again to see local schools and a resident group visiting the colony. It also contributes to the Council’s tourism offer with visits from birdwatchers from across the UK.

“It has been a difficult season for the birds as we saw less adults coming into the colony, coupled with no increase in adults at any of the Irish colonies and none at Point of Ayr. However, despite the difficulties faced, it’s great to see the average of fledglings per breeding pair increase to continue supporting this important species.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said:. All credit must go to the hard work of our countryside teams, partner groups and the fantastic volunteers who do so much to protect and support this important colony based in Denbighshire.”

Rhuddlan pupils help install Bat and Bird boxes as part of wider project at Ysgol y Castell

Pupils at Ysgol Y Castell had the chance to get a close up look at a real bird’s nest and learn about the importance of bird and bat boxes.

Andrew Cutts, Denbighshire’s Ecological Compliance and Support Officer led a session in the forest school area of the site, where the pupils learned about how to identify a good position for bird and bat boxes.

Pupils then helped to pick suitable trees in their forest school area for the boxes to be installed by BrynBuild, the contractor on the project.

Five bird boxes and three bat boxes were built and installed as part of the Community Benefits associated with the four classroom extension currently underway on the site.

The extension of four classrooms and initial energy improvement works are being undertaken in the first phase of the project, with further energy reduction works planned for a second phase.

The first phase of the project is 65% match funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The remaining 35% of funding has primarily come from a developer’s contribution provided by the Tirionfa housing development in Rhuddlan.

The external wall for the first 2 classrooms to be extended has now been removed and the footings and ground beam are almost complete. The LED lighting upgrades throughout the site are progressing well and the install of the steel frame and substructure are due to commence shortly.

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

 “As part of the wider scope of this project, the pupils at Ysgol y Castell got to learn about the importance of nature within the grounds of the school.

The project will see a number of Bat and Bird boxes installed, alongside the extension, which is progressing well at this stage.”