Council awarded £300k to develop wetland reserve

A £314,000 flood management grant has been awarded to Wirral Council to transform 60 ha of land into a diverse range of habitats.

The funding will boost biodiversity at Hoylake Carrs, creating ponds, marshes, woodlands and more accessible public spaces in partnership with Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Hoylake Carrs already floods regularly. The creation of a wetland nature reserve will boost biodiversity, tourism revenue and wellbeing of local residents (Richard Smith).

Councillor Liz Grey, chair of Wirral Council's environment committee, said the project would boost health and education opportunities, while safeguarding a green belt area.

She said: "It's obviously going to be a tourist attraction and part of our visitor economy and bring more people to the West Kirby and Hoylake area. They will visit local restaurants and businesses and maybe even stay over and boost the local economy."

Concerns have been raised that the project might result in flood but Cllr Grey said restoring habitats would in fact reduce the risk of flooding downstream in areas like Leasowe.

Local birder Jane Turner said the grant was great news for waders and wildfowl. An adjacent field held up to 4,000 Black-tailed Godwits before it was drained by the farmer who had hoped to sell the land for housing, and thousands of Pink-footed Geese appear when the area floods. With improved wetland habitat, it is hoped the area can continue to support such important numbers of birds.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust will manage the site over 30 years following the initial investment, ensuring sustainability and biodiversity enhancement.