Countryside - information and advice

This page provides information about what the Flintshire Countryside Service is, what they do, the landscapes they are responsible for and how to obtain further advice and information.

Who we are

We are a team of countryside managers and specialists with the job of managing and protecting Flintshire landscapes for people and wildlife.

We encourage management techniques that sustain wildlife habitats and landscape features, and promote environmental awareness through community involvement and countryside interpretation.

The underlying philosophy of the service is to work closely with local people to protect and develop opportunities for wildlife and recreation on the urban fringes and in more rural areas.

Keeping people in touch with nature and creating safe, green corridors linking town and countryside is an important part of our work. We believe that this fosters happier, healthier lifestyles and leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of the countryside and heritage on our doorstep.

What we do

We work in partnership with other departments, agencies, private enterprise and communities to improve the environment for wildlife and people. This work includes:

• Developing countryside strategies and action programmes
• Preparing management plans for parks/woodlands etc.
• Providing advice on countryside and wildlife matters.
• Encouraging public awareness and involvement through volunteer action, events programmes and publications.
• Schools education programmes.
• Developing and improving access to the countryside.
• Managing Council owned parks and urban nature areas.

Service strategy

Priorities and targets:

Our work is focused on managing and developing key sites and landscapes in targetted areas of Flintshire.

Priority sites:

Urban fringe countryside is important. It provides the opportunity for large numbers of people to access and enjoy the countryside on their doorstep.

Sites include Wepre Park, Connah's Quay; Greenfield Valley Heritage Park; derelict clay holes and disused sites in Buckley; Council owned urban woodlands.

Key landscapes

River Dee Corridor including Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI:

The Dee Estuary offers many opportunities for recreation and wildlife. A coastal cycle path will provide a link from existing cycleways to sites of interest such as Wepre Riverside, Flint Point and Point of Ayr. Meanwhile, in partnership with BHP, we manage the SSSI Dune systems at the mouth of the Dee Estuary to protect rare estuary wildlife and habitats.

The Clwydian Range, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB):

With its high heather moorland, ancient hill forts, Offas' Dyke Trail and Moel Famau Country Park, the AONB is a popular visitor destination. Flintshire contributes to its management through a partnership with Denbighshire County Council.

Halkyn Common:

An extensive area of open space that has wildlife, recreation and heritage interest and it has spectacular views over the Dee Estuary across to the Wirral.

If you..

• are interested in volunteering
• wish to know more about the Service
• have any concerns about the Service

...then please contact: South Office - Wepre Country Park (01244 814931)

Who does what

The Countryside Service is based at the our main Countryside Centres, Greenfield Valley Heritage Park and Wepre Park.

The team based at the Greenfield Valley covers communities in the North Flintshire area:
Bagillt; Brynford; Caerwys; Cilcain; Gwernaffield; Mostyn; Nannerch; Trelawnyd & Gwaenysgor; Whitford; and Ysceifiog.

The team based at Wepre Park Visitor Centre serves communities in South Flintshire:
Argoed; Broughton & Bretton; Buckley; Connah's Quay; Flint; Gwernymynydd; Halkyn; Hawarden; Higher Kinnerton; Holywell; Hope; Leeswood; Llanfynydd; Mold; Nercwys; Northop; Northop Hall; Penyfordd; Queensferry; Saltney; Sealand; Shotton; Treuddyn.

Contact us

Flintshire Countryside Service: - Based at Wepre Park, Wepre Drive, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire CH5 4HL
Telephone: 01244 814931
Fax: 01244 816625,
or submit an enquiry online for this service.

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