Friends of Heswall Dales

02/04/2026

A new version of the Heswall Dales Map has been placed in our notice boards. This version includes the location of the nearest defibrillator, the location of the new notice board at the Quarry Road West entrance and the proposed location of a new notice board at the Feather Lane entrance (the board has been constructed but we are awaiting installation). The new version of the Dales Map is also available on our website.

27/01/2026

Our website now contains a drone video of Heswall Dales in the autumn. We hope to produce more to reflect the changes in flora throughout the seasons in one of Wirral's hidden gems.

Web Site of Heswall Dales Friends Group

23/09/2025

The verdict of the recent "mystery shop" inspection of the Dales by Green Flag inspectors:

"This is an ideal nature reserve overlooking the great estuary of the River Dee. A slice of nature to be appreciated by all visitors, sympathetically presented and maintained"

Thanks to Chris Werney and the Ranger team, volunteers, visitors and the Friends -- well done all!

14/05/2025

The fencing around the meadow at the Bush Way entrance to The Dales was recently vandalised and the sign directing walkers to Feather Lane was removed. If anyone knows the whereabouts of the sign, please contact us at [email protected] or contact the Ranger at [email protected]. Please note that these signs are not cheap and have been funded by the Friends of Heswall Dales which relies on donations for funding.

07/04/2025

Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick visited Heswall Dales on 4th April, meeting members of the Heswall Dales Friends and Dales Ranger Chris Werney. During a ramble covering heathland and wooded valleys (and the Turtles Head) a wide variety of environmental topics was discussed including heathland management, protection and recovery, encouraging biodiversity and reducing dog fouling. We look forward to seeing Matthew on the Dales again.

17/03/2025

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is running a free Action for Wildlife Weekend in Birkenhead. There will be a free giveaway of wildflower and tree plants, as well as lots of free workshops all about how to help wildlife. Here's the link and some visuals:

Come and learn how to help wildlife in your own community!

26/02/2025

A 'Bat Box Hibernation Roost' survey in February revealed 3 small bats huddled together in one box - likely all Pipistrelles. Hopefully they will continue to enjoy the environment and "facilities" provided on Heswall Dales.

07/02/2025

Cutting and burning is fine, but how to stop gorse regrowth? Financed by a grant obtained by the Friends from Wirral Together, an excavator was hired for a day to dig out the roots from the area around the granite bench down to the oak tree exit. This was highly successful and the next stage (already underway) is to collect and burn the (very many) roots. As ever, more volunteers welcome.

07/01/2025

Wirral Country Park Rangers (whose patch includes the Dales, as well as Hilbre island and the Wirral Way) have been awarded UK "Best of the Best" for Park Staff in 2024 by the Green Flag organisation. Well done everyone!

21/12/2024

In a series of heroic Wednesday work sessions a team of volunteers and Rangers has now cut down and burnt virtually all of the unwanted gorse and birch at the very large site at the north of the Dales beyond the oak tree entrance. The path through is clear again and the views are great. A very good conclusion to the 2024 clearance campaign. Well done all! P.S. More volunteers always welcome.

22/09/2024

The prestigious Green Flag has been awarded (again) to the Dales following the inspection panel's visit in July.

22/09/2024

Wirral Heritage Open Days featured Dale Farm and the Dales last Saturday 14th Sep, with Ranger Chris Werney leading a guided walk across the Dales. A good turnout (about 40) of all ages heard Chris describe why the Dales is so special and the work needed to maintain its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.