Packed programme to celebrate Love Parks Week 2026
Wildlife spotting and a teddy bears' treasure hunt are among a host of events as Wirral gets prepared to celebrate parks and green spaces as part of Love Parks Week 2026.
Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, Love Parks Week runs from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August.
During the week, park managers, rangers and ‘Friends of’ volunteer groups across the borough will throw their gates open to communities, hosting a wide range of inclusive events. The programme aims to strengthen communities while promoting healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.
Events will take place in some of Wirral’s most popular and scenic spaces, including Birkenhead Park - nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status - as well as North Wirral Coastal Park, Wallasey Central Park and Wirral Country Park, with activities for all ages.
The packed programme includes events such as a sunset walk to Hilbre Island, a teddy bears treasure hunt, wildlife spotting, beach cleans, a sandcastle building competition, crown green bowls and more.
Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions showcasing work by pupils from Dawpool Primary School, Oldershaw School and Birkenhead School, while libraries are planning a “Takeover the Park” event in Birkenhead Park as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Several spaces will also host Green Flag Award ceremonies, celebrating Wirral’s nationally recognised, award-winning parks and green spaces. The Green Flag Award is an international benchmark for high-quality, well-managed sites, and Wirral currently has 31 Green Flag locations across the borough.
This is a wonderful way to showcase and celebrate the outdoor spaces across Wirral. The borough boasts incredible parks and wildlife, and residents can come and explore things they may not realise are right on their doorstep.
The Green Flag raises will shine a spotlight on the dedication of our parks and countryside staff, as well as Friends groups and volunteers who selflessly give up their time each week to support these spaces.
I’d like to thank everyone who has helped organise this year’s programme and I have no doubt it will be a great success.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks campaign is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate, appreciate and recognise the value of their park and green space – and to reflect on what that green space means for their communities.
Hundreds of park managers and ‘Friends of’ groups across England are hosting a diverse range of inclusive events, and it’s wonderful to see the plans taking shape in Wirral.
Parks are essential for our wellbeing and the health of our environment, offering opportunities for exercise, social connection and stress reduction. The campaign would not be possible without the support of local authorities, park professionals and landowners.
Love Parks Week 2026 events
Wirral Country Park & Thurstaston - Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston, CH61 0HN
Wirral Country Park and Thurstaston Beach Litter Pick
Join the Rangers to help clean up the park and beach. Includes wildlife talks and a strandline search.
Monday 27th July. 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
Nature Detectives
Join the Rangers for a walk around the brilliant habitats at Wirral Country Park to look for some of the amazing wildlife that lives there. This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy, please bring sun cream and waterproofs.
Wednesday 29th July. 11.30am – 1.30pm. Booking required via Eventbrite
Sunset Walk to Hilbre Island
Guided walk across the sands to Hilbre Island with wildlife spotting (including grey seals). Sturdy footwear required. Assistance dogs only.
Thursday 30th July. 6.30pm-9.30pm. Booking required via Eventbrite. Maximum of 30 people.
Art Exhibition by Dawpool Primary School
Visit anytime during visitor centre opening hours (10.30am-4.30pm) to see the artwork created by pupils from Dawpool Primary School specifically for Love Parks week.
Birkenhead Park – Park Drive, Birkenhead CH41 4HY
Junior Rangers – meet at the visitor centre
Join our Rangers for a morning of celebrating our park and wildlife with fun crafts! Activities suitable for ages 3+. Event is free but spaces are limited so bookings are essential. Email birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 652 5197.
Friday 24th July, 10.30am-12pm
History Walk – meet at the Visitor Sentre
Birkenhead Park is the oldest publicly funded municipal park in the world and currently sits as a tentative site for World Heritage Site status. Join the Ranger team on this walk and see the historic sites of our Grade I listed park. Disabled access, however parking may be limited around the edges of the park. Walking routes can be adapted where necessary. Refreshments available for purchase. Book is essential. Email birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 652 5197.
Sunday 26th July. 10.00am-12pm
Art in Nature Walk – meet at Visitor Centre
Experience Birkenhead Park through a blend of art and nature on this free Ranger-led walk! Explore shape, design and basic mark making during the family friendly event. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking is essential. Email birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 652 5197.
Friday 31st July. 10.30am-12pm
Takeover the Park reading event
In conjunction with the National Year of Reading 2026, the Libraries Team are planning a Takeover the Park day where a range of events with be hosted over one day with something for every member of the family!
Date TBC
Birkenhead
Victoria Park Community Litter Pick - Bebington Road, Tranmere, CH42 6SH
Join the friendly park maintenance team and Friends group for some light litter picking, gardening and learn about the fascinating history.
Wednesday 29th July. 10am – 12pm
Beechwood Park ‘Picnic in the Park’ - Beechwood Park, St Oswald's Avenue, CH43 7ZH
Wednesday 29th July. 12pm – 3pm
Bidston Hill Ranger Ramble - Bidston Hill Car Park, CH43 7PD (nearest postcode)
Join an experienced Ranger for a gentle guided walk, visiting the Windmill, Observatory, and Lighthouse. Paths are rugged and unsuitable for most wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Friday 31st July. 1pm-3pm
The Arno & Garden Open Day - Storeton Road, CH43 5XA
Meet the Friends of The Arno for guided tours, gardening tips, refreshments, and a plant sale.
Saturday 1st August. 11am-3pm
Arrowe Park - Arrowe Brook car park, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 1SX
Life around the Lake
A walk and talk starting from Arrowe Brook Road Carpark, walking up to the lake along the brook and heading back down to the car park. The talk will focus on what wildlife can be found in the brook and lake as well as the wildlife around the lake such as water birds and mammals.
Tuesday 28 July and Thursday 30th July. 2pm
Wallasey Central Park - Liscard Road, Wallasey, CH44 0BS
Junior fishing competition
A tournament in Central Park Lake for those aged 12-16. The highest total will win a prize on the day.
Tuesday 28 July. 10am-2pm.
Teddy Bears Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt around the Walled Garden aimed at children aged 2-10.
Wednesday 29th July. 12pm-2pm.
Art Exhibition by Oldershaw School
Visit anytime during Walled Garden cafe opening hours (click here for details) to see the artwork created by pupils from Oldershaw School.
North Wirral
Coastal Cleanup at North Wirral Coastal Park - The Gunsite, Harrison Drive Coastguard, CH46 2RH.
Ideal for families, with a mixed terrain including paths, grassed areas, and beach sections. Some areas may not be fully accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Participants are encouraged to wear sensible clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor conditions. Well‑behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Tuesday 28th July. 1pm-3.30pm.
Ranger-led wildlife drop in - The Gunsite, Harrison Drive Coastguard, CH46 2RH.
Drop in to see the local ranger any and discover what really lives in our coastal parks. Ideal for families, with a mixed terrain including paths, grassed areas, and beach sections. Some areas may not be fully accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Event is weather permitting - heavy rain may cause cancellation.
Wednesday 29th July. 11am-3pm.
North Great Meols Junior Crown Green Bowls Experience - Park School Ln, Birkenhead, Meols, Wirral CH47 6AE
Dates TBC
Central
Brilliant Birds - The Coach House, Royden Park CH48 1NP
Put your bird identification skills to the test by spotting different birds in the Walled Garden. .Then have fun recycling plastic waste into something wildlife will enjoy and make your own bird feeder to take home. There will also be several bird themed arts and crafts activities in the coach house.
Suitable for all ages. Suitable clothing for craft and outdoor activities is recommended. No dogs permitted. For more information and to book a place please email rosemaryIllidge@wirral.gov.uk.
Monday 27th July. 10am-11am.
Summer Sensory Safari - The Coach House, Royden Park CH48 1NP
Join the rangers for a fun filled morning of discovery and explore the sounds, smells, colours and textures of the Walled Garden.
Suitable for all ages. Suitable clothing for craft and outdoor activities is recommended. No dogs permitted. For more information and to book a place please email rosemaryIllidge@wirral.gov.uk.
Tuesday 28th July. 10am-11am.
South Wirral
Great British Balsam Bash - Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, Spital Road, CH62 2BJ
Recommended to wear stout footwear, pants and long sleeves t-shirts. Gloves can be provided.
Monday 27th July. 9.30am.
Meet Eastham’s Ranger and volunteer team - The Rangers Office, The Courtyard, Ferry Road, Eastham, CH62 0BH.
Join the team for a volunteer taster session at Eastham Country Park. Help carry out a number of tasks ranging from controlling invasive and undesirable plant species from our woodland to footpath management.
Wednesday 29th July. 10am.
Torr Park site clearance day - Eastham Village Road, CH62 0BL
Help the Friends of Torr Park with several tidying tasks in the parks which include, litter picking, epicormic growth removal, bench and bin cleaning, graffiti removal, shrub bed weeding.
Saturday 1st August. 10am
Mayer Park path reinstatement - The Village, CH63 7RY
The group will be The Friends of Mayor Park are reinstating the nature area footpath.
Saturday 1st August. 10am
West
Mini-beast hunt - Telegraph Road, CH61 0HH (meet in the car park)
Grab a pot and magnifying glass provided by staff and go searching for mini beasts.
Sunday 26th July. 10.30am-12pm.
Sandcastle competition – West Kirkby main beach, CH48 0QG
Families will have one hour to get creative and design and build their sandcastle or sea related creation. Please bring buckets and spades with you. Look for the ranger in green on the beach.
Monday 27th July. 1.30pm-3pm.
Nocturnal Walk - Ashton Park bowling green, CH48 4DH
Walk along the Wirral Way and around the pond to see if you can spot any night time creatures. Bat detectors will be provided. Please wear sensible shoes and wear layers in case it is cold.
Wednesday 29th July. 8.15pm-9.30pm.
Litter Pick at Thurstaston Hill - Telegraph Road, CH61 0HH (meet in the car park)
Explore Thurstaston Hill, picking up any litter we find. Litter pickers will be provided. Please wear sensible shoes, a sun hat, sun cream, and bring a rain coat and a drink if it is hot.
Thursday 30th July. 10.30am-12pm
Wildlife spotting and a teddy bears' treasure hunt are among a host of events as Wirral gets prepared to celebrate parks and green spaces across the borough.
