Flintshire Council Countryside Service organised the first big community clean-up of the Dee Estuary in 2007 from Prestatyn to Chester - with Cheshire and Wirral-based groups on the other side of the estuary also doing their bit. Here, we invited groups taking part to post messages and email / upload photos showing or explaining their part.
Meanwhile, tell us your favourite spot on the Dee.
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your comments
Tom Davies, Reno Nevada
I lived across the river in Parkgate, lots of great memories. I spent many happy hours swimming out on the banks and remember legging it back to Mooreside with the first wave and redshanks in tow. I figure that swimming in that river back then immunised me against most diseases known to man. That's how clean it was then.
Mon Nov 17 08:49:01 2008
Cliff Norry, Deeside
I was interested in what Greenfield fisherman wrote, but can he tell me if the ranger has powers of arrest and has he got a boat to look after the bass nursery, and was he one of them that were on the Dee at night without lights? I have been angling on the Dee since I was 10 - that is 65 years + I rember a real ranger, who only the fishermen who played fair would praise. I hope it is the same now.
Tue May 27 08:49:20 2008
J D Jones /Fishermen Greenfield
On behalf of the fishermen of Greenfield, I think recognition should be given to Mike Taylor, senior ranger, for his sterling work on and around the Dee estuary. Without his input none of this big clean up would have happened.
Mon Dec 10 08:56:31 2007
Nick, Web Team
Hi, an interesting comment from Dave at the Deeside Water Ski Club. We could help to provide that online forum to keep interested parties up to date.
Thu Sep 27 08:44:44 2007
DAVE LEWIS, DWSC
Deeside Water Ski Club were proud to help out with the Big Dee Day project and hope it continues on. Over the past years we have seen the river change and we see a cleaner river with more birds wading and nesting. We would like to see a forum or website through which we can all keep in touch and monitor the banks and river together.A big thank you to all who took part.
Thu Sep 27 08:42:07 2007
Mike of FCS
Results are still coming in from the event - over 300 participants with a staggering 1030 bags of litter cleared so far. The Dee estuary is definitely a safer and cleaner place for wildlife and people. Well done to all who helped make the event a success! Mike
Mon Sep 24 09:23:51 2007
Devalady45
I would just like to ask. Why suddenly after all the hard work and money from Flintshire County Council, doing all the footpaths and planting wild flowers and tarmacing a lovely cycle path down Dock Road in Connah's Quay, and why after 6 years of utter neglect, all of a sudden David Bellamy is visiting and hey presto all new fencing goes up, brand new gates get put up, grass gets cut, glass gets brushed up. Bit of a sham in my opinion. Pity it doesn't get that kind of treatment every year. And it hasn't because I walk my dog there every day and it has just been completley neglected.
Wed Sep 19 14:26:37 2007
Karl Martin (NEW Wildlife)
We would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped us clear the area from Deeside Water Ski Club to the Blue Bridge of all of the litter. Without the help of NEW Wildlife, the ski club, local residents and the local Guides we would not have cleared away 100 bags of rubbish, 18 car tyres, the ubiquitos shopping trolley, a bird cage and various other items of rubbish. A big thank you has also got to go to United Paper Mills for providing us all with a fantastic buffet at the end of the day. Thank you each and everyone of you who helped.
Mon Sep 17 09:04:00 2007
Nick, Web Team
Here's what David Bellamy says about the Big Dee Day:
"Estuaries are the kidneys of the land and the ovaries of the sea. They cleanse the tidal waters, diluting poisons and recycling nutrients and act as intensive care units for marine animals of every shape and size. The Dee Estuary is not only a great place for a holiday for us human beings but it is of crucial importance to a wealth of marine life both animals and plants. A crucially important stopover on the flyway for many migratory birds providing a wealth of mud, mud glorious mud, full of fresh food available to thousands of waders. The resident birds have sussed out the problems and the potential of estuarine life and enjoy the passing of the seasons - cockles for tea and mussels for starters. The diversity of marine life is truly outstanding."
Wed Sep 12 10:41:08 2007
Flintshire Council press release
Botanist David Bellamy will officially launch the Big Dee Day at Kingspan, Greenfield on Friday, 14 September. Professor Bellamy will address a breakfast meeting of supporters of the event, from voluntary groups, councils and businesses, before heading off to see the clean-up in action. The event will kick off at Kingspan Insulated Panels in Greenfield, who have been actively involved as a major supporter of the event.
Wed Sep 12 10:39:19 2007
Jane Cope, Communities First Holywell
On behalf of Greenfield Residents Association. Residents of Holywell are invited to join volunteers down on Greenfield Dock on Saturday September 15 at 10 o'clock. Refreshments will be available for all volunteers who help with the general tidy up of the dock area. Sir David Bellamy will be there to meet residents at approximately 11.30am.We look forward to a fun community morning.
Wed Sep 12 10:36:40 2007
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