Wirral's Wild 50!

Wirral's Wild 50. How many will you discover?

This year it is the 50th anniversary of the creation of Wirral Wildlife as the local group of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

To mark the occasion we decided to create a monthly educational resource for local schools and called it ‘Wirral’s Wild 50’. We provided a list of 50 species of plants and animals to be found on the Wirral and their habitats. Each month there is a worksheet of things to do, a list of online resources and a relevant activity, game or craft.

This month we are giving you the species list – how many will you be able to find?

5 habitats found on the Wirral and some of the species you will find there

Then each month we will post the sheet on our Blog to reach a wider audience. Please do let us know if you find it useful.

A Treasure Trove of Incredible Invertebrates

Male and female common blue butterflies (Polyommatus icarus)

In August, New Ferry Butterfly Park had 13 visitors from the Tanyptera Trust and Liverpool World Museum, who had organised an invertebrate recording day. This included experts on beetles, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, spiders and a whole range of other 'mini-beasts'.

Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami)

The sun shone and it stayed dry, and much collecting was done, including in places the rest of us might think unlikely, such as the compost bins and the woodchip pile. The full results will not be known for a while, as identifying these creatures can be difficult, but Roy Lowry has kindly let us show you some of his pictures.

Meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus)

Common Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum)

Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

Long hoverfly (Sphaerophoria Scripta)

Crab spider (Xysticus cristatus)

In the photo below, a wasp (Glypta vulnerator) was exploring a knapweed flower in search of micromoth caterpillars to lay her eggs in. A honeybee decided it wanted to share the flower. The wasp continued her search, getting quite animated and causing her ovipositor to swing around like a sword in the bee's vicinity. The bee decided it was time to find a quieter flower. There must have been caterpillars in the flower as the wasp soon started egg laying.

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) and a wasp Glypta vulnerator

The Transformation of Hoylake Willows

Sally Scott is one the brains behind the idea to rewild an area in Hoylake that was cleared last year. The transformation since then has been amazing to see and learn about. Below we share information from the Hoylake Willows progress report that Sally has produced.

The cleared land in Hoylake in February 2020

The site plan

In February 2020 three willow trees near to Hoylake’s Manor Road Station were pollarded – the site was heavily covered with sawdust and woodchip and the 3 stumps presented a forlorn image.

Gradually plants began to colonise the space, but until the 3 stumps first produced new leaves it seemed very slow, however an idea emerged that this space could be protected and monitored for nature.

The site was considered too small an area to have much status, but in August 2020 a botanical survey was undertaken by Dr Hilary Ash, as a result 88 newly emerged plants species were recorded.

At this point we saw another opportunity… That wildflower species could enrich the rough grass edge of the lane that goes to the Hoylake Allotment site providing another source of pollen – and an informal ‘green corridor’.

Early days at the rewilding area of Hoylake Willows

The wildflower area was given No Mow signs by Wirral Borough Council 

Initial Project Plan

Monitoring of the Rewilding area would continue. This area would have a ‘light touch’ management, with no new planting and the only very limited removal of those plants that risked taking over the site.

Paths would be established, to ease working, to minimise trampling and to increase access to members of the community, many of whom enjoyed spending time in the area during lockdown in 2020.

A Wildflower area (since renamed the Triangle) was prepared, and consideration given to what should be planted and how it was to be best managed.

Our commitment to work with Wirral Borough Council was seen as vital, with the hoped-for increase in Biodiversity and contribution to Green Corridors and Green Space in line with Council policies.

Progress though the year, across all seasons

The earliest flowers in January - Lungwort

Meadowsweet – blossoms and seed

Tangle of flowers including relocated Purple Loosestrife

Rewilding Area

• Species

It appears that a few species have been lost, eg Hop Trefoil, whilst about 20 newly emerged species have been seen, most recently Common Vetch. We have seen some large swathes of flowering plants, eg Lesser Celandine, Greater Birds-foot-trefoil and Meadowsweet as well as significant clumps of Hedge wound-wort, Mugwort and White Campion, and of course the expected Great Willowherb.

