Denbighshire County Council has secured funding from the Countryside Council for Wales under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan to improve the surface on the Prestatyn/Dyserth Way linking Prestatyn, Meliden and Dyserth.
The path consists of stone that was laid down about 12 years ago and, although it is still in a reasonable condition, it is not entirely suitable for wheelchairs, prams and younger children on bikes.
A surface layer of rolled limestone will be applied. At first this surface can stick to footwear, but within a short period it hardens to form an excellent surface providing improved access for all. It is not as smooth and durable as tarmac but is cost effective and its rustic appearance fits better into the surrounding environment.
As part of the overall improvements, Dyserth Community Council and Prestatyn Town Council have agreed to provide finance and manpower to help increase the biodiversity value of this linear route. Areas of overgrown scrub will be cleared to allow calcareous wildflower species to flourish.
In addition, working with local schools, the council will erect bat boxes at strategic points where pipistrelles and lesser horseshoe bats are known to forage but lack roosting sites. To monitor whether our efforts have been successful, guided walks will be provided by Denbighshire Countryside Service staff who will use bat detectors to give a clearer understanding of numbers and species in any chosen area.
