All In A Flutter at Butterfly Park

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!