A Flintshire park is set to undergo major improvements after receiving a significant funding boost.

Dee Park in Shotton, which is managed by Care & Repair North East Wales, has been awarded a total of £348,464 from various sources.

The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme, delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government, has provided £249,126.

An additional £49,500 has come from the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by WCVA, and £49,838 from the Parc Adfer Community Benefit Fund.

This funding will see the construction of an outdoor education centre, which will serve as a base for visiting groups, volunteers, and events.

An interpretation of the site's history and its wildlife will be produced using both digital and traditional methods.

This will allow local people to learn about the park and stay informed about upcoming activities, whether through a smartphone or by reading a panel or poster.

The park will also feature a family trail.

Dee Park has received significant funding   (Image: Care & Repair North East Wales)

A key objective is to establish a ‘Friends of Dee Park’ group to enable locals to take a more active role in the park's management.

The park will provide numerous supported volunteering opportunities for community groups, local businesses, and individuals.

A new team of rangers has been appointed to manage the park, enhance its biodiversity, and work with schools, community groups, and individuals to encourage the widest possible use of the park.

They will build on the connections made during the woodland planting phase while also establishing new links.

Mike Robinson, National Forest for Wales liaison officer and Care and Repair North East Wales board member, said: "I’m constantly impressed by the work being done by the team at Dee Park.

"As one of the first sites to achieve National Forest for Wales status, it’s great to see the site expanding its reach and continuing to work for both nature and the local community.

"The new ranger team are an excellent asset to the site, and the way they have embraced the opportunities offered by the National Forest for networking and knowledge sharing, speaks volumes as to their determination to make Dee Park the very best it can be.

"I look forward to seeing how the whole site develops in the future."

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The park, which already has a surfaced circular path, trees, benches, and picnic tables, has seen an increase in visitors.

However, they are keen to make further improvements in phase two.

In recognition of the woodland creation, environmental enhancement, and public facilities established so far, Dee Park has been awarded National Forest Status.

It has also received a Bionet Business Award for being the business in North East Wales that achieved an outstanding positive diversity impact in 2022/23.

For those interested in getting involved in the next phase of development or volunteering, contact Toni Emery at 01352 758700 or email pfy@careandrepairnew.co.uk.