UKSPF project: Communities and Nature - a Sustainable Visitor Welcome

Project lead: Denbighshire County Council

Project overview

This project will provide Rangers at a number of key visitor sites across Denbighshire in response to the dramatic increase of visitors to these areas.

Rangers will provide positive advice and guidance to visitors as well as helping to reduce congestion and the negative impacts of high visitor numbers on the local community and improve visitor experience.

The project will also develop and train volunteer Rangers who will contribute to a visitor welcome at key sites and providing help and support to visitors.

Project updates

Final project summary (Transition Year 2025–26)

Volunteer Rangers continued to develop their animal husbandry skills while delivering campaigns to promote responsible dog ownership.

Working alongside Ranger staff, they supported conservation grazing using native Carneddau ponies, helping to educate visitors about habitat management and the need to keep dogs under control to protect sensitive wildlife.

They also led awareness campaigns at Loggerheads Country Park and Moel Famau, addressing issues such as dog fouling, impacts on livestock and ground-nesting birds, and promoting new legislation. These activities strengthened community engagement, encouraged responsible behaviour, and ensured visitors feel supported and informed.

In addition, Volunteer Rangers contributed to site management through litter reduction, visitor engagement, and supporting sustainable access. They took part in wider initiatives like Dark Skies Week and stay connected through a shared network, allowing them to report issues, share knowledge, and support each other.

The conservation volunteer programme continued throughout winter and into spring, involving volunteers in a range of practical improvements. This included path maintenance to improve accessibility, removal of invasive species, and traditional skills such as cleft fencing and hedge weaving. These activities enhance biodiversity, maintain cultural heritage, and provide valuable health and wellbeing benefits for volunteers.

Project summary December 2022 to March 2025

This project focused on establishing a volunteer ranger network in AONB areas within Denbighshire.

It delivered in excess of 28,000m² of improved public realm and 323 volunteering opportunities, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the visitor experience.