‘Amazing’ volunteers celebrated for nurturing nature on special day

A green hearted band of Denbighshire volunteers have been recognised for their commitment to helping local nature during an international event.

Last Friday marked International Volunteers Day, a day to celebrate and thank people all around the world who dedicate their precious time and efforts to voluntary service.

Volunteers have dug deep to support with their own hands several conservation, biodiversity and nature projects across the county.

Through the Nature for Health Project, funded by UK Government Funding, that works together with individuals and communities to highlight the role access to nature can have in improving health and wellbeing, volunteers have helped countryside rangers with a number of projects.

They have stood side by side with rangers working on county nature reserves to develop habitats and have helped with specific seasonal projects including the famous home of the Gronant Dunes Little Terns.

Other volunteers have stepped forward to help create new woodland areas in the county for local communities and nature to enjoy and have created a bustling volunteering group at the Council’s St Asaph based tree nursery, helping grow local trees and wildflowers from locally sourced seeds.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “This is the perfect day to recognise the fantastic commitment and dedication volunteers give to helping with countryside projects all over the county. Their enthusiasm towards shaping areas that will benefit both nature and fellow residents is something they should be really proud of, and I thank them for their continued help and support.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added: “Our volunteers at the tree nursery are absolutely fantastic, the community they have created there has become such an integral part of the nursery. I know our officers really value and enjoy the company the volunteers give while they are on site and are very thankful to the amazing support they provide to protecting our local nature.”

The tree nursery project has been funded by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project and Local Places for Nature grant.

If you are interested in volunteering or need further information, please email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk