Eco Art at the Butterfly Park

Some of the flower sculptures outside the container at the Butterfly Park

For two Sundays in September, we were pleased to welcome some giant flower sculptures to New Ferry Butterfly Park. They were loaned from the Eco Art In the Park project, a collaboration between Wirral Environmental Network, artist Alison Bailey Smith, Wirral Unplugged and Wirral Council’s Eco Schools programme to highlight the importance of pollinator food plants.

White clover (left), dandelion (middle) and spear thistle (right) sculptures
made by Alison Bailey Smith from repurposed materials

Alison Bailey Smith has created nine giant sculptures of plants made using repurposed materials such as garden hose, food packaging, yoga mats, light fittings and toothpaste tubes. The eight wildflowers and one grass depicted by the sculptures are all found in Wirral. Alison was supported in making the flower bases and welding them by Wirral Met Engineering and Construction Departments.

Sculptures of marram grass (left), poppy (middle) and bluebell (right)

Wirral Unplugged designed a Pollinator Passport, a free activity booklet to encourage learning and play around Wirral’s local plants and the fascinating insects that pollinate them. Students from the University of Liverpool worked on the look of the passport and produced social media posts and newspaper articles to publicise the project.

Devil's-bit scabious (left), rosebay willowherb (middle) and creeping buttercup (right)

Find out more about the artworks and view the Pollinator Passport on the Wirral Environmental Network website. The flower sculptures can also be booked via the website for visits to schools, parks and local organisations, whether for public or private events.

https://wirralenvironmentalnetwork.org.uk/eco-art-in-the-park

Detail of a leaf and petals revealing the source materials

Poulton Hall Garden Opening on Saturday 2nd July

After such a successful event last year, Poulton Hall are kindly holding another Open Day in their Walled Gardens to raise awareness and funds for Wirral Wildlife and New Ferry Butterfly Park. This will take place on Saturday 2nd July, from 2 - 5 pm.

• Enjoy a guided tour of the wild flower meadow
• Have a go at hedge laying and scything
• Make a newspaper pot and sow a seed to take home to nurture
• Explore the eclectic mix of themed formal gardens
• Be entertained by the storyteller
• Find out more about spiders
• Watch a bee keeping demonstration

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Admission: £6 for entrance, £9.50 for entrance and cream tea.
Free entrance for under 16s, with £3.50 for a child's cream tea.

Please book your ticket here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/wirral/poulton-hall/poulton-hall-walled-gardens-opening/2022-07-02/14:00

You can also book in advance for your guided tour of the wild flower area:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-around-wildflower-area-at-poulton-hall-tickets-368259172097

For pictures and a description of the gardens, please see our blog post written prior to last year's open day:
https://wirralwildlife.blogspot.com/2021/06/poulton-hall-garden-opening.html

Poulton Hall Garden Opening - 3rd July

Fruit trees in the Walled Garden at Poulton Hall

On Saturday 3rd July, from 2pm, we have kindly been offered the use of Poulton Hall Walled Gardens to raise awareness and funds for Wirral Wildlife and New Ferry Butterfly Park. Poulton Hall is situated just north of where the valley of the Clatter Brook joins the River Dibbin.

Caroline and Scirard Lancelyn Green, our hosts, are fervent wildlife supporters. Cheshire Wildlife Trust manage three of the Poulton Estate’s woodlands, namely Foxes Wood, Thornton Wood and Intake wood, which are all part of Dibbindale SSSI and are being the finest examples of ancient woodland in Merseyside. Cheshire Wildlife Trust also manages a small wildflower area for the Estate known as Tom’s Paddock which acts as woodland glade for Foxes Wood.

Hedgerows and trees in the Poulton Hall gardens

Wirral Countryside Volunteers have used the hall grounds to host four very enjoyable and successful hedge laying training days when a mixed hedge of nine shrub species was laid and an example of each species left as a standard tree. Although some of the species do not normally form standard trees, this has been achieved. Why nine species of shrub? One species of shrub for every century the family have resided here. This 400metre hedge is hand trimmed with secateurs by staff at the hall. This dedication to detail and aftercare much impressed the Wirral Countryside Volunteers, no split ends here.

Wildflower meadow at Poulton Hall gardens

Adjacent to this species rich hedge bedecked with a diverse species of standard trees lies a colourful wildflower meadow with some notable species such as early purple orchids. Guided tours of this area will be given as well as a self-guided trail being available. Have a go hedge-laying mock ups will be available as well as have a go with a scythe. You can make a newspaper pot and sow a seed to take home to nurture. All this wildlife to enjoy even before you have crossed the ha-ha and walked into the more formal gardens.

Classical Garden at Poulton Hall

The series of gardens are an eclectic mixture of themes with literary connotations from Greek mythology, Beowulf, Arthurian legends, Shakespeare, Alice in Wonderland to a Dalek. There are over 40 interesting artistic features to view in the garden with four new features to spot this year.

Spot the Viking head

There's a witch in the garden

The shrub and flower collections are colourful, impressive and inspirational. There will be various activities such as pond dipping and a costume jewellery sale. There will be story telling every half an hour following the chimes from the set of the 32 bells at the hall.

Fountain and willows

To walk around the garden and meadow taking in all these fascinating features is about one mile and will take about two hours, but you may like to take the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cream tea and soak up the atmosphere before heading round to view more of the gardens. There is a children’s themed garden inspired by nursery rhymes.

Narnia themed garden at Poulton Hall

For entrance to the gardens and to make sure there is a cream tea waiting for you and your friends book online. Admission £6 for entrance, £9.50 for entrance and cream tea, under 16s free.  

http://www.poultonhall.co.uk/GardenOpenings.html

Pergolas in the garden at Poulton Hall

We look forward to welcoming you to these wonderful gardens.

Science Under The Stars

Science Under The Stars

Thursday 23rd January

4 - 6 pm

Heswall Primary School, Whitfield Lane, Heswall, CH60 7SD

A special outdoor evening of scientific discovery for teachers, trainee teachers, school childre, families and UK scientific and conservation organisations.

Free entry.

Enjoy hands on scientific adventures, visit the inflatable planetarium, use telescopes, make bird feeders, cuddle a snake, make a torch to follow the ocean themed UV outdoor trail and watch an exciting 3D film.

Wirral Wildlife will be at the event with a stall highlighting the problems caused to wildlife by plastic waste. Other organisations will include Chester Zoo, Wirral Rangers, Trust for Conservation Volunteers, RSPB, Ness Gardens and Wirral Animal Sanctuary.

Parking on the site will be limited. Walking to the venue is highly recommended.

What’s On In Cheshire This Winter

Wild Question Time

Friday 15th November 2019, 5:30pm

Parkgate Road, University of Chester

Are you aged between 16-25 and want to speak up for the environment?! Come along to our Wild Question Time!

On Friday 15th November, Cheshire Wildlife Trust are hosting a Wild Question Time with the University of Chester. This is for anyone aged 16-25 who wants to be part of the environmental debate. Our panel will include councillors, parliamentary candidates and sitting MPs from parties across the political spectrum. This is your chance to ask your political leaders specific questions about our natural world and hear what they are going to do to put nature into recovery.

Cost: Free, however donations to the charity are always welcome

Booking essential

Annual General Meeting, followed by Eric Thurston Memorial Science Forum

Saturday 16th November 2019, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Ness Botanic Gardens, Ness

Are you a member of Cheshire Wildlife Trust? Would you like to hear about our achievements this year, plans for the year going forward and to have your say on how we are governed? Well join us for our AGM within the beautiful surroundings of Ness Botanic Gardens.

This year's AGM will be followed by our Eric Thurston Memorial Science Forum, where you can hear from the researchers we're working with about their findings of the local state of nature in the North West.

Cost: Free without lunch or £8 with lunch included

Booking essential

Searching for rare mossland spiders by Richard Gallon

Wednesday 20th November 2019, 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Nantwich Methodist Church, Nantwich

Join South Group local group for their monthly winter talk.

Cost: £3 on the door

No booking required

The birds and insects of Gowy Meadows

Friday 6th December 2019, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Holly Bank House, Thornton-le-Moors

The wildlife of Gowy Meadows Nature Reserve changes dramatically throughout the seasons, from wintering waders and water birds, to breeding warblers and a diverse insect life. Join naturalist and site surveyor Steve Holmes as he looks through some highlights from every month of the year. Whether you're planning a trip to Gowy Meadows or wonder what you've missed, this is essential listening to really get the most from the reserve.

Cost: £5 per adult, £4 per adult for members

Booking essential

Family events this November and December

Family Forest School

Family Forest School is an event for all the family. Activities may include den building, fire lighting, exploring the woodlands wildlife, environmental art, games and free play.

(Not suitable for children aged under four years old - take a look at our Nature Tots sessions below.)

Family Forest School at Moore Nature Reserve, Warrington

Saturday 9th November 2019, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Family Forest School at Spud Wood, Lymm

Sunday 17th November 2019, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: Free thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery

Booking essential for both sessions.

Nature Tots

Nature Tots is our toddler group aimed at encouraging pre-school children, aged 2-4, to gain a love for nature and wildlife. Join us for lots of different activities; hunt for mini-beasts, play games, search for twigs, leaves, seeds and make natural crafts to take home, listen to stories and have lots of fun exploring.

Nature Tots at Spud Wood, Warrington

Wednesdays 13th, 20th and 27th November and 4th and 11th December, 10:00am - 11:30am

Cost: Free thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery

Booking essential each week

Nature Tots at Moore Nature Reserve, Warrington

Thursdays 14th, 21st and 28th November and 5th and 12th December, 10:00am - 11:30am

Cost: Free thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery

Booking essential each week

Nature Tots at Marbury Park, Northwich

Six weekly sessions, starts Tuesday 5th November, 10:00am - 11:30am

Cost: £30 per child or £24 for members, for all six sessions

Booking essential

Summer Events at Port Sunlight River Park

There is lots going on at the River Park this month.

Friday 2nd August

11am – 4 pm

River Park Bug Safari

Scour the park for all the mini-beasts that live beneath your feet. Meet at the Heritage Centre.

Wednesday 7th August

10am – 12 noon

Family Mindfulness

Please contact Sam on 07967 634208 for cost and more information.

Sunday 11th August

12 – 4pm

5th Birthday Picnic

A fun day with family trail, refreshments, Tai Chi, stalls, wildlife identification, raffle and lots more. Bring a picnic. Disabled parking available if pre-booked. See poster below for list of attractions.

Thursday 15th August

11am – 4pm

MowMow Rock Painting

Create your very own MowMow rock creature that you can hide somewhere in the park. Track where you have hidden it using a special app on your phone. Drop in event at the Heritage Centre.

Thursday 22nd August

9 – 10.30pm

Bat Walk

Cost: £3 per person.

Walk length: 1.5 miles.

Booking essential.

For accompanied children, aged 8 and over.

For enquiries, booking and disabled access please contact the Ranger on 07587 550060 or email river.park@autismtogether.co.uk

Spring In Heswall Dales

Open Day Saturday 11th May 11.00 am - 3.00 pm

Come and experience ‘Spring in the Dales’ - enjoy woodland walks, rare lowland heath and stunning views over the Dee estuary, surrounded by the sights and sounds of spring.

• Self-guided walking routes with information boards
• Quiz sheets and species tick-lists
• Bird song via QR/smart phones
• Refreshments and toilets available at Dale Farm

Join in outside the Ranger’s Cottage next to Dale Farm off Oldfield Road - families and children welcome

Stout footwear and suitable outdoor clothing is recommended.

For more information check the Friends’ website: www.heswalldalesfriends.co.uk

or

www.facebook.com/friendsofheswalldales

The City Nature Challenge

This year, the Liverpool City Region is taking part in the 2019 City Nature Challenge, in which the city will compete against other cities, globally, in what has been described as the ‘premier league’ of wildlife recording.

City Nature Challenge is organised on a global scale by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.

Between the 26th and 29th April, over 150 cities worldwide will be competing to find urban and record wildlife. We will be pitting our wildlife spotting skills against the likes of Athens, LA, London and Manchester.

There are two ways to get involved with this fun and friendly competition. You can take part independently using the iNaturalist app to record any wildlife you spot over that weekend. You could record the ladybirds living on your balcony, the birds in the local park or the mushrooms you’ve seen on a walk in the countryside. The app is available to download at www.inaturalist.org

You can also get involved by joining us at one of the many recording events taking place that weekend in parks and greenspaces across the Liverpool city Region held by Liverpool’s amazing local and national conservation organisations.

On Friday the 26th April, Croxteth Park Volunteer Group will be kicking off the Challenge with a Wildlife Walk and Recording Session. On the same day, a Wildlife Recording Day will be taking place at Royden Park organised by RECORD at 10am. On Saturday 27th Heal Earth are hosting a Family Foraging Walk at the North Wirral Coastal Park. And on Sunday 28th to round off the weekend we will be hosting a Wildlife Bring and Share Picnic at Freshfield in Formby, recording wildlife at the Lunt Meadows, Seaforth Nature reserve and Freshfield Dune Heath.

