Representing 25 local and national bodies with interests in the wildlife of the Dee Estuary

Dee Estuary Booklet for sale. 

Latest News:

(a) June 2006 - Burbo Offshore Wind Farm starts construction off North Wirral. 25 Turbines are to be built over the summer of 2006. See http://www.burbo.info/ but take note that DECG have reservations about the claims made on their website re. efficiency, the impact of the wind farm on climate change, their visual impact and their impact on wildlife.

(b) A Cockling Regulating Order for the Dee Estuary has been applied for by the Environment Agency. A public consultation is taking place. Click here for News Release.

(c) Npower have applied to build a massive wind farm, Gwynt y Mor, off Rhyl. This will consist of up to 250 turbines each the size of Blackpool Tower. An Environmental Statement has been released which the DECG and other interested parties are currently studying and will respond appropriately to the Secretaries of State. See npower website http://www.npower-renewables.com/gwyntymor/index.asp, but be aware that npower are trying to push this windfarm project for all its worth and consequently they paint a very rosy and often misleading picture of the proposed wind farm.

 Airbus ship on it's way to Mostyn Dock to pick up another set of wings (Sept 2004)..
©Richard Smith

 DECG - What is it?

What does it do?

Current Issues

	Assessing threats posed by the second phase of windfarms such as Gwynt y Mor in Liverpool Bay. This windfarm is expected to have at least 100 turbines and could pose a major threat to wildlife, fisheries and recreational activities, as well as becoming an eyesore to local residents and visitors to the area. DECG are waiting for the report on the environmental impact study to be issued before making a public statement. Seabirds such as Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver and migrating duck and waders pass through the proposed site.
	Ongoing concern about expansion of Mostyn Dock; currently proposals for maintenance dredging of approach channels and dumping of dredgings elsewhere in the Estuary. Concern about 'coastal processes' - potential erosion of saltmarsh and sand dune systems. Proposing an extensive system of monitoring should approval be given. See DECG statement on the refusal of the Environmental Agency for Wales to grant consent for the latest dredging proposal.
	Similarly for cockling where DECG supports the attempts by Environment Agency to obtain a Regulating Order to control the number of cockle fishermen and to ensure a sustainable annual catch. Continued frustration about the length of time this seems to take.
	Issued press statements (see top of page) in conjunction with other conservation bodies expressing concern about proposed twenty four access to Mostyn Dock for shipment of Airbus A380 wings which would mean a massive amount of dredging. DECG and others have urged the parties concerned to formulate a sensible compromise whereby, for example, a small change in shipment times would result in ships arriving and leaving the port during the high tide period only.
	In conjunction with member organisations DECG have been liasing with the local authority about the routing for the Coastal Cycle Path currently under construction. There are significant environmental issues, particularly where the route may be close to wader roost sites.

Membership of DECG is open to any organisation with an interest in conservation of the wildlife of the estuary. Any organisations wishing to join the Group are encouraged to contact the Secretary, Richard Smith, by

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OVER A PARTICULAR EXISTING OR POTENTIAL THREAT TO THE ESTUARY THAT YOU FEEL MAY NOT BE BEING PROPERLY ADDRESSED THEN CONTACT THE DECG SECRETARY.