June 2025
The sun shone brightly on a large gathering of NL staff and supporters who came together to celebrate the 40thAnniversary of the designation of the Clwydian Range as, in original parlance, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Staged in the gardens at Loggerheads, we were mercifully seated in the shade as NL Officer Howard Sutcliffe gave an amusing and informative recall of all the achievements and progress made since 1985 – something he’s very well qualified to do with his own 39 years of involvement locally. He noted that senior colleague David Shiel had been involved almost that long too. Highlights included the extension to take in the Dee Valley in 2011, as well as the Heritage Lottery funded Heather and Hillforts and Our Picturesque Landscape projects.
Then it was the turn of NL Partnership Chair Andy Worthington to speak. He paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution the Team has made to protecting and cherishing the area’s special landscape. What the AONB has achieved was nationally recognised as outstanding. He also thanked the volunteer groups who helped maintain and improve sites across the patch. Their contribution was invaluable. There was also a word for Friends – and this newsletter in publicising the NL’s continuing success in so many ways.
Then it was time for those attending to chat with colleagues – some not seen for a long time – and get to know some new acquaintances, everyone with a deep commitment to the aims and objectives of our National Landscape. These informal conversations are always so enjoyable and helpful. There was tea and light refreshments too which was appreciated by all of us, with guitarists Me and Deboe providing nicely understated music in the background which rounded everything off perfectly.
None of us know what the immediate future will bring but we know that our National Landscape remains in safe hands.
