Four Very Large Whites

Phil Gilchrist unveiling the cycle stands
at New Ferry Butterfly Park Open Day

With a 1560mm wing span, more than 25 times the wingspan of the commonly seen Large White butterflies, these butterflies are surely unique. They are the new installation, publically unveiled by Phil Gilchrist, chair of Wirral Active Transport Forum, to celebrate the start of the new season at the New Ferry Butterfly Park. Phil is a well-known local cyclist, long time environmentalist with a proven track record and constant supporter of the park. As Mayor of Wirral he unveiled the brown tourist sign locating the park in 2008 when we had only 250 visitors a year. The park receives ten times that number of visitors now. Appropriately Phil arrived by bicycle. As you may remember from a previous blog the butterfly themed cycle stand was sponsored by a bequest from the family of Francis Dorothy Murphy, a regular visitor with her family for over a decade.

Phil Gilchrist revealing the Butterfly Park signpost in 2008

Although it was a wet and cold day we still had just over 300 visitors who enjoyed the environmentally themed stalls. This year for the first time, courtesy of David Ellwand & co from Wirral Tree Wardens, we had Maypole dancing which was readily participated in.

The wildflowers were out, with an extensive host of cowslip flowers, an increased number of primroses, red campions and bluebells. The park looks a lot more open following an intensive winter work season. Thanks to all those involved in both the Open Day and throughout the winter season preparations.

Although we have cleared the road a little further for car parking, with increasing visitors it would be encouraging to see to see the bicycles nestling among these very large whites.