Wirral Way improvements helping wildlife thrive

Frogs, newts and toads are just a small selection of animals that are benefitting from improvements carried out to The Wirral Way over the past 16 months.

The 12 mile footpath, which forms the backbone of Wirral Country Park, has spawning sites for amphibians and the combination of trees, hedgerows, shrubs and wildflowers alongside the path is the perfect habitat for these species to flourish.

It is expected that the work will also benefit hedge hopping blackcaps and chiffchaffs, as well as the dragonflies, bees, bats and hedgehogs that use the Wirral Way as a wildlife corridor.

Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee at Wirral Council, said: “It’s wonderful that these improvements are helping support such a rich diversity of wildlife. The work has also ensured many more sections are lined with colourful wildflowers, making Wirral Country Park look even more beautiful than ever for its 50th anniversary”.

As well as helping increase biodiversity, the work will help accommodate the half a million people who use Wirral Way each year. Three sections, totalling 1800 meters in length, have been widened and resurfaced, which also improves access for emergency vehicles and maintenance machinery. Improved drainage will help tackle prolonged rainfall as part of Wirral Council’s commitment to Climate Change. In addition, the clifftop path and Visitor Centre pond path at Thurstaston have also been widened and resurfaced due to high levels of usage.

To help Wirral Country Park celebrate 50 years since its official opening on 2 October 1973, there will be a busy programme of events so that visitors can enjoy all the Green Flag park has to offer.

‘Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere’ on August 19 will give families an opportunity to help build a mega-structure, while throughout the summer there will be everything from miniature traction engines and teddy bear picnics to wildflower art installations. There will also be guided walks for nature lovers to learn more about the park’s biodiversity as well as organised horse and bike rides.

For a full list of events taking place this year, visit wirral.gov.uk.

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