New Ferry Butterfly Park

The park is an urban nature reserve developed on a former railway coal yard, goods yard & water softening plant. It was established in late 1993 by local resident Mel Roberts, with a band of local community volunteers who continue to look after the park since his death in 2002.  In December 2009 it was announced that the landowner, Brock plc, wanted to sell the land for development and had ordered Cheshire Wildlife Trust to quit by the end of January 2010.  However, on 14th January of that year, Wirral Borough Council resolved to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order against Brock plc to sell the site to them so that the park could be preserved for future generations. The CPO was activated in 2010, and the site is now owned by Cheshire Wildlife Trust. 

Many types of mini-beast thrive here, including up to 26 species of butterflies, 18 of which are known to breed at the site.  There are also moths, shield bugs, grasshoppers, snails, spiders, bees and a variety of pond life. The southern half of the Park has wheelchair-accessible paths. There is limited car parking available within the park.

The park is run by a committee of local people, backed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. New members to the committee and recruits to the wardening team are always welcome.  Find out more or simply come along when the park is open and talk to the volunteers working there.

The park can be found next to Bebington Railway Station, and is accessed off Howell Road, to the side of the Aldi car park. It is open on Sunday afternoons, 2-4pm from May to August. From September to April it only opens every 2nd Sunday of the month, 10am-4pm. The winter openings are also practical work-days when you are welcome to come along for some free exercise helping to maintain the park for wildlife. The park is wardened whenever it is open. 

For further information, contact Paul Loughnane on 0151 645 8937 or Hilary Ash on 0151 327 5923. Admission is free.  Donations welcome.