Road Cyclic maintenance update

Cyclic maintenance work will take place near St Asaph and Rhuddlan at the beginning of June.

Work comprising of grass cutting, strimming, litter picking and sweeping will be carried out on the A525 Dual Carriageway between the Talardy Roundabout and Bryn Cwybyr roundabout and on the A547 Abergele Road.

All work will take place between 7pm and 6am and will take 3 evenings/nights to complete.

To ensure that the works are carried out safely, the A525 and A547 will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the dates stated below:

• Monday & Tuesday 2nd and 3rd June–Road Closure – A525 Talardy - KFC
• Wednesday & Thursday 4th and 5th June - A525 Rhuddlan Bypass
• Monday 9th June -A547 –Abergele Road - Borth Roundabout to Area Boundary

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our Street Scene and Highways teams will be working hard during this period to improve these routes, and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and would be grateful for your cooperation and patience during this time.”

Alternative diversion route for each section of road closure will be signed accordingly.

Wales’ First Minister travels to see successful projects in Denbighshire

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, recently arrived in Denbighshire to visit several projects within the County.

Whilst on her visit, the First Minister visited both Rhos Street and Pen Barras schools, the Buttermarket in Denbigh and Greengates farm in St Asaph.

Rhos Street & Pen Barras Schools, Ruthin –

The First Minister’s first stop was to Rhos Street and Pen Barras schools, which opened on their new site in April 2018 thanks to a £11.2 million investment through the 21^st Century Schools Programme.

Funded by the Welsh Government (£8.64m) and Denbighshire County Council (£2.59m) the schools had historically shared a site prior to the move. However, the previous site was not purpose built or designed to accommodate both schools which resulted in a few constraints.

Completed in 2018, the project won a national award for Offsite Project of the Year in 2019 from Construction Excellence Wales and now delivers a modern teaching and learning environment for 525 pupils.

On the visit, the First Minister toured around the award-winning site which boasts state of the art facilities both schools’ headmasters, before interacting with teachers and excited pupils and enjoying a performance from Rhos Street and Pen Barras’s choirs respectively.

Buttermarket, Denbigh –

On her visit to the Buttermarket in Denbigh, the First Minter learned of the recent redevelopment of the historic building that has been transformed into a much-needed community space in the town.

The renovation was funded through a variety of sources, including the Shared Prosperity Fund, the Community Facilities Programme, Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm, Brenig Wind Farm, Freeman Evans Trust, Bernard Sunley, Garfield Weston Foundation and contributions from key local organisations, including Vale of Clwyd Mind, Gwrp Cynefin and Denbigh Town Council.

The building is owned and operated by Vale of Clwyd Mind, which has recently relocated its head office to Denbigh. This move enables the organisation to expand its mental health services across Denbighshire, providing essential support to the community.

In addition, the building now serves as the new home for Denbigh Museum, Denbigh Community Archives, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and a community Cafe. Together along with Vale of Clwyd Mind, these organisations will support a wide range of voluntary activities, delivering vital services to the local population and fostering greater collaboration among third-sector organisations.

Greengates Farm, St Asaph –

Finally, the First Minister visited Greengates Farm in St Asaph to see the Tree Nursery which strives to support and nurture Denbighshire’s natural plants and trees.

The site, which spans 70 acres, grows trees and plants which will eventually be planted back out into the countryside and community to boost biodiversity.

On a tour of the Tree Nursery, guided by Joal Walley, Lead Officer, Ecology & Biodiversity at Denbighshire County Council, The First Minister explored the polytunnels which host seedlings and saplings of Denbighshire’s natural biodiversity, and was given some of the history of some of the rarer native species such as the Black Poplar Tree and The Wild Service Tree.

The site is currently undergoing development which see a nature reserve created on the 70-acre facility, which will strive to further support local biodiversity and helping nature recovery, as well as permissive pathways, which will be created to allow visitors to access and enjoy the site and a raised viewing area will also be developed.

This work has been funded by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project and Local Places for Nature grant. The work is also funded by UK Government.

Paul Moore, Chief Executive Officer for Vale of Clwyd Mind said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the First Minister to The Buttermarket to talk about the redevelopment and the planned services moving forward and how we all collectively aim to work together to make a difference to help real people in our community”.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan said:

“It was great to visit Denbighshire and see some of the excellent projects the Welsh Government, the local authority and partner organisations have supported in the area – including fantastic new schools, a community hub and a local project to support nature. Well done to everyone involved in delivering on these projects, which are so important to local people, and I look forward to visiting again.”

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

“It was a pleasure to have welcomed the First Minister to Denbighshire and to have shown her how each of these projects are excelling thanks to fantastic collaborative works.

“The success of these projects and the continued support from the Welsh Government and UK Government, shows the confidence they have in Denbighshire County Council to continue to deliver projects that will benefit Denbighshire, whether it’s improving education standards, supporting the community or improving biodiversity in the County.  

Vendor open days scheduled at Queen’s Market

With the last few spaces left to fill at the new Queen’s Market facility in Rhyl before its opening this summer, the Council, in conjunction with Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd, are inviting businesses along to the Market for two open days which are scheduled for June 3^rd, 10am-6pm, and June 4^th, 10am-4pm.

The open days are aimed at businesses who are looking to trade from the historic venue, and will offer a comprehensive tour of the modern facilities by the Directors at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd and key Council staff, as well as provide insights into how the venue can help support local business growth.

Businesses who have an interest in trading from the venue can confirm attendance through contacting queensmarket@midlandsevents.co.uk or by calling 07795 574602.

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

“These open days are a brilliant opportunity for businesses who are looking to trade from this exciting new facility to occupy the last few available vendor spaces before it opens this summer. 

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about how day-to-day trading will look and meet the directors at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd, who are managing the Market on the Council’s behalf. This project is now very close to being ready, and we are very excited for the opening this summer.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd said:

“We look forward to welcoming all interested parties both old and new to come and view the fantastic trading environment we have created.

The level of detail and the materials that have been used on this project have created a fantastic venue for businesses going forward and we look forward to welcoming everyone whether they have visited the site before or not.

This is a venue created for the people and the businesses of Rhyl, so please feel free to come along and visit us on the open days.”

Improvements at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre

Denbighshire Heritage Service have recently completed a series of accessibility improvements at two of its historic attractions.

The works at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd, have looked at improving access for visitors and promoting inclusivity at the County’s heritage attractions.

Enhancing Access at Ruthin Gaol

Offering a unique Victorian prison experience, Ruthin Gaol is fast becoming one of North Wales’s most popular attractions, welcoming increasing numbers of visitors from far and wide and receiving a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2024.

To enhance accessibility within this historic site, recent improvements have focused on making navigation safer and more comfortable for all visitors. These include:

• New seating installed in the basement, offering a welcome rest spot for visitors exploring the site.  
• Unnecessary street furniture removed to create clearer walkways.  
• Additional and updated handrails, especially where steps previously lacked support.
• Brightly painted nosing strips on stairs to improve visibility and reduce trip hazards.  
• A new cycle storage and baby-changing facilities, making the site more family-friendly and accessible to cyclists.  

Improvements at Nantclwyd y Dre

Dating back to 1435, Nantclwyd y Dre is one of the oldest Welsh timber-framed townhouses still open to the public which boasts beautiful hidden gardens, where visitors can experience history hands-on through interactive trails and activities found throughout the house’s period-themed rooms, from medieval to modern.

Works to improve access to the ground floor, including the coffee corner, 1940s style Parlour, WWII-themed hall, Victorian kitchen, shop, ‘Bat Cam’ area, and extensive gardens were prioritised and have now been completed thanks to the inclusion of:

• New ramps installed in both the house and garden, making all areas easier to access.  
• Improved lighting, particularly in rooms where previous low levels posed a challenge for some visitors.  

Carly Davies, acting Heritage Service Manager, said:

“We are committed to improving access across our historic attractions while respecting their unique character. These enhancements are an important step in making Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre more inclusive, and we hope event more visitors can enjoy a day out with us as a result.”  

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

“The recent changes are a welcome improvement to both sites and directly address some of the key findings from recent accessibility audits. I hope that more visitors can now enjoy these wonderful sites thanks to these improvements that underline Denbighshire Heritage Service’s commitment to ensuring that our heritage sites are accessible to all”.  

For more information about visiting Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre, including accessibility details, please visit our website or contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service team via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk

Mini meadows grow support for wildflower week!

Green fingered St Asaph pupils have helped kick off the celebrations for an important nature recovery project. 

Ysgol Esgob Morgan pupils teamed up with our Biodiversity Team to welcome the incoming Wildflower Week events during half term with a spot of miniature sustainable meadow creations

Using a wildflower seed mix sourced by the Biodiversity Team from meadows across the county and reusing old egg box containers, pupils created mini meadows by planting the seeds in the boxes.

And once Autumn arrives the Biodiversity Team will return to the school to help the pupils plant their mini meadows outside to provide support for local nature around the site moving forward.

