Wetland Development Between West Kirby and Hoylake Expected to Commence Late Next Year

Construction of wetlands between West Kirby and Hoylake is anticipated to commence late next year. This initiative aims to mitigate flood risks in the area and establish a new nature reserve designed to attract visitors. Earlier this year, Wirral Council secured £430,000 in flood management funding to develop a new wetland across Hoylake Carrs. Over a three-year period, various habitats including ponds, grassland, marsh, and woodland will be established. According to a briefing provided to councillors, water will be retained by a small “lip” along the perimeter of the land, featuring shallow ponds and ditches “to create an ideal habitat for wintering waders and wildfowl”. This project is intended to support wildlife within the Dee Estuary, recognized as an internationally significant habitat for migrating birds. The public will retain access to the site, facilitated by the introduction of new boardwalks. The land designated for this project is situated northeast of the Gilroy Nature Park, which is reportedly home to 43 distinct bird species, on the periphery of West Kirby. Councillor Liz Grey, who chairs Wirral’s environment committee, previously stated that the concept for a wetland was initially proposed by a campaign group opposing plans for a luxury golf resort on the same parcel of land. However, the council had been independently developing a wetland proposal for several years. In March, she affirmed that the scheme would enhance access to the area, expand educational opportunities, and safeguard a section of green belt land from development, adding: “It’s absolutely wonderful, but important for the local community as it protects the land for the community for years to come.” She also noted that sites such as the Martin Mere wetland in Lancashire draw up to 200,000 visitors annually, injecting £6 million into the local economy. The council’s biodiversity net gain strategy report also highlighted efforts to establish 30 new wildflower meadows across Wirral, with work projected to begin in February. The local authority is currently collaborating with 80 schools on environmental matters and has organized 13 community planting events. Wirral Council was previously ranked first for its biodiversity action among all English councils by the environmental organization Climate Emergency UK. For more content, listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.