Coastal

Set between the rivers Dee and Mersey, the Wirral Peninsula flows into Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea, Wirral's coastline is one of the United Kingdom's most highly protected wildlife resources. Not only does it attract internationally important numbers of wading birds to feed on the vast mud and sand flats it also provides a venue for a number of international events attracting people to some of the top outdoor leisure venues in North West Europe.

This year the Wirral Sand Yacht Club is hosting the 2007 European Sand Yacht Championships at Hoylake and free events like The Wirral Show and the Hoylake Lifeboat Open Day will once again attract thousands of people to the coast.

Liverpool Bay is now one of the best places in Europe for inshore cod fishing and the improvements in water quality in the estuaries has not only increased the diversity and numbers of our native marine species but has increased the numbers of day visitors to our clean beaches and foreshore.

In 2006 the Environment Agency sampled 32 designated coastal bathing areas in the North West of England. Out of those 32 only 9 reached the highest standard and 4 of those were in Wirral.

Leasowe Lighthouse, built in 1763, is the oldest brick lighthouse in Britain and So whether you enjoy the quiet solitude of the Hilbre Islands or the broad expanse of sand at Hoylake or enjoy the bathing beaches of West Kirby or Wallasey or want to learn more about our rich maritime history, Wirrals coastline has something to offer everyone!

For further information please contact the ranger on 0151 678 5488 or email coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk