What's on in 2012

Click here for the Year of Coast & Countryside Events leaflet...and scroll below to view all of Wirral's Year of Coast & Countryside events!

                                  Throughout the year

Mersey Ferries Wildlife Eco Cruise, 18 April, 2 May & 11 July: Mersey Ferries in partnership with Climatlantic will be running two-hour long cruises along Liverpool’s renowned waterfront. Click here for details.

Health Walks :

Birkenhead Park Every Sun & Mon, 11am, meet at the Birkenhead Visitor Centre.

Port Sunlight Every Wed, 11am, meet at Port Sunlight station.

Royden Park Every Thurs, 2.30pm, meet in the main car park. 

West Kirby Sailing Club (meet in car park), every Wednesday at 12 noon

Birkenhead Fortnightly walk, Thurs, 12 noon, meet at St James Centre, Laird St. Call Anne Litherland, Senior Ranger 0151 652 5197 or email litherlanda@wirral.gov.uk      

From Friday 1st April Landscape& Heritage walk at 2pm every Friday until Friday 28th September.
This ranger led walk around the world’s first public park shows the Grade 1 listed landscape designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and includes access to the Grand Entrance. Birkenhead Park. birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or 0151 652 5197 for more information

Windmill Open Days at Bidston Hill    10 - 12noon
Saturday 10th March (Bat’s allowing)
Saturday 14th April
Saturday 12th May
Saturday 9th June
Saturday 14th July
Saturday 11th August
Saturday 8th September

See inside this wonderful Wirral landmark. If you are brave enough (and taller than the 110cm height restriction) climb the ladders to see the view across the Mersey to Liverpool. No Dogs allowed in the mill, but often members of the Friends of Bidston Hill will hold on to your four legged friend whilst you explore. No need to book but please ring 0151 653 9332 to check the open day is still taking place.

Click here for more events with the ranger service and here for the Spring Coastal Newsletter.

 

January

 12th January 2pm -4pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre. Build a bird box.

Get ahead of the game, by making sure your garden has its own resident family of either blue tits or great tits this spring: by building your very own Bird Box. Book on 0151 327 1007.

25 January 8.30am-4pm                  Hilbre Island Winter Specials Stay over tide on the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve with Coastal Ranger.
Max of 30. 0151 648 4371.

February

11 February, starts at 10.30am,  Hoylake High Tide Birdwatch. You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site. Join the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and RSPB on this birdwatch. 0151 648 4371.

11 February, starts at 10am            Tied up in Knots
Join Coastal Ranger for a walk alongside the mudflats of the Dee Estuary from Thurstaston to Heswall to see flocks of Knots and other waders. 0151 648 4371.      

11 February,  2-4pm Simple Bird Feeders, Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm: Come to the farm and put together a simple bird feeder for your garden, subject to availability.  Free but a small donation would be appreciated. Tel 0151 653 9332

13 &17 February, 1pm-4pm              
Shades of the Shoreline, Lady Lever Art Gallery
Port Sunlight used the Mersey to transport goods all over the world, the coast was crucial to its operations. Working with one of NML’s freelance artists, come and help create a mural which will tell this story. Click here.   

15 February, starts at 10.30am               New Ferry Shore: Birds & Shipping
Watch birds feeding at low tide, walk along paths past the fever hospital site, talk about the history of the area including Great Eastern. Meet at Shorefields open space, New Ferry. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk         

Saturday 18th 2pm-4pm Brotherton Park Rangers Yard. Build a bird box. Same as 12th January event

Sunday 19th - Little known facts about Birkenhead Park 1.30-3pm. A ranger led walk looking into the history of this world famous park. Suitable for the whole family. Dogs allowed on a lead.

 

March

10 March, starts at 10am           Hoylake High Tide Birdwatch
Same details as 11 February event. 

Sunday 11th, 2pm. Help plant 50 wild flowers at New Ferry Butterfly Park to celebrate the 50th birthday of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Disabled access. Booking essential. 0151 327 5923. Ideal for families
Meet: New Ferry Butterfly Park, adjacent to Bebington Station car park, off Bebington Road. Come by train or bus, or park inside the Park or in Port Sunlight.

12th to 31st March, Friends of Birkenhead Park photographic exhibition theme: Wirral–the place to visit! In the gallery of the Visitor Centre open 9.30-4pm. Click here for details.

12 March, starts at 6pm                            The Wirral kids quiz   
Come along to the fun quiz evening for children at Lattetude in West Kirby. Learn about Wirral’s unique Coast & Countryside. Free event. For more details visit www.lattetudecookbook.webs.com   

15 March, Birkenhead Park to Bidston Hill Walk      10 - 3.30pm: Join a team of rangers on a journey through the historic landscapes of Birkenhead Park Flaybrick Memorial Gardens & Bidston Hill. Discover the links between these areas rich in history & wildlife. Average fitness required, stout footwear essential. Food available for purchase at Tam o’ Shanter/ bring packed lunch. Meet at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre. 0151 652 5197

17 March, 6.30am-9am         Mad March Hares
Enjoy an early morning walk along the Wirral Way to look for boxing Brown Hares. Learn about their ecology. Max: 20.    0151 648 4371.

Sunday 18th Signs of Spring walk, Birkenhead Park, 1.30-3pm. Look for signs of spring in the park on this ranger led walk. Suitable for the whole family. Dogs allowed on a lead. No need to book.

March - August  Titanic Events

To commemorate the sinking of the Titanic 100 years ago, go on a voyage of discovery at one of many events held in Wirral and take a trip back in time through the culinary delights offered. Click here for the Titanic Events Leaflet.

From 30th March 2012 a repllica of a Titanic wireless room will be opened  at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, in readiness to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on 15th April.

The Wilfred Owen Story in Birkenhead hosted a poetry competition - click here for the winning poems, many with a Titanic theme.

From 14th April a sculpture by artist Claire Blakeborough will be displayed in Port Sunlight Village to commemorate the Titanic sinking and the connections with which Port Sunlight has to the famous disaster. Read more on this.

There will also be a Titanic Celelbration at Leasowe Millennium Centre on 16th April. Click here for details.

April

Good Friday 6 April - Easter Monday 9 April

Easter Arts & Children's workshop: 11am - 4pm. An art exhibition within the Coach House at Royden Park. Also opportunities for the younger to explore their artistic talents.midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

 7th April- Breakfast with the Birds, 7.30am-9am. Join the rangers at Birkenhead Park on this early morning bird walk and enjoy breakfast in Cappuccinos afterwards, for which there will be a charge. Booking essential. birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or 0151 652 5197

7 April, 7am-9am                             The Dawn Chorus
Walk around the Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre at Thurstaston with Coastal Ranger and listen to the dawn chorus from the hedgerows and fields. Max: 30. (Breakfast optional). 0151 648 4371.

7 - 9 April  Easter Egg Hunt, Church Farm, Thurstaston: Hop down to Church Farm for Easter fun. 0151 648 7838 www.churchfarm.org.uk

9 April, starts at 6pm    The Wirral kids quiz          
Come to the fun quiz evening about Wirral’s Coast & Countryside at Lattetude in West Kirby. Aimed at teenagers, there will also be a bbq. For more details www.lattetudecookbook.webs.com          
                                    

Saturday 14th : Birkenhead Park wildflower meadow

Help plant 50 wild flowers at Birkenhead Park to celebrate the 50th birthday of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Booking essential.0151 327 5923. Ideal for families.Meet: outside the Pavilion, Birkenhead Park

15th April, 10am - 3pm, From the Vikings to the Titanic. Join the mid-Wirral Ranger for a walk over Thurstaston Hill and discover how the Triassic sandstone and ice age shaped the township as we see it today and how it influenced early settlers. Then after lunch join the Coastal Ranger and learn about the influence of the Ismay family that lived in Thurstaston and their son Bruce Ismay who survived the Titanic- that sank exactly 100 years ago today. Stout footwear required. Booking essential, on which meeting place will be disclosed. 0151 648 4371.

