FREE news from around Wirral’s Coast

ion dit r E e mm 13 Coastal Scene Su 20 Photograph of West Kirby from Hilbre by John Ball

The last two weeks of glorious sunshine have brought thousands of visitors to Inside this issue: Wirral’s coast. Beaches at West Kirby and New Brighton have been especially busy and extra Lifeguards have been on duty during the weeks leading up to the schools Wirral Walking Festival 2 summer break. Tim Fowler, Wirral Council’s Lifeguard Service Manager, has Wirral RSPB Manager 3 arranged for additional training for staff including use of the jet ski for patrol now that more people than usual are taking to the sea to cool down in the July sun. The Wirral’s Bathing 4 Coastal Rangers are also ensuring that volunteers are taking precautions when Beaches working outdoors and bringing suncream, a hat and drinking plenty of water Port Sunlight River 5 throughout the day. School groups are also being advised to take particular care and Park especially those crossing to the . A light breeze will have a cooling The Big Beach Clean Up 8 effect but it still doesn't protect from the harmful rays of the sun and what should be an enjoyable day out is too often ruined by not taking simple precautions. Away from Hilbre Island 9 the coastal sites walkers are being plagued by gnats and midges and the Cleg or Geophysical Survey

‘Horse Fly’ but these aren’t going to be as bad as being stung by the Lesser Weaver Volunteering and the 10 Fish that lurks half buried in the sand in shallow water. The painful sting from its John Muir Award spines can require hospital treatment and so advice will always be to wear something Summer Events 11 on your feet when crossing tidal channels and consider wearing something on your Programme feet at all times when on the beach or paddling. Sadly inconsiderate people do leave & 13 rubbish on the beach, some even thinking that burying disposable barbecues or soiled Ranger Roadshows nappies is acceptable behaviour! Wirral’s Parks and Countryside Staff, our contractors and volunteers all work hard to ensure that our beaches and foreshore can Wirral Footpaths and be enjoyed throughout the year and are working especially hard at the moment - some Open Spaces 14 wearing protective clothing, safety boots and gloves in the hot sunshine whilst Preservation Society thousands are able to relax and enjoy the efforts of their labour! Nature’s Calendar 15

Enjoy the summer and enjoy our wonderful beaches—but please take care! Useful Contacts 16

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The 2013 Wirral Walking Festival We’re still waiting for some feedback on overall participant numbers but I’m delighted to report that the 2013 Wirral Walking Festival seems to have been a great success! A few events were cancelled due to poor pre- booking numbers and a few of the non-booking events had low numbers attending but feedback generally is that most walkers really enjoyed the events and that most were well attended. A few walks were so popular that we could have booked all the places several times over so I guess that will give us some ideas of what to include in next year’s event! Preparations for next year will be starting shortly and so I would like to take this opportunity to ask any groups and potential walk leaders to contact me if they would like to get involved. The Walking Festival Committee will be asking all contributors to this year’s event if they would like to be involved again and below are some pictures from this year’s event kindly provided by Phil and Cynthia Sadler from the Photographic Society. To register an interest in next years event e-mail: [email protected]

Buggy Park Fitness at Ashton Park Spring on Hilbre with the Wirral Coastal Rangers

Ness Gardens Moss with the Wirral Footpaths Society

Birkenhead Park, Bidston and Flaybrick Cemetery with the Wirral Rangers Page 2

Colin Wells—Wirral RSPB Reserves Manager

I was delighted when I heard that Colin Wells, RSPB Site Manager for the

Dee and Mersey estuaries received and accepted an invitation to attend nd Her Majesty the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the 22

May in recognition of his long service with the charity. His partner, Lynne Greenstreet - one of our Coastal Rangers based here at had the grand honour of attending with him. Whilst I know Colin from the successful wetland creation and management of both Inner Marsh Farm and Burton Mere Wetlands reserves and through the many partnership birdwatching events that we run together I didn’t know a great deal about the background to his career with the RSPB - one that actually amounts to over 38 years having started work with them in 1975 at the tender young age of 19! The RSPB have had a presence on the Dee

Estuary since 1979 when over Colin with a Bittern at Leighton Moss 2,000ha of saltmarsh off Parkgate was purchased. Formerly known as Gayton Sands - it is now part of the RSPB’s Nature Reserve. Colin’s first job was in the Lake District working on the nest protection project for the only pair of Golden Eagles in England. After that, he worked at several reserves throughout the country as a contract warden, including Handa and Coquet Islands, Strumpshaw Fen, Bempton Cliffs and Killiecrankie where he became a permanent staff member. In February 1982 he was ‘sent’ to Leighton Moss in Lancashire to become. the assistant warden there. It was in 1984 that Colin came to be on the Dee Estuary replacing the existing warden. Under his leadership, the RSPB’s reserve increased in size after the purchase in 1986 of 30ha of poorly drained arable land that soon became Inner Marsh Farm Reserve. The size of the reserve increased even more in 2006 when Colin learned that Burton Marsh Farm was for sale when the owners came Colin and Bill to ask if RSPB wanted to buy it. This purchase provided the RSPB with additional saltmarsh areas which is now sensitively sheep grazed and managed for breeding birds such as Redshank and Skylark and for the internationally important wintering wildfowl and waders. The farm purchase also came complete with 1,800 sheep and an abandoned sheepdog called Bill - so Colin’s talent as a shepherd was hastily developed overnight. (A good home with a local couple was soon found for Bill whose skills at helping Colin and the reserve team round up the sheep was found to be totally non- existent!) A couple of years later the owner of Burton Mere Fishery decided to sell his business with the aim of retiring too. With the aid of external funding from organisations including the Heritage Lottery, Biffa, North West Regional Development Agency and DEFRA, it enabled the RSPB to purchase and develop the land which is now known as Burton Mere Wetlands to provide their customers/members with a greater visitor experience with ‘access for all’ facilities. The final aim of linking Burton Mere Wetlands and Inner Marsh Farm reserve via a timber boardwalk is still in progress. There is still plenty of work for Colin and his team of staff and eager volunteers to do and with no hint of retirement on Colin’s part! Congratulations to Colin on his long service recognition….. and for those of you that know Lynne YES she is pictured here wearing a frock!

Colin and Lynne said “the weather was good – no rain and late afternoon sunshine. We were amazed at the number of people that were there and it was a thrill just walk- ing in through the main entrance to Buckingham Palace on the red carpet! Cups of tea, various sandwiches (including cucumber of course) and cakes were served. The commonest bird in the Palace garden was the Green Woodpecker which was the start of the ‘Palace Bird List’; but we were highly amused by the single Grey Lag Goose that wandered across the lawn in the direction of the tea tent! We thanked the duty police officer for taking our photograph on a day that we shall always remember!” Colin and Lynne at the Palace! Page 3

Wirral’s Bathing Beaches Information on Wirral’s Environment Agency designated Bathing Beaches at West Kirby, , Moreton and Wallasey is now available to view on the Wirral Council website. Results show previous years water quality along with the current year water quality results as tested by the Environment Agency. For information visit: www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/leisure-and-culture/parks-beaches-and-countryside/coast/bathing-waters In addition to these Environment Agency designated and monitored sites Wirral Council’s Environmental Health Pollution Control Section monitor water quality at additional sites at New Brighton Beach, Leasowe Bay, Red Rocks (Hoylake), West Kirby Marine Lake and Beach. All these results can be found by visiting: www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/environment-and-planning/pollution-control/bathing-water-quality All the results are passed to the Marine Conservation Society who publish the Good Beach Guide each year and in 2013 three Wirral beaches appeared in the guide as ‘Recommended’. Out of the 60 sites tested for water quality in the north west only the three Wirral sites at Red Rocks, Moreton and Meols have been recommended.

A new bathing water quality chart can be viewed on the Wirral Council Website along with previous years data for all nine tested sites. Beaches at Red Rocks (above) and Meols (below) are recommended in this year’s MCS Good Beach Guide

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Work is now underway on an exciting new River Park at the former Bromborough Landfill Site on the Wirral. Over 12,000 trees have already been planted on site which will become known as the and is due to open in summer 2014. The new 28 hectare park – a size greater than all the football pitches in the premier league - will provide visitors with a number of distinct experiences, including a link to Shorefield Park, improvements to the reed bed and lake and other new habitats, a scenic waterfront and a perimeter walk. However, the park’s most impressive feature will be the fantastic views of the Liverpool skyline and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will be enjoyed by taking advantage of the site’s existing 37 metre high mound (just half a metre higher than Liverpool Cathedral) and the creation of a number of paths to the summit. The site, which has a long industrial heritage stretching back to the 1850’s, is a former landfill site which was formed by Biffa. The work to transform the bare landfill mound into an attractive park will also widen the appeal and image of the area, locally, regionally and nationally.

Wider Benefits and Vision

The development of the Park is being utilised to generate a wider socio-economic ‘uplift’ strategy by bringing together a vision, all the attractions and access routes in the locality particularly connections to and around the historic Port Sunlight village. The site is the flagship project of the Mersey Coastal Park Strategy (part of Wirral Council’s regeneration vision for East Wirral) designed to re-connect communities with the and harness the economic potential of the waterfront. The vision for a Mersey Coastal Park will concentrate on the coastal stretch between Rock Ferry and Eastham Country Park. The site is approximately 6.5km in length and will include the following ‘signature’ projects which once linked will create a unique visitor and investor attraction. • Signature Project 1 Rock Ferry Waterfront Regeneration Scheme • Signature Project 2 Rock Park Esplanade • Signature Project 3 Shorefields Community Park • Signature Project 4 Newlands 2 Bromborough Landfill Site • Signature Project 5 Wirral International Business Park • Signature Project 6 Eastham Country Park Page 5

Partnership and Funding

Port Sunlight River Park has grown out of Signature Project 4 and the transformation of Bromborough Dock Landfill Site. The transformation of the site has been made possible by bringing together the experience and expertise of a number of organisations including The Land Trust, BIS (Department of Business Innovation and Skills), The Forestry Commission, Biffa Waste Management, Wirral Council, Port Sunlight Village Trust, Unilever, United Utilities, Essar, Gillespies and the Woodland Trust. The partners have been working together for over 2 years to develop a vision for the site and secure funding from a range of sources. The funding for the restoration work and also for long term management is mainly from the ‘Newlands’ programme – a brownfield regeneration programme from BIS that is led by the Forestry Commission (FC). Biffa is also contributing. Plus extra funding for additional tree planting, paths, signs and maintenance has also been received from the English Woodland Grant Scheme. Crucially, the funding also includes money to maintain the site for 99 years after its completion. The Land Trust has acquired a 99 year surface lease and is overseeing the restoration process of turning the former landfill into both a local and regional park and will manage the site in perpetuity therefore securing its long term future.

Improving Access

A major focus of the works will be to improve access. An audit by Natural England identified a lack of access to over 56% of the Northwest’s coastline. The landfill site used to act as a barrier between the communities and the coast – but the river park opens up access to the coast and will connect the communities of Port Sunlight, Bromborough and with the River Mersey. As part of the Coastal Park Concept the riverpark will provide a healthy environment for people and a natural habitat for nature, strengthening the ecology of the waterfront whilst plugging the gap of what will become an unbroken green and blue corridor along the River Mersey. Work Complete to Date

• New flight of steps at the Shorefields end of the site • Management of existing trees • Surfacing of Dock Road North with car parking provision • Clearance of litter and stones • Site investigations • A new network of footpaths • Tree planting • Removal of redundant fencing • New railings and viewing area overlooking the River Mersey • Wildflower meadow creation • Improving the entrance and constructing a car park at Dock Road North

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What People are Saying about the Park

Alison McGovern MP remarked: “I’m so pleased that work has started on our new riverside park. When I was growing up in Bromborough, we enjoyed Eastham Country Park, but further access to the riverside was somewhat restricted. Opening this up has been a priority of mine over the past two years, reuniting Wirral people with their coastline”

Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Land Trust, comments: The creation of this new park will be a fantastic resource not only for the local community by offering benefit to health, education and social cohesion, but also to the region through tourism, creating a catalyst for economic uplift."

John Devine, Regional Operations Manager for Biffa, said: “We are delighted that this former landfill site is to be part of this regeneration scheme and that it will be used as a platform to benefit the local community through its footpaths and views as well as supporting the variety of wildlife habitats it now supports.”

Cllr Pat Hackett, Wirral's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy, said: “This is excellent news for the local community, and for area generally. The park will have expansive views over the entire Mersey Estuary and is sure to become popular with visitors, hopefully bringing an added economic benefit to the area."

Keith Jones, Area Director NW & WM of the Forestry Commission, added: “To reach this point has taken considerable effort by every partner involved; it is an excellent example of what can, and indeed needs to be done in different ways across the country."

Lionel Bolland, Chief Executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: "We are delighted at the creation of the River Park. The historic maritime connection of the village is important to our heritage and a significant additional feature for visitors and the local community. The amenity it affords and the potential increase in economic activity can only be for the good of us all."

