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McDonalds Franchise S&VE Williams become ‘Coastal Custodians’ for the day in Flintshire Coast Park

Published: 11/07/2025

Flintshire County Council’s Access and Natural Environment Team Coastal Ranger organised a recent Coastal Custodians Day for McDonalds Franchise S&VE Williams Ltd. Including teams from Rhyl, Flintshire and Wrexham, at Presthaven. 

The day involved activities to engage and inform how Flintshire Coast Park can be protected and conserved through the input of individuals and groups, experiencing what it is like to be a ‘Coastal Custodian’ - guided by the Coastal Ranger.  The main focus was to rid the area of ragwort – which  presents a risk to the ponies in the area.  The ponies are valuable to the setting as they graze the area and keep the grass short for the protected natterjack toads to thrive, as well as benefitting the dune meadow.

The Coastal Rangers work hard to protect the coastal habitat and maintain a balance.  Presthaven is an ever popular draw for visitors, as is the wide sandy beach of Talacre, whose towering lighthouse is recognised as the symbol of Flintshire Coast Park, and sustaining the natural environment is essential to preserve the habitat for wildlife and visitors.

Martin Collins, Business Manager, McDonald’s (UK), Rhyl, said: “It was an amazing day.  Being  a ‘Coastal Custodian’ for the day was a great experience, with a personalised day planned out for us by the Coastal Ranger.  Thanks to Tim Johnson, from Flintshire Access & Natural Environment for organising it, and for letting us take on ‘Coastal Custodian’ activities for the day.  We learned so much and had a great day in Flintshire Coast Park .”

The day was spent outdoors in the Flintshire Coast Park, visiting areas of the site which are rich with wildlife, learning about the habitat and gaining new skills through hands-on activities.  Learning how to spot non-native flora and fauna, finding out how the habitat can be conserved and trying out practical tasks under the direction of the Coastal Ranger. 

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Regeneration, Countryside and Tourism, Councillor Chris Dolphin said: “Flintshire Coast Park is such an amazing place to visit.  It offers a unique habitat and incredible views over the Estuary.  We are proud to see our Coastal Ranger host this important event for McDonald’s and create a personalised experience for attendees to learn more about why the Flintshire Coast is so special.  Thanks to all involved!”

Any organisations interested in personalised events to become ‘Coastal Custodians’ for the day can contact: countryside@flintshire.gov.uk

The ‘Coastal Custodians for the Day’ Event follows a series of improvements to ‘Flintshire Coast Park’, which was officially launched in Flint in March this year, at the ‘Festival of the Sea’ event.  Flintshire Coast Park benefited from UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding from 2023 and throughout 2024 to improve the Flintshire Coast Park for the benefit of Flintshire residents and visitors.  Flintshire County Council has been successful in securing UKSPF funds for an additional year to further develop and progress works associated with the Flintshire Coast Park, benefitting from £238,652.40 of funding.

The Coast Park celebrates the rich natural habitat of the Dee Estuary and Flintshire Coastline, the ‘Flintshire Coast Park’ is hugely significant in ensuring people have access to the natural environment, for recreation and to improve their health and wellbeing. 

The Coast Park reaches across the Flintshire coast from Saltney to Talacre, taking in the Northern Gateway and Garden City, Connah’s Quay and Shotton, Flint, Bagillt, Greenfield, Llanerch-y-mor and Mostyn, and Gronant.   

For more information on Flintshire Coast Park ‘Connecting Coast to Countryside Project’:  https://tinyurl.com/3pw5ajxd

Photo (Credit McDonald’s (UK) Rhyl): McDonald’s (UK) Rhyl staff with Flintshire Access & Natural Environment Coastal Ranger, Tim Johnson.