Anyone is welcome to come along and have a go. More information on the recording events taking place that weekend can be found by heading to www.eventbrite.org and searching for 'Greenspace and Wildlife: LCR Year of the Environment’.

Anyone who joins in will be helping to make a difference, mapping where wildlife lives in the city. The information from this weekend will be added to the UK’s biodiversity database, becoming part of the data used to protect nature.

Ben Deed, Lead Environmental Records Officer for Merseyside Biobank said “The City Nature Challenge is a global competition where the Liverpool City Region will join together and go toe-to-toe with the rest of the world to showcase it’s incredible wildlife. We need your help to do this but It’s really easy to take part. Just download the iNaturalist App, get outdoors and upload photos of the wildlife you see. By taking part will help you to discover plants, animals and fungi that make our parks and greenspaces their home and the information you send in will be shared with a range of organisations to help improve our knowledge of wildlife across the region, promoting and protecting important places for wildlife and aiding conservation and scientific research..”

Records also help owners and organisations manage land for all species, and track how climate change, habitat management and other changes affect biodiversity over time – locally and nationally, as our records feed into the national NBN database.”

Wirral Wader Festival - 8th to 10th September

There will be lots to see and do at Wirral Wader Festival next weekend.

High Tide Bird Watches

1. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Red Rocks Reserve, West Kirby

Saturday 12.30pm – 3pm,  Sunday 1.00pm – 3.30pm 

High tide bird watch with the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens as they protect wader flocks on the beach.

Learn more about waders from the Wader Quest volunteers and about Red Rocks Nature Reserve from the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Live wader roost webcam in the Wirral Sailing Centre car park, Dee Lane. There will be a chance to watch a live wader webcam with images from Little Eye island and opportunities to brush up on your SLR/bridge camera skills.

Parking: Dee Lane and along the Promenade (South Parade), West Kirby (CH48 0QG) and Stanley Road, Hoylake (CH47 1HZ)

2. Hoylake

Saturday 12.30pm – 3pm, Sunday 1pm – 3.30pm 

High tide bird watch with the RSPB, Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens and Wader Quest.

Meet at the RNLI station. Nine species of wader are regularly seen and it's a chance for you to brush up on your identification skills. If you don't have a telescope there will be some provided.

Parking: Hoylake Promenade, (North Parade) (CH47 3AL)

Wildlife Walk at Red Rocks Reserve with Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Starting at 3.00pm Saturday and 3.30pm Sunday

Meet at Wirral Sailing Centre car park (CH48 0QG).

Sunset Walk to Hilbre Island 

Saturday 5.30pm-8pm

Booking essential. £3 fee.

Join Wirral Rangers and Cheshire Wildlife Trust on a magical walk to Hilbre Island. Email to book and for meeting details.

(Composting toilet available on the Island, no other facilities).

Family Activity Day

Sunday 1pm – 4pm 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust Red Rocks Reserve, on the beach between West Kirby and Hoylake 

Join in and get creative with family activities on the beach including natural art, a scavenger hunt and sand sculptures. You can also follow the wader trail or enjoy a wildlife guided walk.

Learn more about our coastal birds and meet the creatures that live in the estuary mud.

Wirral Science Under The Stars

Thursday 26th January, 4 - 6 p.m.

Heswall Primary School

Wirral Wildlife is taking part in a magical outdoor evening of scientific discovery for teachers, children and UK scientific organisations, hosted by Heswall Primary School.

Families and children - Enjoy “hands on” scientific adventures, visit an inflatable planetarium, use telescopes, make bird feeders, cuddle a snake, BRING A TORCH to follow our scientific outdoor trail and take part in our interactive exciting 3D film!

Don’t forget to visit Eco-Alley… a magical outdoor alleyway of Eco–themed stalls

Scientific educational stalls featuring:

Eco Schools, Wirral County Council, Wirral Wildlife, Sphere Science, Eco Explorer, PSTT, Zoolab, Edge Hill Primary Science, FACE Farming, Martin Mere, Liverpool Astronomical Society, Chester Zoo, Planet Heswall, Impossible Theatre, TCV, Global Learning Programme, BroomheathPlantation Bushcraft, Wirral Environmental Network, European Space Agency, Stardome Planetarium, Techniquest, Wirral Rangers, Lookers Nissan Electric Cars, Raptor Aid Birds of Prey, Linghams, Daresbury Laboratory, Lumin8, Inspiring Science, Wirral Fire Service and many more…..