For More Information:

Tweet: @psriverpark Email: [email protected] Visit: www.portsunlightriverpark.co.uk

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The Big Beach Clean Up For a second year running, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) teamed up with Marks & Spencer (M&S) to rid beaches, rivers and canals of litter. Thousands of enthusiastic volunteers got involved in the ‘Big Beach and Waterways Clean-up’ between 22nd and 28th April, with 113 beaches and 50 inland waterways getting a spruce up. Thanks to the effort of volunteers who joined in during the week, a staggering 300 km of beach/waterway were tided, resulting in the removal of 4,000 bags of litter weighing 30,000 kg which is amazing! At the beach events, survey forms were completed to capture the types of litter found (similar to what is recorded for Beachwatch) and the details have been compiled and summarised by MCS. The summary report offers more information about the rubbish collected off the beaches and will soon be available to download from the MCS website at www.mcsuk.org As always, some unusual items were picked up from the sand and pebbles, including a HM Prison toothbrush! Over 6,000 people registered to join in with a beach clean - a noticeable increase on the previous year’s uptake - showing just how much people care about the marine environment! At New Brighton beach, one group of friends were really keen and spent over half an hour meticulously removing plastic packaging that had been buried in the sand (pictured). Rachel Stephens, Beach Clean Administrator at the Marine Conservation Society, chose to spend the week in April in the north-west of England, helping out at seven beaches as well as finding time to visit Wir- ral Country Park Centre. “We have many brilliant Beachwatch organisers in Wirral and I was very keen to meet them as well as seeing the beaches they look after year on year, hence why I decided to head to the north-west. I was so pleased to have the opportunity of going to the beaches at West Kirby, Mockbeggar Wharf, New Brighton and also Thurstaston - none of which I’d been to before. My highlight though was meeting the people who I’ve had contact with on the telephone or email over the past 18 months, but never actually met. It was a chance to say ‘thank you’ in person to those who volunteer with the MCS Beachwatch programme as without their commitment and enthusiasm, our shores would be even more littered. I am regularly humbled and inspired by the actions of these wonderful volunteers, so for me it was an opportu- nity to get together with them and to let them know they are hugely appreciated. It was also great to finally meet Josef, Lynne and Matt and get a glimpse of the beautiful Country Park - I’d love to come and visit again!” The Big Beach Clean-up is only possible with the backing of beach owners and managers; MCS and M&S are enormously grateful for the support given by Wirral Coast & Countryside over the past two years, both in the lead-up and on the day of the beach clean events. Another UK-wide beach cleaning activity that benefits from the supportive Wirral team is the annual MCS ‘Beachwatch Big Weekend’, this year taking place from 20th to 23rd September. To help make a difference to Wirral’s marine environment and to sign-up to a beach clean near to you, keep an eye on the events list at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch More events are added every week, so please check regularly! Photograph provided by Rachael Stephens, MCS

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Hilbre Island Geophysical Survey Archaeologists from the University of Oxford descended on Hilbre Island in April to help reveal hidden secrets about the island's past. The team were keen to uncover new details about the salt-works industrial sites on the island. The island's salt-works have left behind interesting earthworks that have been painstakingly mapped and surveyed by dedicated volunteers for a number of years, but a team of experts spent a number of days staying on the island carrying out geophysical surveys to further trace evidence of activity.

Survey organiser, Dean Paton said "We have attempted to further investigate these areas through targeted resistivity and magnetometry surveys which can help reveal extant building remains and sites of burning associated with salt-making ac- tivities. There's no treasure in the traditional sense on the island, but plenty of industrial history to discover, which is a genuine privilege to work on."

Roy Forshaw, from Industrial Heritage Society, has already surveyed most of the island buildings and saltworks over several years using a combination of hand measuring and modern computer aided design software. “Much of the history and heritage of the islands has only recently been accurately surveyed but with the support of Wirral Borough Council, the Korec Group (based in Crosby who provided a free aerial survey of the islands using a miniature drone aircraft) and from penmap.com (who have assisted in providing a computer and software) we can continue with precision surveying and further accurate interpretation of the islands”, says Roy. Wirral Council and the Friends of Hilbre have supported this continuing research although both groups and the archaeologists are keen to point out that whilst academic field study on the islands is supported, metal detecting, excavation and removal of any material on the islands is strictly prohibited under the Local Nature Reserve byelaws and that this also applies to Wirral’s other parks and areas of coast and foreshore. There is however a possibility that licensed metal detecting may once again be possible on Wirral but it is probable that this will be restricted to areas of beach and foreshore and through an agreement with Natural England who will need to consent for the activity to take place on environmentally protected sites. One of the conditions of any licence agreement will be for finds to be declared to the Portable Antiquities Office so that they can be recorded. Photographprovided by Dean Paton, UniversityOxford of

