A record number of 550 visitors were drawn to New Ferry
Butterfly Park’s Open Day which heralded the start of the public open
season. They were greeted by a golden host of 500 to 600
flowering cowslips on the lime grassland. The Butterfly Park is a Cheshire
Wildlife Trust nature reserve.
The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Dave and Sue Mitchell,
were kept busy as they unveiled the “Butterfly Hut”, created by the Park’s own
artist in residence Carol Ramsay. Then the Deputy Mayoress planted some
lavender in the herb garden and the recently installed information lecterns were
unveiled by the Deputy Mayor. This was fitting as money for these projects came
from a “Your Wirral Grant” from Wirral Council.
Pond dipping, making bat hats, BBQ, face painting
and eating butterfly themed homemade cakes went down a treat. Visitors were encouraged
to select a plant and add it to the new herb garden. Herbs will be available to
crop later in the year.
Several butterfly species, the ones that over
winter as imagoes (adults), were on the wing. These included Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell,
Comma and also a Brimstone butterfly, previously a rare visitor to the Park. The
first of Park’s Orange Tip butterflies emerged on the Open Day.
Spiderman Phil, recorded 40
species of spider at the park and gave another added interesting dimension to
the park. This was a tremendous start to the season.
Although the Park only hosts these festivities once
a year, do come along to see the wildlife that attracted all these visitors.
You can follow the nature and art trails, watch out for native free flying
British butterflies and indulge in the ever popular pond dipping. The Park is
open every Sunday 12 - 4pm from now until mid-September. It can be found
adjacent to Bebington Station's car park in New Ferry. Volunteer wardens are on
hand to help you get the most out of your visit. What’s more it’s free!
