Work in progress at River Lane
Work has started to improve a rural site on River Lane in Saltney after funds were secured by Flintshire Countryside Service.
The site, owned by Flintshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales is being developed with funding from the Rural Development Programme and support from Cadwyn Clwyd, Rural Development Agency for Flintshire and Denbighshire, who has provided 70 percent of the funds. The initial project will cost approximately £30,000. The project is paid for through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Plan and is part of a three-year plan to revitalise rural communities and their economies.
The money will be used to manage the trees and remove scrub to enable the installation of a circular limestone dust path, a hedgerow for the wildlife, some artwork and a viewpoint.
Coastal ranger Karen Rippin is managing the project for Flintshire Countryside Service: “The viewpoint offers exceptional views of the river, including bird activity and the Dee bore. There will be a link to the cycle path and there will be a community link plaque by artist Mike Johnson who is currently working with the local community and school groups on the design.”
The hedgerow was planted with assistance from CAIS Peer Mentoring and CAIS Change Step.
For visitors there will be an information point highlighting wildlife and heritage, artwork, two mooring benches, hedgerows, fencing and creation of a new wildlife habitat.
Councillor Bernie Attridge, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “Developing this site will reconnect the Saltney and Saltney Ferry communities to the river with a recreational facility for the local community and visitors to the area. It will be a place for families to walk and cycle together and explore the coast path with an unimpeded view of the river.”
Sarah Jones, Environment and Heritage Officer from Cadwyn Clwyd said: “This project will help to provide a resource for local residents to enjoy and appreciate what is actually on their doorstep. It will also help to encourage a sense of ownership of the site by the local community.”