Sunday 15th April -The Lakes of Birkenhead Park
Find out about all three lakes in Birkenhead Park and look for the signs of birds nesting on this ranger led guided walk 2.00 pm-3.30pm. Suitable for the whole family.

21 April, 11am-3pm  Geological Trail of Flaybrick Cemetery
Come along and join in on some geological guided walks and family run activities.  Meet at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm.For further details call Kathryn Riddington on 01244 972096. 

21April, starts 2pm     Woodland Management the Traditional Way
Thornton Common and Thornton Wood. See what hedge laying, coppicing and pollarding look like. Meet at Thornton Common, Thornton Common Road, Clatterbridge.
www.wirralwildlife.co.uk

 22nd April 11am-12.30am  Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre
Bluebell & wildflower walk. Come to Eastham Country Park and see the spectacular display of native British Bluebells in all their glory. Find out the difference between our own native variety and the imported Spanish variety.Book on 0151 327 1007.

24 April, starts at 10am Ancient Woodland
Walk through Dibbinsdale for bluebells, wood anemones and other flowers of ancient woodland, and some local history. Meet at Bromborough Rake Station, Bromborough Rake. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk          

May

1 - 6 May                                   Wirral Walking Festival Week

A series of promoted walks of various distances, throughout the Parks and Open Countryside of Wirral. 0151 648 4371. Click here for details of the walks.* Please note additions/amends for walks on Wed 2nd May & Sun 6th May: -

Wed 2nd:
10am: Meet at Irby Village car park. This five mile circular walk with splendid views of the Welsh hills will be mainly on footpaths and include Thurstaston.  Walkers should bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and boots.Leader Brian Grey (Wirral Ramblers)

Sunday 6th:

10am: Meet at Irby Village car park. This five mile circular walk to Arrowe Park will be mainly on footpaths.  Walkers should bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and boots. Leader Brian Grey (Wirral Ramblers).

2pm: Meet at Thurstaston Visitor Centre, Wirral Country Park, Station Road, Thurstaston. Wirral Way 50th Anniversary of the last train: Heritage and history walk and talk along The Wirral Way.

11am: Meet at Royden Park courtyard. This five mile walk in the Royden Park area which has model steam trains will include hidden Thurstaston.  Bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and suitable footwear. Leader Keith Robins (Wirral Ramblers)

 

General enquiries: Robin Tutchings 0151 606 2480 / 07795 367276. Rights Of Way Officer   

Click here for further detail on the 'Walking for Health' walk in West Kirby, 1st May, and here for detail on the guided walk of Birkenhead Park, Flaybrick Cemetry & Bidston Hill, 3rd May.

6 May, 12noon-4pm                                  New Ferry Butterfly Park Open Day
Childrens’ activities, craft and art stalls, pond dipping, guided walks to find mini-beasts. Meet at New Ferry Butterfly Park, adj. to Bebington Station car park, off Bebington Road, New Ferry.
www.wirralwildlife.co.uk  

11 - 13 May British Open Team Dinghy Racing Trophy International dinghy racing on the
Marine Lake, West Kirby.
www.wksc.net/wilsontrophy

12th May 10.30am-3.30pm  Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre
Highways & Byways of South Wirral
Join the Rangers for a guided walk over highways and the byways of South Wirral. This is a 6 mile walk and is aimed at the more adventurous walker. Route- ECP to Brotherton Park. Packed lunch at B.P then back to ECP. Sensible clothes & footwear are essential. Bring a packed lunch!. Book on 0151 334 9851 Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

13 May, 6am-9am                                  A Package from Africa
Join Coastal Ranger for a walk along the paths, through the dunes and over the scrub grasslands around Leasowe Lighthouse to search for the recently arrived warblers that breed here.0151 648 4371.         

