Big Dee Day kicks off today…

This year’s Big Dee Day takes kicks off today, Friday 19 and continues through to  Saturday. 

The annual clean-up, which is coordinated by Flintshire County Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Natural Resources Wales is back.

For two days, across North Wales and Cheshire, volunteers, conservation groups and businesses will join forces with council services and Natural Resources Wales.

All involved work hard to clear the river and marine litter that washes up along the River Dee and paint and care for the special places along its banks and coast, from the Welsh mountains to the coastal habitat of the Dee estuary.

Looking forward to attending The Big Dee Day launch @ChesterFC @ 8am in the morning with @AaronShotton.

— bernie attridge (@bernieatto) September 18, 2014

Last year, hundreds of people took part, and hundreds of bags of litter were collected across the region. In Flintshire, the efforts are coordinated by the Council’s Coastal Rangers and Streetscene service.

Coastal rangers also take the opportunity to work with community groups to plant trees, bulbs and help restore wetland habitat along the county’s coastline with community volunteers.

Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“This is the eighth Big Dee Day organised on the Dee Estuary since 2007. Its aim of cleaning our coastline for visitors and wildlife is being achieved. This, hand in hand with the Wales Coast Path works, makes our coastline well and truly worth a visit. As a cross border event we are tackling a national and worldwide problem with people, business and communities in Flintshire.Don’t forget there is still time to get involved if anyone wants to do their bit for our seas and coastal communities.”

Senior Ranger Mike Taylor, said:

“This is good for wildlife and for our communities, and is everyone’s opportunity to make an impact on our local environment. Our aim is to clear the river of all the plastics we can safely reach within 48 hours from Talacre and Hilbre Island to Chester and Llangollen. If you have a group who would like to take part, we would love to hear from you.”

Feature image: Tata Steel at last years Big Dee Day.