Geophysical surveying on Hilbre Island being undertaken by Archaeologists from the University of Oxford and with voluntary support from Merseyside Industrial Heritage Society

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From the Classroom to the Field… via the Wallasey Tunnel by Naomi Nelson Being a geography student from Liverpool John Moores University meant I was always going to jump at an opportunity of a one month placement to use the knowledge gained in the classroom and apply it to the great outdoors along with the inevitable muddy boots! Being given the chance to work alongside the Coastal Rangers at the Wirral Country Park allowed me to gain invaluable experience in ways I least expected from daily tasks such as filling up bird seed to long (sometimes hot!) days spent on the dunes mapping invasive species using GPS with Frank Bennett. On my first day I was shown around the various coastal sites which are managed by the Rangers based at Wirral Country Park and was told the different projects and goings on. The amount of volunteering groups that helped the Rangers was overwhelming and they showed me how much time and effort is contributed to conserving the beautiful coast. Working with The Friends of the North Wirral Coast on Tuesdays was a definite highlight seeing to old fencing whilst removing the menace that is Poplar and not forgetting the ever famous cup of tea from the Kelly kettle! During my time at the park the Wirral Walking Festival was underway which allowed me to take part in several guided walks alongside the Rangers with the ‘geology walk’ being my favourite which some say may be biased due to my knowledge of the subject or that the sun was shining. Being from the concrete jungle that is Liverpool, I have never had much experience doing hands on work or really getting stuck in with hard graft so returning with skills ranging from cutting down trees, fixing fences and turfing new footpaths will always stick with me. I have always been told “go to Hilbre Island if you ever get the chance” and of course thanks to the Rangers I got that chance. Driving across the sands from West Kirby in the Land Rover is an unforgettable experience never knowing what you might see or which rock you are going to hit next! Working in an area that has green flag status and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) gave me a greater sense of achievement as the area is of such ecological importance to wildlife and biodiversity. There is no doubt that this experience will enhance my degree and opportunities for the future. I will never be able to thank the Rangers and staff at the country park enough, especially Jo Hanik for giving me the opportunity to work with a great group of people who welcomed me from day one with many laughs and as many cups of tea. John Muir Volunteers on Hilbre Volunteers from the Wirral Country Park Thursday Task Force recently spent a night on Hilbre as part of completing their John Muir Award. Wirral Rangers joined the national award scheme earlier this year and several of our existing volunteers have entered in to the John Muir Award which aims to ensure appreciation of our wider countryside through participation in site management and production of interpretive material to encourage others to do the same. If you would like to get involved in volunteering and with the opportunity to join the John Muir Award please contact the Wirral Coastal Rangers

[email protected]

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Coastal Rangers Summer Events Programme July Saturday 6th July 6.30pm – 9.30pm Saturday 20th July Sunset and Wildlife Wildlife Photography Course on Hilbre Join the Coastal Rangers and RSPB for an A very early morning start for this popular course led by evening walk across the sands to Hilbre Is- Ron Thomas (AEAP). £75 per person includes return land to discover its wildlife and history. lift and refreshments. Warm waterproof clothing, stout footwear or welling- Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 tons are recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. Places are limited and a suggested donation of £3 Saturday 20th July 11am – 4pm will be gratefully received on the day for this event. Hilbre Birdwatch Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 Join the Coastal Rangers and RSPB on this low water walk across the sands to Hilbre Islands Sunday 7th July 1pm – 2pm to enjoy the island’s birds and wildlife. Suitable cloth- Sea Life on the North Wirral Coast ing, stout footwear or wellingtons are recom- Join the Coastal Rangers on a rock pooling activity to mended. Bring binoculars if you have them. Places are see the sea life at Leasowe Bay. limited and a suggested donation of £3 will be grate- For further information (0151) 648 4371 fully received on the day for this event. Booking is essential (0151) 648 4371 Saturday 13th July 10am Start Marine Wildlife Workshop Come along to the Thurstaston Visitor Centre where you can learn about cetacean identification, sea- bird and marine environment con- servation and enjoy a beach walk and ‘scavenger hunt’ in the after- noon. No need to book. For further information (0151) 648 4371