13 May Secret Gardens of Oxton          
Visit the beautiful gardens in the lovely surroundings of the Oxton Village Conservation area. For further details 07963 248268. www.oxtonsociety.org.uk

13 May, starts 11am                              The Port Sunlight 10k Race
To celebrate the Olympic year, Port Sunlight Village Museum is reinstating  this old sporting event. There will be a 10k race for adults with plenty of food and fun for spectators to enjoy.  matthew@portsunlight10k.com
www.portsunlight10k.com                             

15 May, starts at 4pm                          Fort & Rockpooling
New Brighton shore, rockpools and other shore invertebrates. Fort Perch Rock and its history. Meet at in front of Fort Perch Rock. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk          

20th May- Notable and important trees of Birkenhead Park
A Ranger led guided walk. 2.00 pm-3.30pm. Dogs allowed on a lead.
Suitable for the whole family.                                                

27 May                                                    Wirral Coastal Walk         
Charity walk starting at Seacombe Ferry and finishing at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston. Contact 0151 203 2111. www.coastalwalk.org.uk

27 May, 11am-4pm                           West Kirby Seaside Fair                 
A traditional seaside fair at Coronation Gardens including Aunt Sally, Coconut Shy, Hook the Duck and lots more. www.friendsofcoronationgardens.co.uk                                  

June

Olympic Torch Relay, 1 June. Click here for details. and here for details of the relay and events around the Olympics in Wirral

Afternoon Tea in the Diamond, Port Sunlight: Vintage themed tea party and picnic celebrating the Queen's Jubilee. 0151 644 6466  www.portsunlightvillage.com                        

7 June, The Antiques Roadshow comes to Port Sunlight

Perhaps you have an herloom or treasured item tucked away in an attic? Click here for more information on the event.  Click here for details of the show

8 June  Henry V, Ness Gardens: Illyria Theatre Company present outdoor theatre at Ness Botanic Gardens. 0151 353 0123

9 June, 10.30am-12.30pm , A Railway Legacy - Wirral Way
Join Coastal Ranger and members of the Wirral Country Park Recording Group and discover plants that have made the Wirral Way home over the past 50 years. 0151 648 4371.

 9 - 10 June                                                  Wirral Kite Festival

                 

A two day festival with International and UK kite flyers at New Brighton.
0151 691 8269. visit www.visitwirral.com/whatson from early in 2012.       

                 

Wednesday 13th, 10am: Red Rocks to West Kirby

Plants of sand dunes and salt marsh, including the new "Green Beach". Local history of this coast including Hilbre islands. Meet: Stanley Road slipway, SJ204883. Come by train (arrive Hoylake, leave West Kirby) or walk back along the beach.

Wednesday 13th  8pm-10pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre
In the trail of the owl
A night time walk in the woods with the Ranger looking and listening for the tell tail signs of owls. Book on 0151 327 1007.

16 June, 11am-3pm    Geological Trail of Thurstaston
Come along and join in on some geological guided walks and family fun activities.
For extra details call Kathryn Riddington on 01244 972096.

17 June, The Mersey Pirate Muster, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, 11-5pm (times tbc).

Head down to New Brighton for Pirate fun & Games.  Living history displays, take part in the pirate parade, join in the treasure hunt and watch the pirate battle for the Fort. Family fun all day www.merseypiratemuster.com

17th June Wild flowers of Birkenhead Park 2.00 pm-3.30pm
A Ranger led guided walk looking at the wild flower meadow and other flowers in the park. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family.

Sunday 24th June 10.30am – 1.30pm: Back to the Triassic and Jurassic times
Meet: Royden Park Coach House. What happened 225 million years ago? Where was Royden Park and Thurstaston Common? Find out the answers and discover how the earth has changed over these millions of years.

July

6 - 8 July, Festival of Firsts:  Arts Festival in and around Hoylake       www.festivaloffirsts.co.uk                    

Wednesday 18th  8pm- 10pm Brotherton Park Rangers Yard
On the trail of the owl. Same event as 13th June.Book on 0151 334 9851.

