Origin

Formed in 1973, the aim of the Deeside Naturalists' Society is 'to stimulate interest in natural history and to play a part in the conservation of flora and fauna on Deeside and in the surrounding area'.

In 1974 the Society approached the C.E.G.B. (now Uniper) at Connah's Quay Power Station to ask if a hide could be located on their land overlooking the River Dee. They agreed, and it was from such humble beginnings that a fine Reserve was established. Now, the Reserve benefits from the protection provided under Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, as well as enjoying Special Protection Area (SPA) status.

The Reserve is situated on a strip of land approximately one mile long on the south side of the Dee estuary just inside the Welsh border. Bounded by the Uniper Power Station at one end and the rural Flintshire countryside at the other the Reserve is an excellent example of how industry and nature can work together.

The Society is a registered charity and, with a membership of well over 400, it is in a stronger position than ever to further its original aims.

Current

There are five hides with one having two storeys and is reckoned, by many members, to be the coldest place in the area - regardless of the time of year!

The Reserve has an abundance of wildlife and during a recent survey seventeen different species of butterflies were identified. Over the years annual recording reports have shown a wide range of birds continuously visit the estuary and the surrounding salt marshes.

Our annual subscription provides Members with regular newsletters and an annual Programme card with information about forthcoming events and field meetings which are organised throughout the year to places of special ecological interest and importance.

During the winter a series of talks, held in Connah's Quay Community Centre, give the opportunity to hear specialists on a variety of natural history subjects.

Additional information about the Annual Programme is also available on the website.

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