August Photograph by Phil Sadler

th Thursday 1st August 11am—2.30pm Saturday 10 August 10.30am – 5pm Life at the Seashore The Big Seawatch Join the Rangers for some coastal themed activities Join the Coastal Rangers, staff from the RSPB, including seashore searches. No need to book. Just turn Hilbre Bird Observatory and the Sea Watch up at Egremont Slipway at the end of Tobin Street. Foundation for a day on Hilbre For further information (0151) 648 4371 looking for seabirds, wading birds and cetaceans that inhabit our wonderful coast. We will be stay- Saturday 3rd August 12noon – 4pm ing on Hilbre during high tide giving us the best chance Take Tea on Hilbre with the RSPB to see them with experts on hand! Places are limited The return of last year’s event by popular de- with a suggested donation of £5 will be gratefully re- mand! Make your own way across the sands to ceived on the day for this event which includes tea/ Hilbre Island where the RSPB will be serving coffee. tea and cakes during the above times and staffing the bird hide overlooking ‘Niffy Bay’. To book your place please ring (0151) 648 4371

To book for this event telephone (0151) 648 4371 th Thursday 15 August 11am – 3pm Sunday 4th August 1pm – 2pm Mud Glorious Mud! Geology of Red Rocks Join the Coastal Rangers and RSPB to find out Join the Coastal Rangers for a look at the geology of what lives in the sand below our feet on Wirral’s Coast. If you give us an email address we can Hoylake beach and learn about the birds that feed on the email you a copy of the Geology and Coastal Erosion creatures that we might find! Please be aware that wel- Resource Pack to look at before the event, or you can lingtons are ESSENTIAL for this event and is not suit- buy a paper copy for £3.50 from Thurstaston Visitor able for very young children. No need to book - just Centre. turn up between the above times. Meet at the Lifeboat Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 Station, King’s Parade, Hoylake. For further information (0151) 648 4371 Page 11 Saturday 17th August 12noon – 4pm Saturday 24th August 12noon start

Take Tea on Hilbre with the RSPB High Tide Birdwatch at Hoylake The return of last year’s event by popular Join the Coastal Rangers, Dee Estuary demand! Make your own way across the sands Voluntary Wardens and the RSPB on this to Hilbre Island where the RSPB will high tide birdwatch at Hoylake where we will Dee Estuary be serving tea and cakes during the Voluntary see large numbers of terns as they above times and staffing the bird hide Wardens gather and roost on the shore. We Dee Estuary Voluntary overlooking ‘Niffy Bay’. hope to see Dunlin and Ringed Wardens To book for this event telephone (0151) 648 4371 Plover as they start to return from their breeding grounds. No need to book. Meet at the Monday 19th August bottom of Trinity Road, King’s Parade, Hoylake. Wildlife Photography Course on Hilbre For further information (0151) 648 4371 A very early morning start for this popular course led by Ron Thomas (AEAP). £75 per person includes Saturday 24th August 6pm – 9pm return lift and refreshments. Sunset and Wildlife Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 Join the Coastal Rangers and RSPB for an evening walk across the sands to Hilbre Island Monday 19th August 1pm – 2pm to discover its wildlife and history. Warm wa- Geology of New Brighton terproof clothing, stout footwear or wellingtons are Join the Coastal Rangers for a look at the geology of recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. Wirral’s Coast. If you give us an email address we can Places are limited and a suggested donation of £3 will email a copy of the Geology and Coastal Erosion be gratefully received on the day for this event. Resource Pack to look at before the event, or you can Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 buy a paper copy for £3.50 From Thurstaston Visitor Centre. Thursday 29th August 11am—2.30pm Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 Fun on the Beach at Leasowe Bay Join the Coastal Rangers for fun on the beach at Leasowe Bay. No need to book. Meet at the Gunsite Seafront Car Park (North Wirral Coastal Park). For further information (0151) 648 4371