21 July, 8pm-11pm                              Hunting Barn Owls
Join Members of the Wirral Barn Owl Trust and Coastal Ranger for a walk along the Wirral Way to the grasslands in search of hunting barn owls looking to feed their hungry chicks. Max: 30. 0151 648 4371

22nd July, Wirral Historic Vehicle Rally: A cavlecade of historic vehicles drive around the borough starting in New Brighton and finishing in Port Sunlight Village.  Click here.

Life at the Seashore at a number of locations. 26 July, 9 August, 23 August
Look out for the Parks and Countryside Mobile Information Unit that will be touring the coast during the summer. For full details www.visitwirrral.com/whatson  in early 2012. 0151 648 4371

                            
28 July, 11am-4pm                                    
Take Tea on Hilbre 
The RSPB will be serving tea and cakes and will also be staffing the bird hide overlooking the Niffy Bay.  0151 648 4371.

Saturday 28th,  2pm. Grasslands and pond: Grassland management traditional-style with scythes. Watch and if you like have a go yourself. Pond dipping and mini-beast hunts. Disabled access. Ideal for families. No need to book. Meet: New Ferry Butterfly Park, adjacent to Bebington Station car park.

28th July -12 August (except Mondays): Summer Art Exhibition and children’s workshops Coach House Royden Park, 11am - 4pm. Also opportunities for the younger to explore their artistic talents.midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Sunday 29th July 10.30am – 12.30pm: Be a Nature Detective
Meet: Royden Park by the Coach House. Want to learn how to ‘discover’ nature. Look for the clues in the countryside and become a ware of what lives there.

August

12 August, 11am-4pm Take Tea on Hilbre 
Same details as 28 July event.        

12th August- Wirral Flower and Vegetable show 12 to 5pm. Birkenhead Park
The fifth annual show for all who grow flowers, fruit and vegetables on the Wirral. Classes also for children. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family. birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk  or 0151 652 5197 for more information.        

Sunday 12th,11am-4pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre  

Cheshire Wildlife Trust Wildlife Discovery Day

Displays and exhibits by wildlife experts. Experience animals up close whether they be Cheshire's dragons (great crested newts), a bewildering diversity of moths, freshwater buglife, bee colonies or predatory birds.  Learn about the fascinating lives of these animals and how you can make a difference to wildlife. There will be ‘drop in’ sessions including art activities for children such as dragonflies on sticks, face painting, kite making, bird and bee box making.  Traditional, but declining, country skills will be showcased offering all the chance to have a go at willow weaving, hurdling or bodging. The Wirral Herpetological Society will also be in the Visitor Centre with a huge display of snakes and other reptiles.Book on 0151 327 1007.

14 August, 10.30am-12.30pm                 Family Treasure/Scavenger Hunt at The Gunsite, North Wirral Coastal Park  Join the Friends of the Coastal Park at the Gunsite overlooking Leasowe Bay. Discover the conservation work that they do and the heritage and wildlife found here. 0151 648 4371.

14 August, 1pm-4pm                                Victorian Family Fun Day
Hoylake Lifeboat museum have organised a lovely event to highlight Hoylake’s Victorian and Edwardian heritage. The boathouse is Victorian and houses a very rare lifeboat. www.hoylakelifeboatmuseum.com     

15th August 10.30am-3.30pm Eastham Country ParkVisitor Centre
Highways & Byways of South Wirral. same details as May event but book on 0151 327 1007.

18 August, starts at 11.30am               Hoylake High Tide Birdwatch
Same details as 11 February event.                                              

18 August, 1.30pm-3.30pm                       An Insect Safari
Enjoy a leisurely walk with Coastal Ranger and members of the Wirral Country Park Recording Group to discover caterpillars, butterflies and dragonflies around Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre at Thurstaston. 0151 648 4371.                                         

19 August, 12noon-4pm The King Orry 3 Story& Exhibition

Held at Fort Perch Rock, the exhibition will tell the story of the King Orry. Wilfred Owen sailed on her for his tragic final duty at the end of 1918. An entrance fee to the fort is payable but the exhibition is free. www.wilfredowenstory.com

Thursday 23rd 11am-2pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre. Build a bat box
What better way to attract bats into your garden than building your very own Bat Box?  Book on 0151 327 1007.

