Ecosert

The Ecosert project is a European venture to encourage tourism in a way that is environmentally sustainable. The acronym stands for:

European Co-operation for Sustainable Environmental Regional development through Tourism

On a local scale, the project concentrates on The Dee Estuary Region. The Dee Estuary Partnership includes Chester City Council, Cheshire County Council, Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, Wirral Borough Council and British Waterways. Funding from the European Commission is used to achieve the aims of the project. The map below illustrates the region that the Ecosert project encompasses.

Map of the Ecosert Region

RESTP

The project includes the development of a rural sustainable tourism strategy for the area. A large proportion of the Chester District is rural, so this is an important contribution to the area. A Regional Environmental Sustainable Tourism Plan (RESTP) was developed as part of the project for the Dee Estuary locally, which can be found on the Ecosert website http://www.ecosert.org.uk/ (external link).

Explore! Leaflets

Part of the project was to create the Explore! series of leaflets, covering cycle and walking routes across Cheshire, such as the Baker Way, River to Ridge and Hilbre Island leaflets. This improves interpretation of the routes and encourages people to use them. Leaflets are available from your local Tourist office or by contacting the Countryside team on 01244 402397. PDF links to these leaflets are at the bottom of the page.

Farndon Boardwalk

Boardwalk Construction at Farndon With funding from the Ecosert project and the City Council itself, it was decided to improve an existing walkway in Farndon village, by constructing a boardwalk to fill in a missing link in the route. In conjunction with Farndon Parish Council and BTCV, the boardwalk was constructed and is used by local people and visitors to the area. It joins two existing public rights of way, making the circular route complete, linking the village centre, picnic site and surrounding countryside for people of all abilities to enjoy all year round

Canal Signage

A man cycling along the canal towpath The project funded a series of sculptures marking key entrance points along the Shropshire Union Canal stretch running from Chester to Ellesmere Port. There are 5 sculptures along the Chester part of the Canal and 5 along the Ellesmere Port section. The aim was to link the two sections and stimulate interest in the Canal, thereby encouraging people to use it as a leisure resource. Examples of the signage are shown below.