Whilst at the school the team also helped pupils learn about different wildflowers by running a Wildflower Bingo session which encouraged the youngsters to search for different flowers on a sheet handed to them.

Pupils also found out about techniques used to survey animals in the wild thanks to the Biodiversity Team demonstrating how hedgehog track tunnels ae used to keep a watchful eye on how the animal is faring in the wild.

If you are interested in attending any of the Wildflower Week events please click on this link to book.

Support provided for small at-risk animal county resident

A helping hand has been given to a tiny member of Denbighshire’s wild animal population. 

Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team has prepared vital support this year to help boost the county’s dormouse population.

As part of their role to support protected species the team has been busy making sure the small at-risk animal has adequate homes to go to for breeding this season.

Dormouse populations are at risk across the UK with numbers fallen by over 50 percent since 1995.

The reduction in ancient woodland and hedgerows across the country has impacted on populations with dormice not willing to leave the safety of tree areas to cross large spaces, leaving the animals more vulnerable to declining in numbers.

A lack of traditional woodland management has also left fewer ideal habitats for the animals to live in and climate change impact on seasonal weather can wake dormice early from hibernation when there is less food about for their needs.

Dormouse are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. They are also a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework and listed as a European Protected Species

Liam Blazey, Senior Biodiversity Officer, explained: “Dormice have declined rapidly and as they are a priority species we are doing everything we can across the county to give them support.”

“Dormouse boxes have been set up around wooded areas as the animal likes to nest at the base of trees or even up in the canopy. They can have up to seven young in the summer and during the autumn the boxes become the perfect spots for hibernation.

“The team has worked hard recently to clean out all the boxes we have, to get them ready for the current breeding season and provide the dormice with habitats that will provide the food and materials they need survive.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, added: “Part of the role of our Biodiversity team is to also provide the protection and support to at risk animals in the county. We are grateful for the team for carrying out this habitat management to provide this at-risk little animal with the best support possible for the future.”

Care experienced young people share the foster relationships that changed their lives

Young people with experience of being in care are sharing the meaningful relationships they have developed through the fostering community that has changed their lives for the better.

The theme for this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which takes place annually and falls between 12 and 25 May 2025, is celebrating the power of relationships.

Whether it’s the bond between a carer and a child, the relationship created with supportive social workers, or the friendships built with other foster carers in a community, strong relationships are the golden thread that run through all fostering stories.

In Wales, there are more than 7,000 children in care, but only 3,800 foster families. Foster Wales is aiming to recruit an additional 800 carers by 2026.

Ashlee, from Denbighshire has formed lasting relationships with her foster family as they continue to support her into adulthood.

Ashlee went to live with her foster carers, Sharen and Colin, at the age of 13. Although going into care as a teenager was hard at first, having a routine, structure and stability encouraged her to thrive in school, make new friends and made her believe that she could achieve in life.

Ashlee, who is now 20, said:

“I won’t lie, it was hard at first, despite everything, I missed my birth mum and I was miserable. I didn’t want to do anything with anyone, except for my younger siblings, who hardly left my side.

But quite soon afterwards, something changed. I realised how welcomed and wanted I was, and how at home I felt there.

I felt part of a big, happy family and I absolutely loved that feeling.

Deep down, I knew that I was going to be in foster care for the long term so I decided to embrace it and make the most of the new life and the opportunities I now had.”

Growing up at home, Ashlee had to take on a lot of the household responsibilities, which meant that her education and social life suffered.

Ashlee added:

“Before I came to live with Sharen and Colin, I had no routine in my life. I was often up until the early hours of the morning, which meant I hardly ever went to school and had no friends.

In a way, going into foster care was a bit of a relief as the responsibility of being a ‘parent’ to my younger siblings was taken off me. Colin and Sharen naturally took over that role which meant I could be a ‘normal’ teenager and enjoy being an older sister, which is how it should be.

We did nice things like go swimming and played board games. I bonded with the other foster children in the house, which was nice as I was gaining more brothers and sisters!

Having some structure, routine and boundaries in my life really helped me thrive in so many ways. I never rebelled against it, I actually welcomed it. It did me the world of good!

My attendance at school soon shot up to 98%, I made new, lifelong friends and actually started to enjoy school.

With Sharen and Colin’s support, I went on to achieve amazing grades, went to college to study Health and Social Care and I now have a full time job as a Health Care Support Worker, which I love.”

Ashlee now lives in her own self-contained annex as part of the family home and continues to be close to her foster family, whilst building independence at the same time.

Ashlee said:

“Words can’t describe how much my foster family mean to me. They saved my life and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done, and are still doing, for me.”

Foster Wales Denbighshire Team Manager at Denbighshire County Council, Julie Fisher added:

“Foster care is about much more than providing a safe place for a child to stay. It's about building strong and healthy relationships with everyone involved in fostering, and is essential for the emotional well-being of our children and young people, and their future success.

Foster Care Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate those powerful and lifelong relationships, like Ashlee has with her foster family, and to thank our amazing fostering community here in Denbighshire for everything they do for our children and young people.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Denbighshire visit: denbighshire.fosterwales.gov.wales

High Sheriff Recognises Volunteers at Nantclwyd y Dre

The dedication and hard work of volunteers at Nantclwyd y Dre, was formally recognised during a recent visit from the High Sheriff of Clwyd.

Meeting weekly to tend to the upkeep, restoration, and cultivation of one of the oldest Welsh timber-framed townhouses still open to the public, the team of eager historians and green-fingered gardeners play a vital role in preserving this important heritage site, ensuring that the house and gardens continue to thrive.

During the visit, the High Sheriff presented certificates to the volunteers, in appreciation of their commitment to maintaining the much-loved visitor attraction.

Kate Thomson, Site Manager of Nantclwyd y Dre, said:

“Our volunteers are a crucial part of the team, and we are incredibly proud of them. Their commitment and enthusiasm help bring Nantclwyd y Dre to life and this recognition is a well-deserved thank you for their continued hard work."

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage added:

“Nantclwyd y Dre is a unique piece of Welsh history, offering visitors the opportunity to explore over 500 years of history under one roof. From restoring period furnishings to careful tending of borders and the garden’s incredibly rose arch, the work of the volunteers helps to keep this heritage alive, and this recent recognition celebrates their ongoing contribution”.

From 3 April, Nantclwyd y Dre will be open Thursday to Saturday, 10:30am – 4.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm), inviting visitors to explore its tranquil gardens and experience centuries of history through exhibitions and immersive activities designed to bring history to life, including interactive trails for younger visitors.

For more information about Nantclwyd y Dre and its volunteering opportunities, please contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service team via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk

New Chair and Vice Chair elected

The Council has elected a new Chair and Vice Chair for the 2025/26 term.

During the Annual County Council meeting, which was held virtually and at County Hall, Ruthin, the Council elected Councillor Arwel Roberts (Rhuddlan) as Chair and Councillor Bobby Feeley (Ruthin) as Vice Chair of the authority for the next municipal year.

Speaking as the new Chairman of the Council Councillor Arwel Roberts said: “I’d like to thank Councillor Peter Scott for all his work over the past 18 months – his work has been fantastic.

“My consort will be my wife, Awen who has been a huge support to me over many years now and I’m hugely grateful for everything she does for me. My good causes for the year will be St Kentigern Hospice, as I know the good work they do there. I will also be supporting the Urdd which is helping to support families to provide opportunities for children to visit their residential centres.”

During the meeting, outgoing Chairman, Cllr Peter Scott was thanked for this time in office as Chair. Among his fund-raising achievements was £1,000 raised for St Kentigern’s Hospice and £1,000 raised for Armed Forces charities.

As it was the first full council meeting since the passing of Councillor Hugh Irving, tributes were paid by all group leaders, Councillors Brian Jones, Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Delyth Jones, Martyn Hogg, Merfyn Parry and Jason McLellan.

Councillor Peter Scott asked the Council Chamber to stand and observe a period of silent reflection in memory of Councillor Hugh Irving and gratitude for his distinguished service. This was observed by all present with the utmost respect.

Rhyl School achieves two school status awards

Ysgol Christchurch in Rhyl has recently achieved two school awards, the Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award, and the Trauma Informed Schools UK award.

The Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award is granted by UNICEF UK to schools that have fully embedded children’s rights throughout the school in its policies. Ysgol Christchurch has become the first school in the County to achieve this award.

To achieve this award status, schools are assessed by looking at the whole school’s rights respecting work and the impact that has been made through embedding children’s rights into school life.

In the accreditation report, the following strengths were highlighted:

• Continued commitment and creativity by the whole school in placing CRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) at the heart of policy and practice.
• The caring and nurturing ethos of the school, where the values of dignity and respect are lived and valued by the whole school community.
• Pupil voice that is highly valued, with a range of pupil groups giving opportunities for all young people to put their ideas forward and these to be acted upon.