September

Saturday 21st September 11am start High Tide Birdwatch at Hoylake You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site when you join the Dee Es- Saturday 7th September 9.30am – 4.30pm tuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and the The Big Seawatch RSPB on this high tide birdwatch at Hoylake. Dress Join the Coastal Rangers, staff from the RSPB and Hil- warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. No need bre Bird Observatory for a day on Hilbre look- to book. Meet at the bottom of Trinity Road, King’s ing for seabirds and wading that inhabit our Parade, Hoylake. wonderful coast. We will be staying on Hilbre For further information (0151) 648 4371 during high tide giving us the best chance to see them with experts on hand! Places are limited with a Access For All suggested donation of £5 will be gratefully received on the day for this event which includes tea/coffee. Many of our walks are accessible to people with Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 limited mobility. However it is recommended that you check for each event if you have specific th Saturday 14 September 9am – 2pm requirements including wheelchair access or are Hilbre Birdwatch unable to step over stiles. In many cases the walk Join the Coastal Rangers and RSPB on this low route can be adapted to provide access for all. water walk across the sands to Hilbre Islands to enjoy the island’s birds and wildlife. Suitable Also, if you are unable to attend the walk at the clothing, stout footwear or wellingtons are recom- times shown, again please contact us and we will mended. Bring binoculars if you have them. Places are be able to advise alternative meeting points for limited and a suggested donation of £3 will be grate- you to join the walk at a different location later fully received on the day for this event. on. Finally, if you need to leave a walk early Booking essential (0151) 648 4371 please let the walk leader know! Page 12

Open Days at this Summer

Built in 1763 Leasowe Lighthouse is 250 years old this year! Come along to one of the public open days and enjoy a tour of this historic Wirral landmark at the heart of the North Wirral Coastal Park. Open Days are from 1pm—5pm and there is a height restriction requiring a minimum height of 1.06 metres for visitors wishing to visit the upper floors. Charges for a guided tour are £2 per adult and £1 per child under 16 years old. Admission to the Ground Floor is free. On Sunday 4th August there will also be a day of seashore activities with the Coastal Rangers, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park. (See the poster below!)

Open Days Sunday 7th & 21st July Sunday 4th & 18th August Sunday 1st & 15th September

Ranger Roadshows….coming to a park near you Free and no need to book…..Just turn up at our Wirral Ranger Roadshows in July and August

Thursday 25th July 11.00-2.30pm Native American Indian Day Tales and crafts with the Rangers and children’s centres in the Walled Garden, Central Park, Liscard. For accompanied children up to 12 years old. Thursday 1st August 11.00-2.30pm Life at the Seashore Discover and explore the coast with the Rangers and children’s centres. Meet on Egremont beach near Egremont Ferry public house. For accompanied children up to 12 years old Thursday 8th August 11.00-2.30pm Ranger Family Fun Day in Arrowe Park. For accompanied children 5 to 12 years old Thursday 15th August 11.00-2.30pm Ranger Family Fun Day in Eastham Country Park. Meet on the field opposite the Ferry Hotel. For accompanied children 5 to 12 years old Thursday 22nd August 11.00-2.30pm Ranger family fun day Theme: Come Fly Your Kite (and other crafts) in Victoria Park Tranmere. For accompanied children 5 to 12 years old Thursday 29th August 11.00-2.30pm Ranger Fun on the Beach. Meet at Leasowe Gunsite Seafront Car Park. (Access from Green Lane). For accompanied children 5 to 12 years old

Page 13 Wirral Footpaths andSaturday Open 15th Spaces December Preservation Society Many thanks to the Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society who have provided £325 of grant aid for surfacing material for the new mobility access path from the Wirral Way to the Thurstaston Visitor Centre. The path was shown to the visiting Green Flag Judge in June as an example of partnership working between the Coastal Rangers and volunteers. Public donations of a bench and trees have complemented the work undertaken and it is hoped that an art installation will be added to mark both the grant from the Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society, in this their 125th anniversary year, as well as marking the official opening of Wirral Country Park 40 years ago in 1973.

Dee Cliffs SSSI Grassland The Dee Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) extend from Thurstaston to Caldy. Included in the nationally protected site is the area of grassland and freshwater ponds located between the cliffs and the Wirral Way at the Thurstaston Centre. Over the years the grassland has been invaded by woody vegetation including hawthorn, gorse and cherry and the once species-rich grassland needs to be re-established with a mowing regime introduced and views over the estuary restored. The ‘half moon’ picnic area will be levelled to allow an annual cut and encroaching bramble cut back to the hedgerow. The ditches will also be cut to provide a physical barrier between the popular grassland and cliff top and the trees by the barbecue site removed to provide better safety and security for the park users. A grant will pay for the work which will need to be undertaken prior to the site being included in a Higher Level Stewardship Agreement which we hope will be in place for 2014.

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Nature’s Calendar Article and photographs by Lynne Greenstreet (Coastal Ranger) Coots are very common water birds and can be seen all year round. They are easily recognised by their black plumage and white ‘shield’ just above the bill and with enormous feet they are well adapted to wet habitats such as ponds and lakes. They make their nests among the reeds, sometimes out in full view where they can be observed quite easily and can produce 2 or more broods each year. When the eggs hatch, the adult birds can be seen feeding their young chicks on insects and pond vegetation. Being very territorial, they will fight and chase other birds that come too close to their nest.

The distinctive brown colour and cream coloured spots make the Speckled Wood butterfly very easy to identify. Seen on the wing between April and October they are usually the only species of but- terfly found in shady areas, inhabiting woodland glades, hedgerows and gardens. Unlike other butterflies, the main food source during the summer months is the sugary honeydew secreted from aphids and deposited on the leaves of trees. It is rarely seen taking nectar from flowers apart from early spring and late summer when aphid numbers are lower.

As late summer and early autumn approaches, many varieties of fungus can be seen. One variety is the Stinkhorn fungus which as its name suggests you are able to smell it before you actually see it! It first appears like a ‘slimy egg’ as it emerges from below the ground. The fruiting body then grows from the base and develops very quickly to a height of about 10 – 20 cm. When it is fresh, it is covered with a layer of sticky green slime which contains the fungal spores nec- essary for reproduction. The smell from it attracts flies and other insects that feed on the slime that aid the spore dispersal. Once the flies have done their job and the slime has been removed, the top of the fruiting body is white in colour. This is a common species that can usually be found throughout the country in woodland areas and is also known as a Witch’s Egg. Despite its smell and ap- pearance, the Stinkhorn isn’t poisonous and can actually be eaten while at the ‘egg’ stage! Mmmmm - no thanks!

Plant galls are very common and can be found on many plants, leaves and trees as we ap- proach late summer and early autumn. There are many different types of galls in the Brit- ish Isles with a huge variety of odd shapes and sizes, but the ones that perhaps we are most familiar with are the Marble Galls on Oak trees and the Bedeguar Galls or ‘Robin’s Pin Cushion’ on wild roses. These are caused by tiny gall wasps - and completely un-noticed by us, they will have laid their eggs in the spring on the new leaf buds causing them to enlarge and distort as the larvae spend the summer feeding inside the developing gall. For evidence of a single newly emerged adult on the brown Marble Gall, look for the small exit- hole in the autumn, while the many Bedeguar Gall larvae continue to spend the winter in- side before emerging in the spring as adults. It was believed that if you ‘burned a Bedeguar Gall and mixed the ashes with honey and applied it to the scalp, it would prevent baldness’! If you want more information on this fascinating subject why not go the website of the Brit- ish Plant Gall Society at www.british-galls.org.uk Page 15

All articles and photographs by Josef Hanik (Senior Ranger for Wirral’s Coast) To receive an electronic copy of this newsletter by unless shown otherwise e-mail (Adobe Reader required) e-mail Coastal Scene [email protected] Thurstaston Centre Wirral Country Park Information will be entered into a database and will not Phone: 0151 648 4371 be made available to any other persons other than the Fax: 0151 648 0776 editorial team and will be used solely for the purpose of e-mail: [email protected] assisting in the distribution of this newsletter.

Wirral Coastal Rangers Alternatively a downloadable version of the newsletter 0151 648 4371 can be found at www.visitwirral.com [email protected]

Wirral Lifeguard Service 0151 630 2188

West Kirby Marine Lake 0151 625 2510

Wirral Country Park Friends Group www.wcpfg.co.uk

The Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park www.friendsofnorthwirralcoastalpark.co.uk The Magazine Hotel Call in to the Magazine Hotel on Magazine Brow in New Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse Brighton and try their new summer menu along with guest ales and where the friendly service comes at no extra charge! www.leasowelighthouse.co.uk These’s something going on most evenings including quiz nights, folk nights and poetry reading. Check out the website Friends of Hilbre for promotions and what’s on as well as a full list of food and www.deeestuary.co.uk/hilbre drinks available. Tel: 0151 630 3169 0151 648 7115 www.the-magazine-hotel.co.uk [email protected]

Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens 0151 648 4371

Hilbre Safe Crossing Times 0151 648 4371/3884

Boat Launching Permits www.safewater.co.uk 0151 630 0446

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