A magnificent stand of Purple Loosestrife has not only reappeared this summer, but the species has spread to new locations on the site.

• Invasive species

The botanical survey of a year ago recorded a patch of Himalayan Balsam. However, despite frequent checking only a few small shoots have reappeared. Ongoing close monitoring will be necessary.

Though not initially seen/recorded, a line of Japanese Knotweed appeared close to the railway boundary fence, during the year. Wirral BC and Network Rail have been informed, and this part of the site is registered as needing annual treatment by the Council.

• Trees

As well as the 2 Elder trees, other very young trees have appeared - an Oak and an Ash, 2 Horse chestnuts, 2 Sycamores and numerous Hawthorns. A Norway Maple a few years old has been recognised, but lies just outside the area originally surveyed.

Dr Ash’s survey commented that an Ash tree, also outside the site area, had some signs of Ash Dieback, the visibly affected branches were disposed of, and to date, there is no visible sign of further Dieback.

• Paths

The paths have been managed with the help of WBC, who provided woodchip to ensure greater visibility and to help maintain these paths.

Teasels and sunflowers

Chives and yarrow

The Triangle

This wildflower area has provided interest and delight from Allotment plot holders and members of the community taking walks on nearby paths. An amazing show of flowering plants has replaced some of the rough grass.

About 30 types of wildflower plants were grown from seed, or donated by well-wishers. Experiments to tackle the dominant species, such as course grass and ground elder, were carried out, using Yellow Rattle, rather than chemicals. The results are yet to be seen.

Some so called ‘garden’ flowers were planted if they are ‘native’, pollen rich and locally grown.

View across the fields from The Willows

In conclusion

All this has been, and still is, an ongoing a source of learning! The focus for both parts of the work has mainly been on flora, but as we gain more experience and hopefully will be less undermined by Covid-19, more attention will be given to our better recognition and monitoring pollinators and other fauna.

A ‘private’ Facebook group has been set up to provide a space for information about, and photos of, the site. It is an informal ‘blog’. Group members can comment and it's a resource for anyone interested in rewilding and wild flower policy.

Join Hoylake Willows Facebook group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140454954632439

Autumn/Winter 2021 Quiz

 

The Lake District is the theme of our new quiz

Try our Lake District themed quiz for a chance to win a £10 voucher.

The closing date is 31st January 2022.

Download the quiz and instructions here

A Simple Pleasure, Well Enjoyed

Tucking into afternoon tea at Poulton Hall Garden

Last month, Wirral Wildlife were fortunate enough to be offered Poulton Hall Parkland and Walled Garden for a fund and awareness raising event. Entrance to the wildflower meadow area required you to pass through a passage way of hedges excellently laid by Wirral Countryside Volunteers. The Countryside Volunteers were offering ‘have a go at hedge laying’ mock up on a fresh upright willow branch hedge, to be cut and laid between hedging stakes. Several guests relished the opportunity to pick up a billhook and slice part way through the willow stem and weave the stem to build a hedge.

Have a go at hedge laying

Along the mown path through the meadow you pass Scirard’s pillar where the inscription says in Latin “Scirard de Launcelyn flourished here in the year 1093”. Entering over the ha-ha you leave the wild area and enter the formal gardens in front of the hall. Continuing on through the shady garden you were able to check out the creatures that live in the shady pond with a bit of pond dipping, progressing through the fragrant rose garden where you could take in the perfume. At the end of the rose garden you were met by a witch who guided you into a wardrobe, from where you come out into the world of Narnia, the enchanted walled garden.

In the walled garden, there are so many features to take in, from triffids, to the smoking Jabberwock, to the Singing Rose. Every half an hour the chimes of the carillon bells play a different piece of music, and the end of the recital heralds the story teller to commence a tale. There were volunteer marshals to guide you around the one-way Covid secure system which also made sure you have a chance to see everything.