25 August, starts 10am, Port Sunlight Summer Festival

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary ofThe Beatles playing together for the first time which took place in Port Sunlight Village. Details 0151 644 6466 www.portsunlightvillage.com               

25 August, 1pm             Home on Leave,Wilfred Owen’s Wirral
The Meols coast inspired Wilfred Owen’s poetry and he loved to visit whilst on leave.
Location of the event is Meols promenade. Pre-booking essential call 07539 371925. www.wilfredowenstory.com    

Sunday 26th August: Discover our Heathlands 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Meet: Oldfield Road by Cleaver Heath in Heswall. Take a close look at some of our heathlands on Wirral. Cleaver Heath and Heswall Dales are both lowland heaths managed to maintain their unique flora and fauna. These heaths also both overlook the splendours of the River Dee.                    

              
26 - 27 August                                   Wirral Food & Drink Festival
A foodie’s paradise featuring quality producers, chef demos, entertainment and refreshments in the lovely, rural setting of Claremont Farm. Call 07877 921276. 

www.wirralfoodfestival.co.uk         

         

   

27 August, 10am-5pm               Hoylake RNLI Open Day
A day out for all the family featuring air displays, sideshows, stalls and fairground.
Hoylake promenade.  Go to www.visitwirral.com/whatson in early 2012             

29 August,  'Macbeth'

Outdoor theatre presented by The Lord Chamberlain's Men at Ness Botanic Gardens, 0151 353 0123                                

September

September 4th 2pm Thurstaston Common. Lowland Heathland. Heathers, landscape and management including grazing. Heathers, landscape and management including grazing. Meet at Royden Park, in front of coach house (by toilets).
www.wirralwildlife.co.uk

8 September, starts at 9.30am, Hilbre Low Water Birdwatch
Enjoy a walk over the sands of the Dee Estuary to the Hilbre Islands.

6th to 9th September- Heritage and Landscape walks. Birkenhead Park, 1.30pm-3.30pm. In conjunction with Heritage Open Days find out why this park is the only one in the country to have a Grade 1 listed landscape. Groups please book in advance. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family

7th to 8th September - Promenade Stages Rally, New Brighton Promenade: Motor racing along the Promenade. Click here for details. Kings Parade will be closed to traffic during this event)

8 September, 8pm-11pm                      Pipistrelle Bats
Join Coastal Ranger for an evening walk along the Wirral Way, around
the ponds and grasslands at the Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre at Thurstaston, and the Dungeon to see Pipistrelle bats emerging from their daytime roosts. 0151 648 4371.                         

8th September, Help plant 50 wild flowers at Dawpool Nature Reserve, Wirral Way to celebrate the 50th birthday of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Booking essential. 0151 327 5923 Ideal for families

12th September 8.30pm - 10.30pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre & 26th September same time at Brotherton Park Ranger's Yard. In search of bats. Come along for a night time stroll in the woods with the Ranger looking for the these tiny flying mammals.  0151 327 1007.

September 15, 2pm  Help plant 50 wild flowers at Bidston Moss community woodland to celebrate the 50th birthday of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Meet Bidston retail park car park, north end in front of B&Q bulk door. Booking essential. 0151 327 5923 Ideal for families  

13 - 16 September, Ricoh Women's British Open: Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake hosts the prestigious event. Click here for details. 

September 20th  Stones & Birds (high tide 14.37, 9.3m) start 10 am
Geology of the clay cliffs and birds of the Dee estuary. Meet Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Station Road, Thurstaston. Walk down steps to the beach. No need to book. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk

22 - 23 September                 Birkenhead Park Festival of  Transport
A celebration of historic vehicles including steam traction engines at Birkenhead Park.
For further details call 0151 652 5197. Click here.