In addition to this award, Ysgol Christchurch have also recently achieved the Trauma Informed Schools UK award. The award recognises the steps and efforts made by the school and Governors to embed Trauma Informed Schools practices, ensuring children feel psychologically safe in school, due to the established culture of warmth and social engagement in staff-pupil interactions.

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

“It is great to see that Ysgol Christchurch has picked up these awards. To be the first school in the County to achieve the Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award shows the school’s commitment to evolving and expanding pupil knowledge and values.

Congratulations to them for such great achievements.”

Bethan Lindquist, Headteacher at Ysgol Christchurch said:

“I am extremely proud that our school has achieved these award statuses. These awards are a testimony to the staff and their commitment to supporting our pupils, providing the highest standard of care and support we can offer.

These awards reflect the dedication of our pupils, staff, governors, and wider community in fostering an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered.”

Wildflower week set to bloom this month

Have you ever wanted to learn how wildflowers benefit both animals and humans? 

A whole host of flower facts will be on offer for communities across the county this half term as Wildflower Week returns.

Throughout the week there are planned wildflower meadow walks across the county to help understand the importance of the habitat for preserving species of wildflowers, providing food for insects and pollinators and in turn giving a source of food for larger animals to survive on.

It’s a chance to also learn how the meadows benefit the communities by helping to cool the land for example and acting as a deterrent against flooding.

Other events will focus on the animals which need the meadows to survive, such as swifts and moths.

And there’s an opportunity to learn how local provenance is giving a helping hand to meadows across the county at the Council’s Tree Nursery at St Asaph.

Established in 2019, Denbighshire County Council’s Wildflower Meadow Project currently includes approximately 70 acres of native wildflower habitat helping and protecting local nature and supporting community wellbeing across the county.

It has also been funded by Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

During the 2024 season 297 different wildflower species were recorded across these sites and a total of 5,269 individual wildflowers were logged overall, far outnumbering species found on more regularly mown grassland.

A number of the wildflower meadows also saw a resurgence in orchid species growing for the first time across the county.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, and Biodiversity Champion said: Our Biodiversity team is looking forward to really helping all ages learn about this important project for both nature and communities during the week.

“He added: “We have lost nearly 97 percent of wildflower meadows across the UK since the 1930s so this project is more than crucial for supporting local nature that has been impacted by this huge loss. As we see more wildflowers return to areas through the work carried out, they will help increase diversity and colour for communities to enjoy and give stronger support for the pollinators at risk who play a vital role in putting food on our own tables.

“This week of events is a great way to understand more about why these habitats are important to both nature and communities and I would encourage all those who live near the meadows featured to join the walks to find out more how much they do for all.”

Please check the Council’s social media for the latest event timetables and information.

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book.

For further information, please email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk

Help Bring History to Life at Plas Newydd, Llangollen

The Council’s Countryside team is calling on the public to help bring the story of Plas Newydd, Llangollen, to life by sharing their hidden treasures.

Plas Newydd, nestled in the heart of Llangollen, is famous for its connection to the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose remarkable story of friendship and defiance captured the imagination of visitors from across the world.

Over the years, the house has welcomed poets, celebrities and curious travellers, becoming a treasured part of Llangollen’s cultural and historical landscape. Today, we want to celebrate not just the grand stories, but also the everyday memories that continue to shape Plas Newydd’s legacy.

Do you have a hidden piece of history waiting to be rediscovered? Whether it’s a photograph tucked away in a family album, or a souvenir forgotten in an attic, your contributions could become part of an exciting project to showcase the unseen artefacts and personal memories that make up Plas Newydd’s rich history.

If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, we would love to hear from you. No item or memory is too small.

Jillian Howe, National Landscape Community Engagement Officer.

"Plas Newydd holds so many untold stories, and we’re excited to work with the community to uncover them. Every photo, postcard, and memory helps bring the history of this special place to life."

Councillor Alan James, Local Development and Planning said:

“This is an exciting project that our residents can be a part of to bring to life the rich history of Plas Newydd. We’re very lucky to have such an historic site on our doorstep here in Denbighshire, and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of visiting Plas Newydd”.

If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, we would love to hear from you. No item or memory is too small.

To submit a photo and its story email plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Mark transforms his career with support from Working Denbighshire

Mark, a senior support worker who worked with autistic children for several years asked Working Denbighshire for help in changing his career path.

After more than 12 years working as a senior support worker for autistic children, Mark knew it was time for a change. The job had been physically and mentally demanding, and at 51, he didn’t just want a new job, he wanted a career that truly suited him. That’s when he turned to Working Denbighshire for support.

Mark had a tough decision ahead. With qualifications mainly in childcare, transitioning to a completely new field felt daunting. But thanks to the guidance and encouragement of Eirlys, his Employment Mentor at Working Denbighshire, he was able to explore his options and identify a new path.

Together, they narrowed it down to two potential careers: mountain leadership or wind turbine technology, both outdoor-based roles that aligned with his passion for working outside. After careful consideration, Mark set his sights on becoming a wind turbine technician, a career with strong prospects and exciting opportunities.

With support from Working Denbighshire and partner organisations, Mark secured a bursary and funding that enabled him to complete nine weeks of intensive training in Newcastle. This opportunity helped him gain the essential qualifications to break into the industry, with the team’s financial support ensuring no barriers stood in his way.

Mark, a participant at Working Denbighshire said:

“There were moments of doubt where I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but having the support of Working Denbighshire made a massive difference. Eirlys was always there, reminding me, I could do it.’

“Now I’ve got the qualifications I need, and I’ve landed a job in Scotland as a blade technician—it’s an amazing feeling. This whole journey wouldn’t have been possible without Working Denbighshire.”

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

“Mark’s story is a fantastic example of how Working Denbighshire helps people take control of their futures.’

“Whether it’s retraining, gaining new qualifications, or finding the right career path, the team is dedicated to supporting residents every step of the way. We are committed to helping more people like Mark find fulfilling careers that suit their skills and ambitions.”

Now fully qualified and employed as a blade technician in the wind energy sector, Mark is excited about what the future holds. His journey is proof that with the right support, changing careers even later in life is achievable.

If you’re thinking about making a change, Working Denbighshire is here to help you take that next step.

For more information on how Working Denbighshire can support your career journey, visit our website.

Mark also talks a little about his experience in this short film.

Queen’s Market management contract awarded

Denbighshire County Council have awarded the contract to manage the Queen’s Market in Rhyl to Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd.

Working in partnership with the Council, Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd will play an integral role in managing the day-to-day operational management of the Market venue, which is set to open this summer. This work will include working in tandem with the vendors, the staging and promotion of events in the large events space, and looking after the day-today operations of the Market.

The Queen’s Market buildings have been an iconic landmark in the centre of Rhyl since 1902 and have provided a variety of uses for the town throughout the years. The new development includes 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar, and a large events space which is capable of holding events, markets or extra seating.

Earlier this year, the internal fit out work began inside the venue, which has seen essential electrical work, fitting of seating areas and furniture and lighting, as well as other essential works being carried out.

The Council will now work with Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd on the collaborative efforts that will lead to the opening of the facility in the summer. An opening date will be announced soon.

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

“This new project will be transformational for the town, and will act as a catalyst for regeneration by creating jobs and increasing footfall in Rhyl. The Queen’s Market will bring a modern, high-quality food and retail offering, right to the heart of Rhyl, with brilliant access to the prom and the beach.

We have been working closely with Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd on this project already, who have been on board in an advisory role, helping with the fitout of the building, and working with the vendors who will be working from the iconic location. They therefore are familiar with the venue and the community who will be using it.

It was important to us that we redeveloped this iconic location, which was unsafe in its previous state. A lot of hard work has been done to keep the spirit of the previous building, such as the original entrance which opens onto Sussex Street.

The hope is that this Market will become a community hub, offering a variety of food and retail spaces, as well as large events space which will be equipped to host a variety of events. This facility is a great offer, not just for Rhyl, but also for Denbighshire and North Wales. We are extremely excited for this venue to open this summer.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd said:

“We are very excited to be working alongside Denbighshire County Council on this project.

We have been working hard, along with the Council, to create a custom-built facility which will provide a new and exciting venue for the town of Rhyl. We have put together a good mix of retailers, with a strong emphasis on quality and service, which will compliment and work well with the programme of entertainment we are working to showcase at the Events Hall, as well as the outside areas.

It is important to us that we fit in with the town and become an asset and a go to destination for everyone. We can’t wait for the Market to open in the summer, we are really excited to get started.”

Relive Ruthin Gaol’s Wartime Past in its New Munitions Cell Exhibition

This season visitors to Ruthin Gaol can learn more about a fascinating chapter of the attraction’s history, thanks to the newly updated Munitions Cell.

The cell within the iconic Pentonville-style former prison, is dedicated to telling the historic building’s wartime stories.

During World War II, Ruthin Gaol (having ceased operations as a prison in 1916) was repurposed as a munitions factory, becoming what the press of the time would describe as “Britain’s Strangest War Factory.” 

The Ministry of Defence leased the site to the Liverpool-based Lang Pen Company in 1942, which moved its heavy machinery away from the regular air raids experienced by the city, to manufacture its bullet casings and weapons parts in the relatively safer market town of North Wales.

With the machinery came female machinists from Liverpool who trained and worked alongside local women from Ruthin. Together, they played a vital role in the war effort and became known collectively as the Munitionettes.

The updated Munitions Cell exhibit brings their wartime stories to life with historical artifacts, photographs depicting the Gaol during its time as a manufacturing hub, and compelling personal accounts.

Among the items on display are original ration books, wartime gas masks, a wages card from the Lang Pen Company, and a leather wallet presented to returning servicemen from Ruthin.

Visitors can also view diagrams of munitions production, and memorabilia of the factory’s women’s football team which played exhibition matches against the Land Girls to raise funds for the Royal Air Force.  

Philippa Jones, Heritage Site Operations and Development Manager for Ruthin Gaol, said:

“The updated Munitions cell offers a fresh retelling of the wartime role played by Ruthin Gaol and the people who worked here, ensuring that their stories, an important part of local history, continue to be shared with future generations.”

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

“The gaol is a site that is of significant historic value and the opening of the new Munition cell offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the gaol in a different historic period.

“There are plenty of exciting activities and events that will be held at the Goal and our other heritage sites across the County in the next few months, and I would encourage everyone to take advantage of what’s on offer”.

The Munitions Cell features as part of the regular visitor experience at Ruthin Gaol, open Monday – Sunday (Closed Tuesdays), 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm) until September 30th. Plan your visit at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage and discover this unique piece of history.

Shakespearean favoured tree writes new story at nursery

A tree written into Shakespeare’s musing on love is enjoying a new chapter in Denbighshire.

Nearly 2,500 crab apple trees are telling a new story thanks to the work of the Council’s local provenance tree nursery at Green Gates Nature Reserve St Asaph.

Crab apples have long had a link with love and marriage throughout history. The apple pips were thrown into fires while saying the name of your true love, if they exploded that love was true. Celts burned the tree wood during festivals and fertility rites.

And William Shakespeare continued the crab apple’s theme of love by mentioning the tree in both A Midsummers Night Dream and Love Labours Lost.

Back to the present, this work by our Biodiversity Team at the nursery will provide a big boost for county biodiversity once the trees are given new homes in the ground.

Growing up to 10metres and lasting around 100 years the crab apple leaves provide a source of food for moths including pal tussock, gen pug and the eyed hawk moth.

“Its flowers are also a great early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, “explained Tree Nursery Assistant Sam Brown.

He added: “All these seeds we have grown here were sourced across the county and they have taken really well at the nursery. Is just a massive source of food love for our nature, birds love the fruits and mice, voles and badgers are also known to enjoy feasting on the apples.

“Once they get to a stage when we can plant them outdoors, they will make such a difference to local biodiversity and will bring a lot of love to out countryside with their lovely flowering stages and great supply for food for all creatures great and small!”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Growing trees takes time and it’s a credit to our Biodiversity team and the tree nursery volunteers that there are so many species of trees growing on site that are going out to tackle the impact of climate change for both residents and our local nature.”

This work has been funded by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project and Local Places for Nature grant.

Famous bird colony ready for arrivals

A colony protecting an under-threat bird is ready and waiting to accept this year’s arrivals from Africa.

Work has been completed for the setting up of the Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony by Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group and other volunteers.

The site which has welcomed the birds all the way from the west coast of Africa for over two decade, is ready to both care for the animals and also help educate interested visitors to the area.

A 3.5km perimeter fence and three kilometres electric fence has been put up along the beach area to protect the birds from ground predation. Both will be removed at the end of the season to ensure a no trace policy on the area which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The visitors centre and bird hide enabling people to watch the colony from a safe distance are also now up in place for the season.

Last year saw 166 breeding pairs recorded and a total of 158 fledglings at the colony, a slight increase on the number of young seen during the 2023 season.

And in 2024, the site saw two avocet chicks successfully bred at Gronant for the very first time.

North Denbighshire Coastal Ranger Claudia Smith explained: “We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season. None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us.

She added: “Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year’s colony.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “For over two decades Countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns. Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes.”

If you are interested in volunteering to support the colony and other coastal projects, contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk

Habitat help for rare coastal reptile

A rare reptile living amongst Denbighshire’s coastline has been given a helping hand this month.

Denbighshire Countryside Services joined together with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation to provide vital habitat support for sand lizards at Barkby Dunes on Monday May 12.

Sand lizards are a protected species and a priority for conservation across the UK. Threats they face are the loss and degradation of habitats due to developments along the coastlines.

Work took place on the day to create sand patches for the resident lizards on the dunes to boost their habitat support.

These patches will help provide the animals with areas for basking, hunting, digging burrows and laying eggs. The created sites will help recreate the natural mosaic of vegetation and sand that the reptiles prefer.

Volunteers also helped with the sand patches development on the day to learn more about the animal and help safeguard its future on Barkby Dunes.

North Denbighshire Countryside Coastal Ranger Claudia Smith said: “This was an important day to really help a rare wildlife member living on our county coastline. It was also quite a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts who wanted to volunteer help for managing the sand lizard’s habitat on the dunes.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “Protecting under threat wildlife across Denbighshire is extremely important to us and I am grateful to those who helped make a difference to nature in our county through this unique opportunity to help the sand lizard population along Barkby Dunes.”

Youngsters encouraged to capture meadow moments

Young photographers are being encouraged to capture life around Denbighshire’s many wildflower meadows.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a Schools Wildflower Meadow Photography Competition as wildflowers across the region begin to bloom.

In 2019, Denbighshire County Council declared a climate and nature emergency with the aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of our first actions was to start managing some of our grassland for wildflower meadow creation across the county. The aim of the project is to restore and increase the amount of habitat available throughout the county for pollinators and wildlife.

This project also brings many benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ to residents in the county, such as reduced flooding, improved air quality, and air cooling.

Budding young nature and photography enthusiasts are encouraged to take a photograph of one of our wildflower meadows, a school meadow or community nature reserve site.

Photos can be of the whole site or of a tiny part such as an insect, flower or grass species, it’s up to the photographer to pick their favoured subject to make the best photograph. Each entrant needs to write something about their photo or find a quote that compliments the photo.

The winning entries will be printed up to A2 size and put on the walls outside the council chamber in County Hall, Ruthin. All the winners will be invited to attend a council meeting to receive their prizes and see their pictures on the wall.

Winners will receive a selection of environmental books for their school and a smaller version of the image will be available for the winner to put up at home or school.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Pupils across Denbighshire have a really good understanding of how climate change is impacting their lives. They have great ideas and carry out a lot of good work themselves, many have supported us in creating wildflower meadows across Denbighshire.

“We want to open the floor to them through this competition to really see what our meadows mean to them through the lens they will see them through. I look forward to seeing the entries from our fantastic youngsters across the county.”

For more information on how to enter the competition please visit this link 

Ysgol Brynhyfryd pupil earns 4-year scholarship to US College

Volunteers help improve biodiversity at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve

The Dee Valley Rangers and Nature for Health team alongside volunteers have been helping biodiversity bloom by planting wildflower plugs at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

The site in Llangollen has recently undergone some great improvements which has seen the introduction of new path that links directly to the canal tow path.

Nature for Health is a collaborative project funded by the UK Government, that engages with individuals and communities to promote the role access to nature can play in improving health and wellbeing.

The programme welcomes people of all abilities to get involved with conservation and healthy outdoor lifestyle activities on your doorstep.

What was once a site for tipping household, commercial and industrial waste for Llangollen residents, the area is now a flourishing nature reserve for the public to enjoy.

The wildflower meadows provide food for pollinators and yellow meadow ants which make the anthills that you will see, and the thick bramble offers a safe area for birds and mammals, as well as many delicious blackberries.

The beech and pine woodland were also planted on an older section of landfill which provides excellent roosting opportunities for bats and homes for solitary bees.

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

“The transformation of a former waste site to what is now a thriving nature reserve is a true testament to the hard work undertaken by our rangers and volunteers. I’d like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved for their hard work in revitalising this site and playing their part in enhancing biodiversity in the County”.

If you’d like to join a volunteer session, they are open to people of all abilities over the age of 18. For more information contact Christina Sheehan christina.sheehan@denbighshire.gov.uk or Hannah Taylor hannah.taylor@denbighshire.gov.uk

Rhyl pupils shape woodland future on new reserve

Rhyl pupils have helped create a new woodland to support and protect county nature.

Christ the Word pupils recently travelled to the new Green Gates Nature Reserve at St Asaph to help out with tree planting at the site.

The tree planting is part of continuing work at the site to create a a 70-acre nature reserve supporting local biodiversity.

All of the trees planted come from the local provenance tree nursery on the Green Gates site and include species such as Oak, Alder, Willow, Silver Birch, along with some of the rarer Wild Service and Spindle

Fresh from working with Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team to create their own woodland and wildflower areas at their school grounds, the Christ for Word pupils helped plant over 100 trees at the Green Gates site.

Ellie Wainwright, Biodiversity Officer, explained: “We really enjoyed having the Christ for Word pupils helping us at Green Gates as they have already been so enthusiastic in planting trees and wildflowers at their own school to support their own local nature.

“They have helped us add to a growing woodland site here on the reserve that will really support county biodiversity going forward.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said, “We are really grateful to Christ the Word for helping us plan the roots of what will be a fantastic asset for local nature in our county and support the reduction of carbon emissions as well.”

Other work will see existing ponds restored, the creation of new ponds, the development of a wetland area adjacent to two small watercourses and creation of woodland, scrub and grassland habitat areas.

A new brownfield site will be developed and will help to support a variety of rare and important wildlife – such as insects and wildflowers, and a new wildlife barn will be constructed to support roosting bats and nesting birds. The site has also been identified by Natural Resources Wales as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest for great crested newts.

An accessible permissive pathway will be created to allow local residents to visit the site and a raised viewing area will also be developed.

This work is funded by UK Government grant funding. Additional funding has also been provided from Denbighshire’s Climate and Nature Recovery Programme. Work at the tree nursery I supported by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

Internal work progressing well at Queen’s Market

The internal work at the Queen’s Market building in Rhyl is progressing well, with a number of key features now installed at the historic site.

The new development, which features 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar, and a large flexible events space which is capable of holding a variety of events, saw the first phase of the internal work begin in February.

The installation of the bench seating on the lower floor and booth style seating on the mezzanine floor is complete. More seating is scheduled to be installed during this phase of the fit out. Integral plumbing and electrical work within the hot food units is now also completed.

In addition to this, the installation of the bar, stage, lighting and PA, feature wall and internal signage is currently ongoing, as well as other necessary works.

Sitting in the heart of Rhyl, the Queen’s Market facility has been an iconic landmark within the town for over a century, with this latest development breathing new life into the space. The facility is set to open this summer.

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

“The Queen's Market buildings have played a significant role in Rhyl’s history for more than 120 years.

This new development is an exciting new chapter in the site’s rich history, with this modern, multipurpose venue offering high-quality food and retail spaces for the people of Rhyl, and I am pleased to see that the internal developments are progressing well.

This project is an integral part of the wider regeneration work in Rhyl, which has seen significant investment in the town over the past few years. It’s also encouraging to see this work starting to pay off, as we’ve seen a number of new businesses open in the town this year.

With the Sea Defence works set to finish this year, as well as funding that has been recently awarded by UK Government, this is an exciting time for Rhyl and Denbighshire as a whole.”

Discover Wartime Ruthin at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre

Popular heritage attractions Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens offer a compelling insight into local life in wartime Ruthin, with extra activities planned to commemorate the VE Day celebrations of 1946.

Prominent features of Ruthin’s local history, each venue tells its individual wartime story through informative audio guides and interactive exhibitions designed to allow visitors of all ages to discover life during the period.

At Ruthin Gaol, this includes a fresh retelling of the historic prison’s time as a munitions factory, dubbed by press at the time as ‘Britain’s Strangest Factory’, with first-hand accounts of life as a ‘Munitionette’, from the women who worked there.

As for Nantclwyd y Dre, the impressive entrance hallway has been dedicated to the wartime era, depicting family life of the era through replica artefacts, an immersive soundscape, and the opportunity for younger visitors to learn about rations as they complete a time-traveller’s passport.

Alongside the permanent exhibitions and trails, visitors on Saturday 10^th May will be invited to take part in a host of traditional sports day activities, inspired by the programme of special celebratory events that took place in Ruthin throughout 1946.

From an egg and spoon race, and beanbag relay in the exercise yard at the Gaol, to a sack race and three-legged relay in the gardens at Nantclwyd y Dre, visitors will be able to experience the significant day as local residents did nearly 80 years before.

Carly Davies, Denbighshire Heritage Service Lead Officer, said:

“The way we tell the wartime story of each of our historic sites, and the extra VE Day activities on the 10^th are designed to bring history to life in a hands-on and engaging way.

“The wartime period is such a significant chapter in the stories of both Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre, and we hope that through these activities and exhibitions, visitors leave with a deeper understanding of what life was like on the home front here in Ruthin.”

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

“The Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre are establishments that boast significant historic value and its important that we remember and celebrate the history that is on our doorstep. These activities that will be held to commemorate the VE Day celebrations offer an alternative way to remember a significant day in our history”.

For further information please contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service team via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk or visit our heritage page for opening times and admission details.

Help for nature to flourish at Rhyl church

Rhyl’s community has leant a helping hand to nature on the grounds of a town church.

Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Team and Tree team recently joined Ysgol Llywelyn pupils, Rhyl’s deputy mayor, community police officers and representatives from St Thomas’ Church to create new areas for nature around the grounds of the building.

Work took place at the church to plant three trees on the site with the green fingered help of 20 students from Ysgol Llywelwyn.

The three new trees were all Sorbus and were planted to replace Conservation Area trees which had failed, as per Conservation Area legislation.

The Council’s Biodiversity Team also brought 200 wildflower plug plants to the church and with the help of the reverend and church volunteers, created a small wildflower bank to help support surrounding nature.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “This is a lovely community effort to support St Thomas’ Church and their work to help local nature thrive and survive in the town.

“Pockets of habitats in towns such as the fantastic wildflower bank created at the church are so important for providing support for the wildlife we have around our communities and all credit to the youngsters and everyone who helped plant these and the trees as well.”

Business park staff boost new reserve’s woodland

St Asaph Business Park staff have helped lay the foundation for a bustling new nature reserve right on their doorstep.

Qioptic staff recently travelled down the road to take a look at the Green Gates Nature Reserve Development and lend a helping hand to creating new woodland areas on the site.

This is part of the ongoing works to create a 70- acre nature reserve at Green Gates, St Asaph, to support and enhance local biodiversity.

The trees have been grown from locally sourced seeds in the county at the Council’s local provenance tree nursery located at Green Gates.

Species going on to the new nature reserve include Oak, Alder, Willow, Silver Birch, along with some of the rarer Wild Service and Spindle.

Ten volunteers from Qioptic, joined others from Working Denbighshire and the tree nursery’s own volunteer community to plant over 500 trees.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said, “We are really pleased that local staff members from Qioptic have helped plant the roots of what will be a fantastic asset for local nature right on their own working doorstep. Its fantastic to get such great local support for this site which will do so much for protecting our nature going forward.”

The Green Gates Nature Reserve development is part of the Council’s response to protect and restore local nature habitats to contribute to the nature recovery goal.

Other work ongoing at the site will see existing ponds restored, the creation of new ponds, the development of a wetland area adjacent to two small watercourses and creation of woodland, scrub and grassland habitat areas.

A new brownfield site will be created to help support a range of rare and important wildlife – such as insects and wildflowers, and a new wildlife barn s under construction to support roosting bats and nesting birds. The site has also been identified by Natural Resources Wales as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest for great crested newts.

An accessible permissive pathway will be created to allow local residents to visit the site and a raised viewing area will also be developed.

This work is funded by UK Government grant funding. Additional funding has also been provided from Denbighshire’s Climate and Nature Recovery Programme. Work at the tree nursery I supported by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

Wellbeing Walks launched across Denbighshire

The Council’s Nature for Health Team have launched a series of weekly Wellbeing Walks, designed to promote health, wellbeing, and community connection.

These walks will take place across various locations in Denbighshire, offering residents a chance to enjoy nature, improve their wellbeing, and meet like-minded individuals. 

Nature for Health is a collaborative project funded by the UK Government, that engages with individuals and communities to promote the role access to nature can play in improving health and wellbeing.

The programme welcomes people of all abilities to get involved with conservation and healthy outdoor lifestyle activities on your doorstep.

Starting Tuesday, 6 May, these free inclusive walks will occur weekly on different days in various locations across the County. Each walk will last approximately 30 minutes and will cover level ground at a relaxed pace, making them accessible to all abilities.

Whether you're looking to socialise, gain confidence, or boost your wellbeing, these walks provide a fantastic opportunity to do so. 

Details for the Wellbeing Walks are as follows:

When: Weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, beginning 6 May 2025 

Where: Rhyl, Loggerheads, Ruthin, Corwen & Llangollen

Duration: 30 minutes 

Charlotte Wheeler, Community Wellbeing Officer for Nature for Health said:

"We’re thrilled to launch these weekly Wellbeing Walks, giving people across Denbighshire the chance to connect with nature, improve their wellbeing, and meet new friends.

“Spending time outdoors has been proven to boost both mental and physical health, and these walks provide a simple yet meaningful way to deepen our connection with the natural world while embracing the benefits of fresh air, movement, and community."

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

"The Nature for Health Programme is committed to promoting health and wellbeing by encouraging engagement with nature. Introducing weekly Wellbeing Walks is another fantastic way the team is helping Denbighshire residents lead healthier, happier lives—fostering a deeper connection with the natural world while encouraging outdoor activity and social interaction."

For more information, please contact natureforhealth@denbighshire.gov.uk or join the team for one of the walks. Registration is required from the first walk and for regular participants. 

Working Denbighshire is officially a TRAILBLAZER for Wales!

Working Denbighshire are one of only three projects across Wales to receive Trailblazer funding from the Welsh Government, helping people boost their health, skills, and confidence to secure paid work.

This funding unlocks even more opportunities to support individuals across our region to get back to health and back to work.

To learn more about what this means for Denbighshire residents, read the full story here.

Councillor Delyth Jones appointed to Cabinet

Councillor Delyth Jones has been appointed as the Lead Member for Finance on Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet.

Having worked within a variety of diverse areas including Housing Management and the Education sector, including the position of Headship and a role in the Schools Inspectorate of Wales (ESTYN), Cllr Jones has the experience over many years of managing the delicate balance of prioritising key aspects of provision to the highest quality possible within an ever more challenging financial climate.

Cllr Jones was elected to the County Council in 2022 representing the Denbigh, Caledfryn Henllan ward and is the Group Leader of the Plaid Cymru group.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council said, “I would like to welcome Cllr Delyth Jones to her new role on Cabinet. I’ve worked closely with Delyth over recent years and she is an accomplished and astute politician. She possesses excellent skills as a councillor and has a wealth of professional experience to bring to the role.”

Cllr Jones said, “I am under no illusion that this will be an easy task as I am painfully aware of the continuing financially challenging climate within which we are all living. However, I believe that my experiences to date in my previous roles will provide me with the necessary skills to be able to listen attentively, to communicate clearly and to plan and prioritise work streams effectively and creatively across the whole of the council in order to maximise the quality and efficiency of our services to the benefit of our residents whilst also living within our means.

“I would also like to thank my predecessor, Cllr Gwyneth Ellis for her strong leadership and sterling work under challenging circumstances.   I now look forward to carrying the mantle forward by working alongside my fellow Cabinet members and Denbighshire County council officers in this shared endeavour.”

Rhyl pupils create meadow support for nature

Rhyl school pupils have helped create a new haven for nature on their school grounds.

Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team recently linked up with Christ the Word pupils to develop a new wildflower meadow at the school site.

The work follows recent development of hedgerow and woodland areas at the school with the support of pupils. 260 metres of hedgerow and 14 standard trees were planted to help increase biodiversity and the tree canopy at the school to support nature’s recovery and provide an educational wellbeing outdoor area for youngsters.

To create the new wildflower meadow pupils helped the Biodiversity team plant 200 wildflower plug plants grown by the Woodland Skills centre in Bodfari. Working with Year 10 pupils who had previously helped to plant the trees on the site, the Biodiversity team created a 200 square metre meadow at the back of the school

Ellie Wainwright, Biodiversity Officer, explained: “It was great to work alongside the Christ the Word pupils again, who have been so brilliant in helping us create valuable habitat on their school grounds to support their local biodiversity. Thanks to their help we managed to plant a variety of native local provenance wildflowers in their new meadow, including Red campion, Meadow buttercup, Knapweed, Cat’s-ear, Foxglove, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, and Autumn Hawkbit.”

The school’s new wildflower meadow will help increase support for nature’s pollinators as well as providing other benefits such as improved air quality, helping to reduce urban flooding, providing urban heat cooling, physical and mental wellbeing and areas of mixed interest for education and play.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We have lost nearly 97 percent of wildflower meadows across the UK since the 1930s so this fantastic help from the Christ the Word pupils is more than crucial for supporting local nature that has been impacted by this huge loss. As we see more wildflowers return to our urban areas they will help increase diversity and colour for everyone to enjoy and give stronger support for the pollinators at risk who play a vital role in putting food on our own tables.”

Work starts on new Hydrotherapy Pool project

The new facility will be equipped with a 19ft specialised Hydrotherapy Pool situated within the school grounds in a standalone building, which is also currently in construction. The new pool will be used by the pupils for hydrotherapy sessions.

The Council has worked closely with the school to develop the project to this stage, with the first phase now underway. This project was designed by the Council’s in-house architecture team.

The completion of these works will be a landmark first for a Denbighshire school and will provide the school and its pupils with access to an invaluable resource.

Mold-based Bryn Build Ltd is the main contractor appointed to carry out the works, which are due to be completed by Autumn 2025.

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

“The start of these works signifies a big step in the kind of developments within schools that we are undertaking here in Denbighshire, with this exciting new project being the first of its kind in the County.

This new facility will provide pupils with a modern, high-quality offering, which will be specifically designed and tailored to their needs. I am pleased to see the construction phase has now begun, which has seen a lot of background work being undertaken to get to this stage.”

Susan Roberts, Headteacher at Ysgol Tir Morfa said:

“We are really excited to see the long-awaited build of our Hydrotherapy Pool. Having access to this wonderful hydrotherapy facility will offer our pupils a range of excellent additional benefits, supporting their physical and well-being development.

We really appreciate the support from families and the local community with all the numerous fundraising events that have enabled us to further develop provision at our wonderful school.”

The project is being funded by the school through their fundraising activities, in addition to Welsh Government Additional Learning Needs grant funding.

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Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future, sign up today by visiting our website. 

Naturalist wonders help Surf and Protect nature

Across the county work is ongoing to roll back the tides of man-made and climate change impact on our nature and environment. And a South African born surfing enthusiast and passionate friend of the natural world is leading the charge to give Denbighshire wildlife hope again.

County Voice sits down with Senior Biodiversity Officer Liam Blazey to find out what fuels the passion to dig deep to support the nature we have across our county.

Born and raised on the South African east coast, Liam admits his early experiences with the natural world was influenced by his father who was a passionate naturalist himself.

He explained: “That really imprinted on me, when I was young with him and all the hiking and camping that we used to do outdoors. Then in my early teens I picked up surfing and spent lots of time out in the water surfing, I was very fortunate be in an area that’s one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, surrounded by amazing wildlife.” 

A unique encounter with a smaller animal helped really cement in Liam’s eyes how diverse and wonderful the natural world can be.

“I learnt to appreciate animals in a different way after an encounter with some Hermit crabs. We lived on an estuary adjoining the ocean and sometimes we saw the crabs battling each other for each other’s shells.

“After a while you noticed that the bigger ones didn’t always win, the smaller ones were more aggressive. Once they had their opponents shell they would climb into it to check if it fit. If it didn’t, they would fill it with sand to make it smaller on the inside. If it ended up being too small, they would empty some sand out. This was all done by rotating the shell either clockwise or anticlockwise. They were incredibly precise in their actions, it was fascinating!

He added: “Watching them made me realise there is a much deeper level to what we see. It made me realise from a young age that every single thing that lives on this planet has an interesting little life and the more you look at it, the more fascinating they get. Every single species.

The wonders of the natural world stayed with Liam from his early teens, through jobs including working as a Silversmith and selling electronics until he gravitated to training in Biodiversity during his early 30s, never looking back since.

Following this the UK tides then called for the surfing enthusiast who also honed skills for shaping boards.

Liam explained: “I used to re-shape old broken surfboards back home and was planning on going to Japan to try set myself up making surfboards, but I couldn't speak Japanese, so I thought my English isn't too bad... I ended up in Dorset and I was just taken with the people of the country, that's where I met my wife.

Graduating as a Doctor, Liam’s wife had her first placement up in North Wales and the couple embraced the natural world of Eryri ( Snowdonia) before Liam moved into supporting nature across Denbighshire.

On his move to his current post, Liam said: “This has been the best job I've ever had. It's been something I've wanted to do my whole life and being able to enhance nature in an area where my children are going to grow up, I’m thankful to be given the opportunity to do it.”

Protecting our nature from the impacts of global climate change has become more important in the modern world with many people stepping up to try and make a difference as Liam has.

Looking back on his career so far, Liam said: “Just do it, it doesn't matter if you are in your  30s 40s, or even your 50s, you can change your career path. I can't recommend it enough, you know, it's been the best thing that I've ever done. The job satisfaction is really high.

He added: “I might smell like mushrooms and come home with weird insects crawling on me but its worth it. I have two children I take out with me and to see the joy in the eyes when I can take them to a meadow that we've created from scratch, you know? It's really special, so I would say go for it!”

Councillor Julie Matthews welcomes the new look County Voice

As we launch the new look e-newsletter for residents, County Voice had a chat with Cllr Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader of the Council and and Lead member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets

What are your responsibilities as Cabinet Lead Member?

