Wildlife

Wirral is sometimes described as "England in miniature" and for a peninsula of only sixty square miles with a population of over 300,000, the range and diversity of species and habitats is breathtaking.  The richness of Wirral's biodiversity is also one of its best-kept secrets.

Take Hilbre Islands for example: as well as playing host to seals and a great variety of visiting birds, it is one of only three sites in North West England for the very rare and beautiful Rock Sea-lavender plant.

The broad-leaved woodland at Eastham Country Park supports a wide variety of wildlife and contains some of the finest mature trees to be found in Wirral. On the West Coast lies Wirral Country Park and Thurstaston with their superb views over the River Dee to the Welsh Hills.  Search for crabs and seashells on the sandy shore, count the different birds, watch for Weasels in the hedgerows or explore the waterfall and old oak woodland of the ‘Dungeon’.

From West Kirby pick up the footpath and bridleway of the renowned Wirral Way which runs for 12 miles, following the route of the old railway line to Hooton.  There is potential to spot various wildlife along this route including badgers and foxes and an extensive variety of birds.

The North Wirral Coastal Park - again massively popular - is home to the only site in England for the Belted Beauty moth and the very rare Natterjack Toad is making a comeback in the sand dunes at Red Rocks near Hoylake.

Add to this the hundreds of thousands of birds that spend each winter on the mudflats and saltmarshes of the Dee and Mersey Estuaries and it is obvious that Wirral is no ordinary place.

This is just a taste of the wildlife that Wirral has to offer.  To find out more please click here