Organisers gearing up for ‘The REALLY Big Dee Day’

Organisations across England and Wales are gearing up for a family event in Chester, to celebrate all things connected with the River Dee.

The REALLY Big Dee Day will be held at Edgar’s Field Park in Handbridge, Chester on Saturday, 17 September from 11am to 3pm.

Organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the annual clean-up along the banks of the River Dee – Big Dee Day – the event will feature activities and stalls connected with the river and its communities, past and present.

Groups from across Cheshire West and North Wales will come together to mark the occasion.

The annual Big Dee Day clean-up, organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Flintshire Council, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, promises to be bigger and better than ever for its 10 year anniversary.

[miptheme_quote author=”Councillor Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council ” style=”boxquote text-left”]“Flintshire County Council is proud to be involved in celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Big Dee Day. “The ‘REALLY Big Dee Day’ will offer a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the fantastic heritage and history of the River Dee and its estuary. The event will also emphasise how important it is to ensure that we continue do our very best to protect the River Dee’s unique and fascinating environment”.[/miptheme_quote]

Carys Bebb, Environment Officer for Natural Resources Wales, said:

“The River Dee is a vitally important resource and we work hard to protect it.

“It provides drinking water for millions of people, is a great habitat for wildlife with salmon migrating here to spawn and supports industry across the area.

“It is also a somewhere for people to go and enjoy our natural environment so the Big Dee Day is really important to keep it clean and rubbish free.

“During the Big Dee event NRW officers will discuss pollution prevention with local businesses and agricultural premises, highlighting the sensitivity of the River Dee. Getting to know local operators along the Dee and its tributaries will further strengthen our response to pollution incidents in the future.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to check that businesses who store chemicals have registered for the appropriate consent.”

Although parking is limited in Handbridge, Edgar’s Field Park is just a short walk from the centre of city. Information about parking, bus timetables and the new cross-city park and ride service can be found on the Council’s website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.