Thursday 28 April 2016

Wirral Walking Festival 2016
























The annual Wirral Walking Festival is taking place again in May, featuring walks around Wirral's parks, countryside, coast and heritage sites.

Wirral Wildlife have organised two walks as part of the festival:

Saturday 7th May
Bluebells Galore at Dibbinsdale
2 - 4 p.m.
Guided walk at Dibbinsdale to see bluebells, wood anemones, celandines and other woodland flowers.
Steep slopes so not suitable for wheelchairs or people with limited walking ability.
Meet at Bromborough Rake Station.
Free event but donations welcome.
Contact: 0151 342 1394 or email

Saturday 21st May
Minerals and Fossils: The Geology of Thurstaston Shore
2 - 4 p.m.
Guided walk led by Hilary Davies of Liverpool Geological Society.
Meet at the Visitor Centre at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston.
Access to shore via Station Road steps.
Free event but donations welcome.
Contact: 0151 342 1394 or email

For more information and to download the full brochure, see the Visit Wirral website:

Wednesday 27 April 2016

Hurry along Madame Butterfly


















Frances Dorothy Murphy was a regular visitor to New Ferry Butterfly Park for over a decade. She came in the early mornings once every two or three weeks throughout the season, to see how the Park was progressing. Before leaving, she often let us know what wildlife she had seen. She came with different members of her family so they were all familiar with the Park.

Sadly Frances passed away from pancreatic cancer, and her family thought of how best to remember her. They asked could they have a memorial at the Park for her. This was an opportunity to spur the Park on, to create something both stylish and functional. After some discussion, we commissioned a bespoke cycle stand to be used by volunteers and visitors. Ferrous Design Limited of Two Mills produced the stand, the design based on the wings of a large white butterfly. It lies just beyond the green flag, and being white stands out boldly for any approaching cyclist to see. A provision for cyclists is something we have been lacking for many years.

















There was a private family viewing and unveiling last week, Hilary Ash being the first to use the bike stand. She had cycled to the event carefully balancing homemade cakes on her bike.

Kay Murphy said "The Butterfly Park was really important to Mum, she loved being one with nature and she found it very peaceful. She loved taking her grandchildren there. The event last Sunday was wonderful and a perfect tribute to Mum - we are made up with the cycle stands and think it's fantastic that the volunteers have it to use. We decided on the quote ‘Hurry along Madame Butterfly’ because my sister takes ages to get going in the morning and this is what Mum used to say to her! The volunteers should be proud of themselves as the Park is just beautiful and lovely to walk round”.

"Thank you for helping us keep Mum's memory alive."

















The stand will be publicly unveiled by Phil Gilchrist, Chair of Wirral Active Travel Forum and long-time supporter of the Park, during the Open Day activities on Sunday 1st May at approximately 11.30 a.m. Do come along.

Sunday 24 April 2016

Port Sunlight River Park Events in May


Weekly Events

Tuesdays
10.30 - 11.30 a.m.
Health walk - every week throughout the year.

Wednesdays
5.30 - 6.30 p.m.
Health walk - every week from April to October.


The Wirral Walking Festival takes place in May. The following events will be held at the River Park:

Thursday 5th May
Bats of Port Sunlight River Park
8.45 - 10.30 p.m.
Places must be booked in advance - telephone Ann Litherland 07587 550060
Cost £3.
Accompanied children aged 8 and over are welcome.

Saturday 14th May
Bromborough Pool - the first Garden Village
2.00 - 3.30 p.m.
This circular guided walk will start at Bromborough Pool Garden centre.

Friday 27th May
From Refuse to Recreation
10.30 a.m. -12 noon
Find out how this new park has been reclaimed from a former landfill site and future plans on this walk.
A joint walk with Biffa staff.

Tuesday 31st May
Family Fun Nature Walk
1.30 - 3 p.m.
Bees, birds butterflies, bugs...
A gentle walk suitable for families with children ages 3 and over.

Deer Survey


Red deer stag. Photo: Bill Ebbesen, Wikipedia























If you spot a deer while you are travelling around the UK, you might like to report it to the British Deer Society who are running their Deer Distribution Survey, which takes place every 5 years.

You can fill in a survey form on their website: