Award for coastal caring countryside ranger

A coastal countryside ranger has received a coveted accolade for her work to help coastal wildlife.

North Denbighshire Countryside Coastal Ranger Claudia Smith recently received a Marine Heritage Award from the Marine Conservation Society at the One Ocean Symposium held in Rhyl.

Claudia is a busy figure along Denbighshire’s coastline, checking in regularly with the local nature and wildlife from Rhyl to Gronant Dunes.

Across the county coastline, Claudia with the support of dedicated volunteers have reintroduce marram grass to the dune system around Rhyl harbour to support local biodiversity, repaired timber on the boardwalk and installed new benches.

They have also supported the installation of new Wales Coast Path discs to signage and waymarkers around the harbour and Horton’s Nose and Barkby and Gronant Dunes.

Claudia and the volunteers also help with the annual set up of the Little Tern colony at Gronant Dunes and are a great help with the day-to-day running of the colony during little tern season.

Recently the ranger helped set up the CoastSnap project along the coast to help monitor the impact of climate change along the Denbighshire shores.

Speaking after receiving the award, Claudia explained: “I’ve been working with Marine Conservation Society’s Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project which is coming to an end at the end of the month. The project’s aim was to connect local people from Gronant to Pensarn to the ocean through events, education and training.

“I was involved in their One Ocean Forum as Denbighshire Countryside’s representative, which steered the direction of the project. Through this I was able to meet with people from across the community and promote Denbighshire Countryside’s work.

“I organised visits to the little terns at Gronant with them, as well as beach cleans. This helped with our engagement aims at Gronant, as well as their own. I also attended more of their beach cleans and some of their education events, including their Marine Exhibition and beach clean survey training, which will help me on future beach cleans. It’s been a great project to be a part of!”

Howard Sutcliffe, Lead Officer for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape said: “It’s nice that Claudia has been recognised for this reward as a lot of the work our Rangers do is not seen, but it benefits wildlife and also enhances the lives of our residents and visitors, these small steps work towards a better landscape for future generations.”

On hearing of the award given to Claudia, Councillor Alan James, Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “A huge congratulations to Claudia, she is a massive inspiration for many due to her dedication and commitment to supporting and preserving our wonderful coastal habitat we have in the county.”