Coastal Rangers litter-pick along the River Dee to tackle marine plastics

It may not feel like the beginning of Spring – but Flintshire coastal rangers along with Sustrans Rangers will be taking part in a Spring clean this weekend in a bid to tackle marine plastics.

Tourism chiefs have designated 2018 the Year of the Sea and those routes to the sea such as the River Dee are being thrust into the limelight.

A recent video released as part of this year’s tourism theme features wakeboarders on the River Dee at Queensferry.

The rangers are organising the co-ordinated litter-pick along the River Dee from Saltney Ferry footbridge to the blue bridge at Queensferry.

Working alongside the Rangers are the Sustrans Rangers who will be using bikes to cover as much ground as possible.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Countryside, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, said:

“We are looking for volunteers to come and join us to remove everything from large items to tiny pieces of plastic from this adopted stretch of coast. It’s a tough job, so bring good wellies and gloves, a drink and a bite to eat.

“Families are welcome but parents will need to stay and work alongside their children on this Coastal Spring Clean.”

Sustrans Ranger Graham Harper said:

“We have a programme of works all along the cycle paths and are more than happy to join coastal rangers in this important task. We will be on site for 4 hours so even half an hour will clear some serious amounts of litter, if you can help.”

Bin bags and litter pickers will be provided. Just bring your enthusiasm! Meet at Saltney Ferry footbridge 10am this Sunday 18 March.

This coastal ranger work is sponsored by Airbus and Kingspan for a clean sea in the Year Of the Sea.