I am delighted to have joined the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust as Conservation Officer! Having started this role in January, the experience of working around the Estuary in the depths of winter has certainly been interesting. One day the temperature might be above 10 degrees, the sun is shining, and I’m working in a t-shirt. The next day the temperature has dropped to nearer 0 degrees, I’m wearing at least four layers of clothing, and embracing the sideways rain that cannot be hidden from out on the Saltmarsh. The experience truly speaks to the dynamic changeability of the Estuary environment (and UK weather!). The below photographs were taken during my first month in the role, capturing how changeable and unpredictable the weather has been.
I love nothing more than exploring new places by walking, and winter is, perhaps unexpectedly, the time of year I make the most conscious effort to walk outdoors. With the shorter days I am often trying to make the most of the daylight hours, which usually looks like a lunch time walk. I have spent much of the first month in this role exploring the trails of the many reserves surrounding the Mersey Estuary, many of which I did not know of before.
Below is our interactive map, which shows the locations of each site and how to access them. My highlights experiencing each site follow, which I hope will inspire your own exploration of our wonderful Mersey Estuary.
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Oxmoor Wood
On first appearance, a small green space between multiple large industrial buildings, it may not appear there is much to see. However, with further exploration there is lots of life to see and appreciate at this site. The site itself is larger than it first seems, with a mix of habitats supporting many species of birds. In fact, in a short lunch time walk I was able to identify 17 different species of birds through sight or sound!
Gatewarth Nature Reserve
Starting this walk from The Ferry Tavern, I was struck by the fantastic views of the upper Mersey. As the photos to the left show, the weather was quite dynamic during my visit. The walk started with storm clouds looming, but I took my chances and continued, rewarded with blue skies and sunshine as the storm clouds moved off toward Liverpool.
Part of the reserve is closed to the public due to the area being of good potential to attract wildlife such as ground nesting birds, which shouldn’t be disturbed, especially in breeding season (February – September). However there are plenty of designated trails, some of which overlook the closed off area, so keep a distant eye out for wildlife using this space.
Wigg Island
I have visited Wigg island a fair few times by now, and each time has brought something new! There are many paths to explore, and guaranteed fantastic views of the Mersey Gateway Bridge and across the estuary. On my very first visit, I was absolutely delighted to see a Kingfisher resting on the edge of the mudflats, though I wasn’t lucky enough to be holding my camera at the time… Here’s hoping for a second sighting!
On a more recent visit I noticed some early signs of spring, snowdrops, primroses, and blossoms beginning to open on trees. This has left me feeling hopeful for the spring and summer months to come.
Spike Island
The most accessible of all the sites visited thus far, Spike Island is an excellent option should you wish to start and/or end your walk with a visit to a café (or even some learning at the Catalyst Science Museum). In a short walk around the island, you’re guaranteed great views of the Mersey estuary and the Mersey Gateway Bridge, and plenty of wildlife both on the water and on land. I was lucky enough to visit on beautifully sunny day, and could just imagine all the people that will be enjoying their days in this space in the coming months once the weather warms. I also snapped the photos to the left of some birds enjoying their days in this space, whatever the weather!
Widnes Warth
I enjoyed a misty visit to Widnes Warth, catching occasional glimpses of the Mersey Gateway bridge. Walking directly on the Saltmarsh here should be avoided, especially in February – September as the ground nesting birds make use of the area, and any dogs should be kept on leads as not to frighten the birds. The whole area is however partially visible from the path along the St Helens Canal. The path runs to the future flower statue, which has a viewing area with excellent views of the saltmarsh, the Mersey estuary, and the Mersey Gateway Bridge (the sunset view here is also excellent should you time it right!). Starting at Spike Island, keep walking along the St Helens canal path to reach Widnes Warth.
I look forward to better getting to know these sites and others in the coming months, already this role has opened my eyes to the natural beauty of the Upper Mersey Estuary and places to appreciate it. Where is your favourite place to visit the Mersey? Please let me know in the comments section below and I’ll be sure to make a visit if I haven’t already!
Thank you for reading, until next time – Hannah Atkins, Conservation Officer