FLINTSHIRE County Council has announced an ambitious 5-year management plan for the ongoing development of the Flintshire Coast Park.
Popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, Flintshire Coast Park (FCP) stretches for 25 miles along the shore of the Dee Estuary – from the Welsh/English border to the Irish Sea.
The new plan, which was approved by Cabinet today, sets out target areas for improvement and outlines how the park will provide residents and visitors with an improved sense of place and arrival.
It also details a phased approach to raising the profile of the foreshore, enhancing tourism and enabling communities and businesses to work sustainably and innovatively to help deliver environmental, economic and social prosperity, as well as site specific proposals for eight ‘hubs’ along the path.
The hubs start in Saltney at the English/Welsh border followed by the Northern Gateway and Garden City, Connah’s Quay and Shotton, Flint Foreshore, Bagillt Foreshore, Greenfield and Llanerch-y-Môr and Mostyn. The final hub is where river meets sea at the wide sandy beach of Talacre and Gronant, whose towering lighthouse is recognised as the symbol of FCP.
The aspiration is to have Flint Foreshore as the central hub and this will be the focal point for visitors to explore the FCP.
Councillor Chris Dolphin, Cabinet member for Economy, Environment and Climate, said: “Our ambition is a Flintshire Coast Park for the benefit of all, celebrating the rich natural habitat of the Dee Estuary and Flintshire Coastline.
“The rich Dee Estuary landscape is precious with sensitive habitats, home to a wealth of species. It is important that the natural environment is celebrated, enhanced and protected for future generations.
“Our first 5-year management plan offers a fantastic wealth of possibilities to utilise our skills to bring our ambition to fruition.”
The plan, which has been developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, will guide the future of the coastal park through a serious of targeted actions focused on tourism, biodiversity and improved public access. It can be viewed online here.
