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Partnerships
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Working partnerships with organisations and voluntary groups is today an essential role of countryside managers. Working together often involves a variety of individuals within the community. It leads overall to a better understanding of any strategy that the Authority is trying to implement. Additionally, organisations or voluntary groups may also be able to benefit directly, by attracting funding or sponsorship which would be unavailable without such cooperation.
There are many examples of successful joint working in Flintshire. Some of these include a shared approach to the practical management of landscapes. Joint Advisory Committees exist for the Clwydian Range AONB, and both Halkyn and Buckley Commons. More recently in June 2000 a Joint Consultative Group has been set up to manage and help fund Flintshire's first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) at Llwyni, Connah's Quay.
In some areas the Countryside Service works alongside special interest groups whose volunteers are actively involved with the conservation and care of specific areas. An outstanding example of this is the working partership with The Deeside Urban Wildlife Group who have recently been able to appoint a Community Wildlife Officer with the help of the Flintshire Community Trust (Landfill Tax fund).
Flintshire Countryside staff have close working links with the Ramblers Association. Partnerships exist to develop walking events and the Ramblers have active volunteers involved in Rights of Way improvement works.
Volunteers are the backbone of the majority of our practical works and educational activities. Wepre and Greenfield Country Parks are greatly assisted by people from all walks of life, who assist because they are interested in conservation, or want to gain expereince, or simply want to lend a hand. We are always looking for volunteers to help us. Why not try it for a day or two?
Flintshire Countryside Service is supported annually by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) who supply a certain level of funding to implement a wide range of projects and events. Our level of funding relates to a strict work programme, which is agreed annually and reviewed according to the priorities of the government. Recent work has focused on 'Access for All' to the countryside.
Important work on Flintshire habitats is done in co-operation with the private sector. BHP Billiton funds conservation and wardening duties for the important Gronant Dunes And Talacre Warren SSSI, whilst Kimberly Clarke funds similar work in Red Pit Community Woodland, Flint.
Cadw assists financially with specific ancient scheduled monuments that need care and maintenance. These include important places such as Ewloe Castle and Basingwerk Abbey.
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