Being National Meadow Day there were tours of the meadow and hedgerow by Dr Hilary Ash. The meadow here was potato field until 1993 before being converted to a wildflower meadow. After many years of work, it was looking colourful with the yellow and red of buttercup and sorrel flowers, interspersed with the pink spikes of marsh orchids and blue saucers of meadow cranesbill. Above fluttered meadow brown butterflies. It now looks like a proper Cheshire hay meadow, a habitat that has been almost completely destroyed in the last 70 years. Hopefully it will become more species-rich over time, naturally or with some human help.

Is it a bird?

Scirard was asked what the feature behind the Dalek was? A guest thought it was an art feature. Scirard simply replied it was the top of a cut monkey puzzle tree (see photo above). It shows you how this garden puts you in the world of imagination and fantasy.

Despite the pouring rain in the morning the weather brightened for our guests. If it had been a little wet we were prepared with space in the conservatory and under gazebos. Seventy cream teas were consumed!

If Wirral Wildlife were afforded this opportunity again, they would jump at the chance, not only is it a fund and awareness raising event; it is also a chance of a social where members and friends can meet each other in a convivial and relaxing setting. It provided a wonderful occasion to reconnect with friends as for many it was the first time had actually seen their friends in 18 months.

Many thanks to our supportive hosts, to the 20 plus volunteers involved in running the event and to our friends at New Ferry Village Hall who lent the tables and robust market style gazebos.

Portrait of Treasurer

Caricature of Howard Gibson, painted by Carol Ramsay and framed by Pam Sullivan

 

Howard Gibson retired as Honorary Treasurer of New Ferry Butterfly Park, after 22 years of dedicated service, at the park’s recent AGM. We are immensely grateful to Howard for so many years of sterling work, when we could always rely on the Park’s accounts being accurate, up to date, and professionally presented in apple-pie order. When someone like this retires, particularly after such a long period of service, you suddenly realise how important a Treasurer is. It is the only position that any organisation must have. Organisations can cope without a Secretary or a Chair but not without a Treasurer. Howard was a recently retired HSBC (Midland) bank branch manager when in 1998 he was recruited by Mel Roberts, the visionary founder of the park, taking over from our first treasurer Vi Otter.

The Treasurer’s role started on small scale, but has developed into a much more involved role reflecting the considerable development and increased activities taking place at the park. It is busy job in the summer, sorting out weekly collections put in the donation tin and distinguishing between donations: general, wood chip, soil improver or group visits. These are accurately and clearly presented in the annual accounts. The accounts give the committee a clear picture of the financial resources and how each income stream has contributed over the year. Howard’s accounts were used to demonstrate the park is a business - we sell wood chip. This was an important point raised in court in 2009 when protecting the park’s business tenancy. Howard became an expert in VAT and claimed 20% refund on our disabled accessible composting toilet via Cheshire Wildlife Trust. This refund helped with funding the surround ground works required.

The busiest day of the year is the opening day, when nearly 1,000 visitors are entertained. It can be complicated, with cash floats required for several stalls selling goods, tombola tickets, cakes and refreshments, along with the purchase of materials, some items being purchased on the day as the opening day progresses. One opening day required six trips to the supermarket next door to keep the BBQ and Cycle Smoothie supplies going! On the following day whilst volunteers are all recovering, Howard quickly presents the accounts for the opening day, as a thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed to the success of the opening day and sharing how their part in fundraising endeavours has helped. Assistant Treasurers for future such events are required and offers of help would be greatly appreciated.

The most complicated and involved financial project handled by Howard, and one which cost the most at £17,000, was the Comma Project in 2012, during which in a shop in New Ferry Precinct was rented for six months. Each month there was a different artist and a private viewing party at the end of the artist’s residency. It was a challenge to collect all the receipts: “No receipt, no payment” was Howard’s mantra and quite right too. There was the rent, gas, electric and water bills along with decorating bills, artistic materials, and artist’s payment at the end of their residencies.

 

Howard opening his retirement present

Following this year’s al fresco AGM at the Park, Howard was presented with a caricature of himself painted by Carol Ramsay, who initiated the first opening day. This was beautifully framed, using recycled wood, by Pam Sullivan, who created our Welcome Board. The smile on Howard’s face as he opened the portrait said it all. With such a lovely, personal and fun portrait like that the committee will all want to retire!

To find a replacement for Howard presented some challenges and was a worry as potential Treasurers who were asked declined; then out of the blue John Bateman came forward. John had already started taking a few items on board such as the successful Crowd Funding Campaign for the Silver Jubilee Gates. This raised over £1,000 which is a similar income to an Opening Day but with a lot less effort. John will make an excellent Treasurer as he is already involved in our monthly work parties and is the volunteer who lives the closest to the Park. John will be looking into the world of electronic donations.

Howard will be carrying on at the Park with many of his other roles such as mowing the grass, fixing and painting the site furniture and offering valued advice. Howard has carried out many successful physical projects at the Park; the BBQ stand, the bench by the container, designing compost bins and, best of all, adding a sloping roof to the metal container, keeping it dry and harvesting rain water. Howard has always been a quiet strength of the park and was recognised and celebrated by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who awarded Howard the Eric Thurston Award in 2015. As Howard hands on the Treasurer’s baton, the Park continues its journey with another ambitious project, the Silver Jubilee gates. Under Howard’s good financial stewardship the park has accrued enough funds to make a significant contribution to this grand project.

Spring/Summer Prize Quiz 2021: Winners and Answers

Red underwing moth, the answer to question 5. Photo: John de Haura

The spring/summer quiz entries have been scored and winners notified.

Part one of the quiz consisted of cryptic clues about the names of moths and butterflies. Part two was called 'hidden rivers' and there was an amazing total of 103 river names to find in the short narratives.

The winner is Chris Chantler of Bath, who receives a £10 voucher for the best overall score. Jean Baker of Chesterfield and Louise Hardy of Dunbar both receive a £5 voucher for getting the highest score in one part of the quiz.

Grateful thanks go to Tony Hailwood for his help with preparation and judging of the quiz.

Here are the answers:

Part One - Butterflies and Moths

1. To start with, here’s a wonderful kind of insect, to follow 14, 17, and 27. (4). Hawk

2. Large crowd following golf. (5). Ghost

3. Abundant Friend (one of a Society). (6, 6). Common Quaker

4. Petrol for a reptile following 13 or 25? (13). Tortoiseshell

5. Winter bird caught beneath. (3, 9). Red underwing

6. This one is not Pica pica. (6). Magpie

7. Nor is this one Pavo cristatus. (7). Peacock

8. Did we hear Blair give a greeting in Downing Street? Add 22. (4, 5). High Brown

9. A shorthand for “Come and sit on my knee, Geordie lass”? (6). Lappet

10. Another former Downing Street resident follows 13 or 25. (5). Heath

11. Mercury ore. (8). Cinnabar

12. Waders have individual tiny ears initially, following 13 or 25. (5). White

13. Elgar medley can start 4, 10, 12, or 28. (5). Large

14. In vogue, but not uniform, one of 1. (6). Poplar

15. This one is a French aristocrat. (4, 2, 8). Duke of Burgundy

16. Far eastern personality? (7, 9). Chinese character

17. Jumbo one of 1. (8). Elephant

18. Person in control of Dorset beauty spot. (8, 7). Lulworth Skipper

19. One often seen in a pub. (7). Drinker

20. One Basil very nearly caught. (6, 1). Silver Y

21. Role for Snout, the tinker. (4). Wall

22. Cash register inside religious house. (10). Fritillary

23. One on Great N Ridge, fluttering. (6, 5). Garden tiger

24. Fish, or former cabinet minister. (8). Grayling

25. Second shopping centre, describes 30 + 22, or 4, 10, 12, or 28. (5). Small

26. Kitty? (4). Puss

27. The world’s smallest avian, one of 1. (11). Hummingbird

28. Oxford or Cambridge perhaps can follow 13 or 25. (4). Blue

29. Elegance from SE15? (10, 6). Camberwell Beauty

30. Quiet nobleman edged before 22. (5-8). Pearl-bordered

Part Two - Hidden Rivers

When I compiled these narratives, I knew of 50 river names there. I expected contestants to find a few I was not aware of, but I was greatly surprised by the number of names they found - see below.

I travelled to America, together with all my luggage, and the state I finally reached was Kentucky.  I came across a town where twin sisters owned a diner, the best our guidebook recommended.  These women were great in the kitchen, and they were so cheerful.  They had a speciality of pasta marinated in a rich sauce, served with meat, ham especially.  Or you could go for their well-prepared and delicious eggs benedict.  That was something we all enjoyed.  The best banquet I’ve ever eaten!  I could stomach no more food that evening!

Lugg, Teifi, Rea, Ken, Kent, Uck, Cam, Ter, Sow, Stour, Kit, Itchen, Soch, Tamar, Amar, Ted, Nar, Thame, Thames, Forth, Irwell, Par, Ouse, Allen, Len, Etive, Ive, Ver, Machno, Ore: 30.

 

“Did you go birding?”  “I did indeed: I went with Mister Naylor.  There was heavy rain, and you could feel the wind rushing through your hair, but we didn’t care.  We saw a family of stonechats; we saw stock doves and a few skylarks.   We saw goldcrests in a cedar tree.  We stayed by the lake for a picnic lunch and there I saw a bird I thought was a Slavonian grebe, but I don’t know for certain.  Then we saw a peregrine with young in its cliff eyrie.  We spent all evening watching it.  On the way home at dusk a tawny owl flew down onto the road in front of us.”

Ding, Dee, Went, Tern, Erewash, Wash, Ash, Windrush, Shin, Rha, Carew, Ewe, Stone, Tone, Ock, Dove, Sand, Lark, Dart, Tay, Clun, Avon, Don, Tain, New, Liffey, Spen, Tall, Leven, Ton, Usk, Taw: 32.

“Ernest loves geography - his atlas is all he has ever needed.  He has a wonderful geography teacher: he idolises her.  Ernie, tell us some of the facts you have been taught in geography.”

“Yes.  There are 50 stars and 13 stripes on the American flag.  Andorra has the highest capital city in Europe.  The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires.  Tunis is the capital of Tunisia.  The flags of Germany and Belgium are both yellow, red, and black.  Water flowing from deep underground wells comes from an artesian basin.  The city of Rome was built on seven hills.  The state of Israel is about the same area as Wales.”

Erne, Severn, Rheidol, Ise, Luss, Tar, Can, Lagan, Farg, Aire, Isis, Yellow, Red, Black, Blackwater, Rom, Derg, Roman, Frome, Seven, Tat, Swale: 22.

I was in Devon, and ever one for a football match, I wanted to see a cup-tie.  It was a local derby between Exeter City and Torquay United.  It finished one-nil after one of the defenders scored, enlivening the match with an own goal in the latest minutes of the game.  It was fortunate that the stand was covered because it rained quite heavily during the first half.

Devon, Dever, Deveron, Ant, Ose, Eea, Calder, Alde, Exe, Tor, Hedon, Nen, Fender, Rede, Eden, Lin, Test, Cover, Lyd: 19.

Total: 103.

We are aware that several river names are repeated.  They are:  Dee, Don, Ewe, Ive, Nar, Ore, Rea, Red, Sand, Ted, Ter, and Ver.  We only allowed one point for each of these. 

All of the names listed above have been verified as genuine river names.  A few names that we couldn’t verify were disallowed.