Flintshire Council bags funding to explore use of wildlife friendly lighting at Connah’s Quay Docks

A research project is set to illuminate the North Wales Coast with wildlife-friendly lighting.

The project will focus on Connah’s Quay Docks, where environmental experts will explore new ways of lighting the area to support and protect the local wildlife.

In addition to the lighting proposals, the project aims to build upon connections through the coastal community.

Flintshire Council has received a grant of nearly £20,000 from the Welsh Government Coastal Capacity Fund which will be used in its two main priority areas, Nature Recovery and Sustainable Growth.

The funding will encourage groups to work together on a number of projects focussing on engaging with communities to promote local produce, supporting short supply chains, and working with local fishermen, tourism, and countryside services.

An environmental habitat assessment will be conducted by Flintshire environmental specialists Atmos Consulting and will support the development of the plan.

Flintshire will also undertake consultation regarding ‘Dark Skies’ lighting, and it’s hoped the scheme could lead to further applications for funding and replacing the existing ageing street lighting with a better scheme, reduced carbon footprint and improved coverage for the area.

The project findings will also be shared with other partner organisations and could inform other areas along the Flintshire coastline.

A series of six short films will be produced for social media by local company Film Cafe, covering wildlife tourism, sustainable fishing and local food provision.

Flintshire’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy, Councillor David Healey, said: “It’s vital to let people know about the wildlife ‘on their doorstep’ and how they can go online to record their sightings.”

Flintshire Streetlighting Manager, Darell Jones, also highlighted the importance of the marine environment and lighting’s impact on it.

He said that the project is a top priority and could inform a future application for physical improvements and the installation of a scheme in the area based on the proposed blueprint.

The Welsh Government Coastal Capacity Fund is designed to support nature’s recovery by engaging with local communities to promote local produce and support short supply chains, working with local fishermen, tourism, and countryside services, to support and protect biodiversity.

Robbie Davison from meal provider ‘Well-Fed’ sees the funding as a chance to connect with local fishermen and develop shorter supply chains to improve their meals.

He said, “If we can purchase directly from local fishermen, it will help us improve our meals as we look to feed the residents of Flintshire the best food possible.”

Whilst Connah’s Quay has a large population, not everyone in the local community has a ‘connection’ to the coastline there.

The funding is seen as an essential ‘first step’ towards raising awareness and encouraging people to visit, walk, cycle, and visit the local cafes.