October

5 October, Leasowe Lighthouse & Winter Birds, starts 1pm (walk), about 2pm for lighthouse tour: A birdwatch for the winter months - Leasowe Bay at high tide. Walk from Leasowe Lighthouse to the shore, return to lighthouse for hot drinks. Booking needed for lighthouse (cost £2.50). 0151 327 5923. Meet at Leasowe Lighthouse. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk

1 - 5 October, Wirral Golf Classic, Various golf courses

The 3rd annual Wirral Golf Classic is a 72 hole Stableford competition for club golfers, which will be held on the four beautiful golf courses - Caldy, Heswall, Wallasey and the magnificent Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Click here for more details.

7 October 12 - 4pm Eastham Country Park Visitor Centre, Apple Day & The Mersey Morris Men

Come and see the Mersey Morris Men perform some traditional English Folk Dances, and marvel at the array of locally grown apples. Taste some freshly pressed apple juice or enter the longest apple peel competition. There’s lots’ going on. For more information 0151 327 1007 

13 October, 11am-1pm              Search the Strandline
See what the tides have washed up with a stroll along the north Wirral foreshore and Leasowe Bay with Coastal Ranger and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park. Meet at the Gunsite Seafront car park.     0151 648 4371.

14 October Run Liverpool Marathon
Starting in Birkenhead Park, the event
cuts through New Brighton, returns to Birkenhead along the promenade and through the Birkenhead Tunnel to Liverpool. Click here.       

21st October- Autumn Walk at Birkenhead Park
Look for the signs of autumn and the trees cloaked in gold and amber on this ranger led guided walk.2.00 pm-3.30pm 

Dates TBC, Scareshow, Church Farm, Thurstaston: Visit the Creepy Cottage, take a Haunted Hay Ride and join in other spooky activities if you dare! 0151 648 7838 www.scareshow.com        

            

November

International Guitar Festival TBC date in November
Annual celebration of guitar music, with concerts and workshops at the Floral Pavilion. www.bestguitarfest.com     

Sunday 11th, 2pm. Bluebells for Remembrance
Plant bluebell bulbs at New Ferry Butterfly Park under our hazel coppices. Booking essential  ring 0151 327 5923. Meet: New Ferry Butterfly Park, adjacent to Bebington Station car park, off Bebington Road, New Ferry. SJ333851. Come by train or bus, or park inside the Park (disabled especially) or in Port Sunlight. Leaders: Paul Loughnane and volunteers from Wirral Countryside Volunteers and New Ferry Butterfly Park.                           

17 November, starts at 9.30am           Pintails on the Dee
The Dee Estuary is one of the most important wintering sites in the UK for these elegant ducks. Join Coastal Ranger and WCP Recording Group for a walk along the beach to view them feeding in the channel before they roost in the saltmarch at high tide. Meet at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre at Thurstaston.                                    

17 November, starts at 10.30am Hoylake High Tide Birdwatch
Same details as 11 February event.     

18th November- Celebrities of Birkenhead Park, 1.30pm-3pm.Ranger led guided walk looking at the famous people who made and use the park, past and present. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family.    

     

December

1st & 2nd December ( date tbc)        Port Sunlight Christmas Food Fayre
A foodie’s festive delight, featuring food stalls and chef demos.  www.portsunlightchristmasfayre.com      

15 December, starts at 2pm               Coastal Countryside in Review
For the last 12 months, Coastal Ranger Matt Thomas has been looking at what our coastal habitats have to offer throughout the year. Join him as he shows you some of the predicted highlights.   0151 648 4371               

16th December - Winter Walk, Birkenhead Park, 1.30pm-3pm
Look for the signs of Winter on this ranger led guided walk. Dogs allowed on a lead. Suitable for the whole family.

Date tbc Floral Pavilion Panto, New Brighton: Take the family to the traditional Christmas Panto 0151 666 0000  www.floralpavilion.com

Date tbc                   West Kirby Santa Dash                    
Join Santas from across Wirral and take part in this festive seaside run to raise money for Hoylake Cottage Hospital. www.westkirbycbc.co.uk                              

Date tbc          The Church Farm Santa Experience 
Take a tractor ride to the enchanted forest and meet Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Santa himself. Don’t forget to check it out. www.churchfarm.org.uk                   

For more events in Wirral click here