My role is all about the overall performance and running of the Council. I suppose that a lot of the corporate side is what people don’t see, for example HR, health and safety, legal and democratic services, procurement, ICT, communications and asset management. But without all of these services, in reality, the Council itself wouldn’t be able to operate.

As well as these internal council services, I’m also responsible for the wellbeing and future generations act, equality and diversity, training and development for Council members and I’m the Armed Services Champion.

One of the things I’m most passionate about is equality and diversity as this is my professional background. I used to work for a gender equality charity before I became a Councillor, so this is particularly important to me. The charity was all about development opportunities for women to ensure they could get into leadership roles and giving them confidence in themselves to achieve.

Prior to that, I worked at the benefits agency in Rhyl and became a Union representative. As part of that role, I used to train staff which subsequently led me into the field of adult education. I ended up being a programme manager in a college in Solihull looking after management, professional and trade union studies.

What made you become a Councillor?

Like lots of people, during Covid we experienced quite a difficult time. I became a carer for my mum after we lost my younger brother who had been living with her. As a result, we needed a lot of extra support, but this was at a time when it proved challenging to secure.

Having had first-hand experience of council services made me think about how important it is that public services are not only high quality but also accessible and serve the needs of the community.

Looking back, it was a very frustrating time and from our experience, it could have been better. At least my mum had us, but it made me think about what happens to people who don’t have that level of support.

And that’s why I decided to become a Councillor. I could have just sat back, but it was important to do something to try to make a difference and give everyone a chance to live the best life they can.

It’s a difficult role, and you can become quite defensive when you see negative things in the press because you come into this role to make a difference and to try help as many people as possible.

I do think it would be a great experience for anyone. As a councillor, clearly, we’re responsible for holding people to account, but what we also see is the work that staff do and how much they care about what they do – it is an eye opener.

What do you love about Denbighshire?

Sometimes you don’t realise how much you like a place until you move. And that’s what happened to me when I went to Solihull. Luckily, with a teaching job, I could come back to stay frequently with my mum and I kept in touch with all my friends.

I think the people in Denbighshire are great and as a location, it’s so much calmer and quieter than the city. We’re so fortunate – we have fabulous beaches but we can also be in the middle of the countryside within half an hour. We’ve got this amazing scenery on our doorstep – which is something we can sometimes take for granted.

When I was made redundant in Solihull, I know I could have found another job there, but I didn’t even think about staying – I wanted to come home.

What’s coming up in the Council that you’re looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to the opening of Queen’s Market in Rhyl – it’s been a long time coming, but I’m certain it’s going to be worth the wait. We had a tour recently and it’s looking great. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for further investment in Rhyl – which has always been a driver for the regeneration work the Council has been doing.

Elsewhere in the County we’ve seen the completion of a lot of successful projects. It was great to attend an event last year in Corwen to celebrate the completion of a range of regeneration projects. Also in Corwen, the Nature for Health Clawdd Poncen pump track was opened and has proved immensly popular with young people in the area while other improvements include a community growing space, a path around the field, new benches and goalposts which make it easier for residents to enjoy the space.

Meanwhile in Llangollen, the Four Great Highways project was completed last year with a range of works to improve the resident and visitor experience and encourage people to spend more time there.

In Ruthin the first all-inclusive accessibility playground of its kind in North Wales was opened in Cae Ddol with environmentally friendly equipment designed with children of all abilities in mind. Additionally, the project also included the installation of an additional junior play area next to the skate park. Also in Ruthin the Clock Tower restoration was completed in December.

While the Council can do a lot, it can’t do everything and inward investment is what’s needed - we need to get businesses throughout the county behind initiatives like Transforming Towns – there’s money there to help them to develop and improve our town centres.

 Tell us about the new-look County Voice

The very first edition of County Voice was distributed as a hard copy over 20 years ago in the summer of 2002 and it’s been our resident newsletter ever since. The digital version was launched in 2015 so it seems fitting that 10 years later, we’re having a refresh.

The aim of the new e-newsletter is to provide up to date daily news from the Council. You can subscribe to receive a monthly newsletter but you can also dip in and out on a daily basis to find out the latest news. As well as information about what’s going on, we’ll have feature articles shining a spotlight on different areas of work as well as video clips and interviews with staff and Members.

I’m really looking forward to hearing people’s feedback and we hope that you’ll find it informative. Remember - if you want the latest and most reliable information about what’s going on in the Council you can subscribe via the website.

Explore a Rhuddlan gem

Warmer days are giving bloom to nature all across the county and there are plenty of great places to visit with the family to experience this first hand.

Nestled in Rhuddlan is an area, full of life and nature to experience for all ages with fantastic views of Rhuddlan Castle as an extra.

County Voice takes you around Rhuddlan Nature Reserve, a bustling land full of wildlife and wonder thanks to a great community partnership.

Countryside staff have worked closely since 2011 with the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group to protect and develop the land situated next to the Rhuddlan to St Asaph main road.

On entering the small car parking area opposite the entrance road to Aldi at the traffic lights, you can swiftly access the nature reserve on foot. A main path which is shared with cyclists takes you through the heart of the nature reserve but there are smaller side paths to enjoy.

The first branch you can find on your right down some steps takes you through a tree lined area through to the waters of the reserve, where if you are lucky you can watch swans, ducks or even herons enjoying the area from a wooden platform overlooking the water.

Meandering back down the main path you can discover the initiatives the partnership has brought to life over the years for the Rhuddlan community and visitors.

Small paths give you the opportunity to experience walking through two wildflower meadows, full of vibrant colour and varied flowers, all helping support the reserve’s local wildlife.

Altogether at the site there are three wildlife ponds teaming full of life and over 300 metres of hedgerow providing an important habitat for many animals.

Walking through you might also notice over 6,000 trees swaying in the breeze as you move, all planted by the partnership, alongside a heritage species orchard.

Pick a sunny day to visit and you have two picnic areas at the nature reserve to unwind in and to catch a glimpse of the wildlife enjoying the area as well.

Choose the right time of the summer to go and there is also a perfect area to enjoy for those fascinated by insect life. The reserve has its own dipping pond where you can catch a glimpse of the busy life of dragon flies.

A unique feature of the nature reserve is the Sensory Garden which involved the local Dementia Group and the nature reserve group working with Countryside staff. Together they created a Dementia friendly space with sensory, trees, wildflowers and historic landscape features such as dry-stone walls and laid hedges, complete with traditional welsh oak timber seating to sit on and experience the area.

The nature reserve has won a number of Wales in Bloom awards and is fully accessible for all.

Adoption of the specially designed reserve by local wildlife has exceeded all expectations and which includes iconic species such as otters and water voles and which happen to be some of the more rapidly declining mammals in the UK.

Take your EV around Denbighshire’s attractions

Spring and summer days are upon us, providing the perfect opportunity through more daylight to explore the best that Denbighshire has to offer.

Travelling by vehicle in modern times has seen the addition of hybrid engines and electric powered motors to help get you to locations with less impact on our climate.

Since the first Council Public Electric Vehicles (EV) chargers went live in summer 2022 over 1.5million miles of travelling have been provided through more than 22,000 charging sessions.

For all local EV owners and those further afield, County Voice takes you on a whistle stop tour of where the Council’s own public charging EV stations are there to help you plan your trip around the county to see the sights.

The public network provides a great opportunity to travel around Denbighshire to sample the many attractions the county has to offer while charging your vehicle at one of the sites.

Want to check out bygone travel at Llangollen Railway? You can kick off your experience at Corwen’s Green Lane car park next to the town’s station have five operational EV chargers which you can plug into, enjoy the trip to yesteryear up and down the line and sample Corwen and Llangollen towns whilst your car is topped up.

Coming at the railway from Llangollen, chargers are available at Market Street car park and also the Pavilion car park. These handy locations also give you time around Llangollen to check out attractions such as the Llangollen Wharf, a hike up to Dinas Bran or just to enjoy the sites of the River Dee running through the town.

Jumping in your car and moving up to Ruthin , you can find EV chargers at Cae Ddol car parkm which puts you in stepping distance of learning all about the Ruthin Gaol, And a five minute walk can take you to another historic location in the form of Nant Clwyd y Dre.

But if you are interested in arts and crafts, public charging facilities are also available at Ruthin Craft Centre to allow you to browse the delights on offer at the site while putting charge into your car for your next trip.

Heading to Denbigh, the town’s Post Office Lane provides chargers, giving you the perfect chance to check out the remains of Denbigh Castle which is still standing proudly overlooking the town.

A short hop to St Asaph takes you to the Bowling Green car park at the city which is the perfect starting point to enjoy a scenic walk along the River Elwy or check out the stunning architecture of St Asaph Cathedral.

Travelling to the coast, Rhyl has the perfect place to top up and charge, West Kinmel car park has a number of chargers including rapid facilities for a quick boost. From here you can take a walk through the centre of town to the prom to enjoy Rhyl’s golden sands, or check out the harbour area and Marine Lake complete with the world’s oldest smallest railway. Charging facilities are also available at Morley Road car park.

And a final trip into Prestatyn can find you chargers (including rapids) at Fern Avenue and Kings Avenue car parks, allowing you time to enjoy Prestatyn’s town centre or if feeling brave take a walk down to the seafront to enjoy the attractions awaiting you.

The EV public network is a part the Council’s overall action to tackle climate change following the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 by reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

To check out more information on these locations visit our website.

Archives help trace local butcher's family business

Archivists at North East Wales Archives were approached to help John Jones Butchers of Ruthin research some key dates as part of an exciting rebranding project.

John Jones Butchers asked the Archivists to help them research some key dates as part of an exciting rebranding project to overhaul their shop front and create a new logo. The business wanted a fresh modern look but also wanted to include design elements that create a sense of continuity and respect for the business' traditions.

One of the design features to be included in the new logo was a date of establishment. Will Jones, who is the fifth-generation butcher in the family, asked North East Wales Archives for help in finding out how long John Jones Butchers have been part of the community in Ruthin.

Sarah Roberts, Lead Archivist at North East Wales Archives said:

“Family businesses often stretch back through generations with trades and skills passed down from parents to their children, as well as stories of the business in the communities they serve.

“We were happy to help Will Jones pierce together his family history, with the help of some family notes that they had collected over the years, including photographs of gravestones and copies of census records.”

From these records the Archivists were able to date the business to the year 1921. The original butcher, John Jones born in Ruthin in 1867, appeared on the 1921 census for the first time as a butcher. He became a butcher at some point between 1913 and 1921 and originally had a shop at his home in Mwrog Street. He later took over the existing shop on Clwyd Street.

Like many family histories there are still questions that still need answering, such as the exact year John Jones became a butcher, when did the business move from Clwyd Street and why the original John Jones changed jobs from working in the local soda works to butchery in his late 40s or early 50s? Do you know?

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

“I am so pleased that North East Wales Archives were able to help Will Jones with the information he needed. John Jones Butchers is such an important asset to Ruthin, as are all the other small local businesses in the area.

“History is such an important part of who we are today, and our Archivists do a wonderful job in protecting that history for future generations.”

Are you part of family business in Denbighshire? Would you like to find out more? Why not use the research service at North Wales Archives to start exploring your story today. They also collect business records, if you have a business archive collection and would like to discuss depositing them, then please contact our archivists for further information.

You can read more about this story on North East Wales Archives’s blog.

Did you know that single use vapes are being banned in Wales from 1 June?

Did you know that single use vapes are being banned in Wales from 1 June?

The ban includes vapes containing nicotine, non-nicotine, CBD and other health/vitamin devices, and the Council’s Trading Standards team is encouraging Denbighshire businesses to switch to reusable products before the ban comes into place.

You can find out more on our website.

Did you know that part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service?

Did you know that part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service?

Not all Council Tax collected pays for council services, 2.5% goes towards the Fire service. To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website.

Working Denbighshire has its own section on our website?

Did you know that Working Denbighshire has a section on our website? Working Denbighshire is here to help residents aged 16 and over who might be struggling or worrying about money. Whether you’re looking for work or need support to get back on your feet, we’re here to guide you towards a better future. Why not have a look on our website.

Did you know?

Did you know that schools and education accounts for 36.7% of Council Tax spending? And social care accounts for 29.8% which means that over 66% of your Council Tax goes towards protecting the most vulnerable in society.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website.

Did you know that all primary

Did you know that all primary aged children are eligible for free school meals through the Universal Primary Free School Meals scheme? This is a Welsh Government initiative which has been set up to help with the rising costs-of-living. You can find out more information on the Council's website.

Bird's-foot trefoil

During our Wildflower Week keep an eye out for ‘eggs and bacon’ in our meadows helping local butterflies – watch this clip for more!

Plas lorna Wildflower Meadow

Plas Lorna wildflower meadow is one of our most established sites, providing a vital habitat for local nature to survive and thrive – have a browse through this Rhuddlan meadow by checking out this clip during our Wildflower Week.

Cocksfoot Grass

It’s our wildflower week and Biodiversity Officer Ellie gives an insight into how grass is just as important as wildflowers for insects in the clip below – have a watch!

Cuckoo flower

Our Wildflower Week is up and running and here's our Biodiversity Officer Ellie to explain all about how important one little flower is for the orange tip butterfly, have watch of this clip.

Wildflower Week

Next week is our Wildflower Week and here’s Biodiversity Officer Ellie to give you an insight into what’s in store – have a watch. If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book.

Mark transforms his career with support from Working Denbighshire

Mark, a senior support worker who worked with autistic children for several years asked Working Denbighshire for help in changing his career path.

After more than 12 years working as a senior support worker for autistic children, Mark knew it was time for a change. The job had been physically and mentally demanding, and at 51, he didn’t just want a new job, he wanted a career that truly suited him. That’s when he turned to Working Denbighshire for support.

Mark had a tough decision ahead. With qualifications mainly in childcare, transitioning to a completely new field felt daunting. But thanks to the guidance and encouragement of Eirlys, his Employment Mentor at Working Denbighshire, he was able to explore his options and identify a new path.

Together, they narrowed it down to two potential careers: mountain leadership or wind turbine technology, both outdoor-based roles that aligned with his passion for working outside. After careful consideration, Mark set his sights on becoming a wind turbine technician, a career with strong prospects and exciting opportunities.

With support from Working Denbighshire and partner organisations, Mark secured a bursary and funding that enabled him to complete nine weeks of intensive training in Newcastle. This opportunity helped him gain the essential qualifications to break into the industry, with the team’s financial support ensuring no barriers stood in his way.

Mark also talks a little about his experience in this short film.

Meet our Biodiversity team

Our biodiversity team works hard all year round across the county to support and improve habitats for local nature. Have a watch to learn a little bit about their important role.

Working Denbighshire helps James find secure employment

James has praised the support he received from Working Denbighshire, describing the service as “a lifeline” in helping him secure stable employment and is now employed as an Administration Officer for the Council's Social Services.

Dogs on Lead Campaign

We're asking dog owners to be mindful of keeping their dogs on a lead while walking through the countryside. Watch the video below to hear from a local farmer on the work they've been undertaking to keep their livestock safe.

Sustainable Hazel fences at Brickfield Pond

Have you checked out the new Hazel wattle fencing at Brickfield Pond, Rhyl, that’s protecting fantastic viewpoints of the waters? Here’s a little background to the history of this fencing skill and how good they are for local nature.

Brickfield Pond winter work

Lots of work has been going across Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve during the autumn and winter to help it bloom stronger during spring and summer 2025 – have a look at this clip to find out more.

Planning Enforcement in Llandegla

Denbighshire County Council recently undertook work in connection to a planning enforcement notice in the County.

For more information on the Council’s planning procedures visit our website

Bat Night

Are you interested in finding out more about the bats who call Ruthin’s historic house Nantclywd y Dre home? During Wildflower Week we will be holding a Bat Night at the site full of facts!

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book.

Moth Trapping

Our meadows are also home to many moths so during our Wildflower Week, join us for a moth trapping session to take an up-close look at many species who love this habitat.

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book 

Evening Swift Walks

Join us for a number of walks during our Wildflower Week to take a look at swifts across the county and learn how our meadows can help this under-threat bird.

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book.

Exhibition at Rhyl Library - until 31 May

A new exhibition at Rhyl Library is bringing forgotten dreams back to life as part of Local History Month.

Ever imagined catching a tram from Prestatyn to the Rhyl Opera House? Or flying your hover car to a plastic underwater home just off the coast? These are just a few of the bold, bizarre, and brilliant visions for Rhyl’s future that never came to be. Now, a new exhibition at Rhyl Library is bringing these forgotten dreams back to life as part of Local History Month.

The display draws from the library’s extensive local history archives, along with other fascinating sources. It showcases a wide range of ambitious proposals for Rhyl and the surrounding area.

Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire, said:

“Libraries hold a wealth of local history resources if you are interested in finding out more about your local area.

“Whether you’re interested in browsing our collection of local history books or search through past copies of the Rhyl newspapers dating back to the 1850s, there is something for everyone.”

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

“This exhibition is a fascinating reminder of the creativity and ambition people have had for Rhyl over the years.

“While not every idea came to life, they all tell a story about the town’s evolving identity and the hopes people have held for its future.

“It’s wonderful to see our library bringing these stories to the public in such an engaging way.”

If you would like to research your family tree libraries also offer free access to the genealogical websites Find My Past and Ancestry.com

‘Rhyl – The plans that didn’t quite make it’ runs at Rhyl Library until 31 May.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to take a step back into the Rhyl that might have been.

Wildflower Week

Do you enjoy supporting local nature? Our wildflower week this May half term will give a great insight into how biodiversity is blooming in the county and how our meadows play a big part in this. Check out the list of events below.

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link to book.

For further information, please email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk