Designations
There is so much to see and do around the Dee Estuary, but it is its value to nature that really makes it stand out. Don’t just take our word for it – the world thinks so too. That’s why it has a number of formal conservation designations. These show its ecological value on a national and international scale:
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
The Dee Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). SSSIs are nationally designated under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 for areas that support habitats and/or species of national importance. SSSIs represent our best sites for wildlife and geology. Many play an important part in local culture and economies or provide wonderful opportunities for people to enjoy wildlife and the landscape. The natural wildlife and geological features of SSSI’s are irreplaceable parts of our national heritage. These are protected to preserve their importance, and to prevent damage and development. This designation is key to enforcement and underpins other designations.
Special Protection Area (SPA)
The estuary is also a Special Protection Area (SPA). SPAs are areas which have been identified as being internationally important for the breeding, feeding, wintering or the migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds found within European Union countries. They are designated under the European ‘Birds Directive 1979’. The mouth of the Dee Estuary, along with the nearby Mersey Estuary, is a key component of the Liverpool Bay SPA.
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
The Dee Estuary is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). SACs are designated where they support internationally important habitats and/or species listed in the EC Habitats Directive. The estuary is a SAC because of the nutrient-rich intertidal habitats created by the comings and goings of the tide.
Ramsar site
The Dee Estuary is also a Ramsar site (hyperlink?). Ramsar is a designation specific to wetland habitats and was established by UNESCO. The Ramsar Convention led to an international agreement signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The agreement supports the conservation and good use of wetlands across the world.
Montreux Record
The Montreux Record is a list of Ramsar sites that do not meet the current ecological standards set by Ramsar. Sadly, the Dee Estuary has been on this list since its inception in 1990. A roadblock to being taken off this list is historical contamination of land around the estuary, particularly in Wales. There are a number of organisations working to resolve these issues including Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales.
You can help too! Join us on our clean water initiative to improve the quality of fresh water entering the Dee Estuary and improve the health of the Irish Sea that inundates the estuary twice daily.
Our Dee Estuary is a cross-border partnership project led by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, on behalf of the Tidal Dee Catchment Partnership and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It brings together a variety of local organisations with an interest in the Dee Estuary.
Our Dee Estuary, made possible by National Lottery players, aims to inspire coastal communities on the Wirral and in Flintshire and Denbighshire with their natural heritage to create a new community of stewardship to effectively conserve and safeguard the wildlife significance of the Dee Estuary.
