Next steps and other paths

In summer work in the Dales moves to footpath clearance and repair. These volunteers and Ranger Chris have just finished adding some steps to the descent from the Turtle's Head. The volunteers meet every Wednesday at 10.00 at the Ranger's cottage. Join us?

AGM

Our AGM will be held on 28th May 2024 at 7:30 pm and, as in recent years, this will be on-line using Zoom. A link will be sent out to members ahead of the meeting and all are welcome to attend.

Site Map

A new "Site Map" tab has been added to our web site to provide faster access to information that we hope will enhance your visit to Heswall Dales.

HIghland clearances

Take a new look at the high ground behind and along from the Heswall Society bench. Over the last two months the Rangers and volunteers have cleared most of this area of gorse and birch which has revealed some wonderful views of the Dee estuary and the rest of the Dales. There's always more to do on the Dales - could you spare some time on Wednesdays to volunteer? Call Ranger Chris Werney on 07767 474478. BTW the Friends will have a stand at the forthcoming "Nature on your Doorstep" event to be hosted at Heswall Hall by Heswall U3A on 8th April from 0930 to 11.30

Site Maintenance

Some parts of our web site (e.g. maps) will be offline on Wednesday 21st February between 20:00 and 23:30. This is due to a server upgrade by our hosts. We apologise for any inconvenience and hope that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Dog dirt petition (2)

Following on August's petition urging Wirral Council to become more robust in its enforcement, Councillor Graham Davies and the Chair of the Friends group recently hosted a visit to the Dales by two of the senior council officers concerned. They saw at first hand the amount of dog dirt and were reminded what it can do to the fragile ecosystem of our "hidden gem".....and how ineffective current enforcement is. The council is reviewing its enforcement policy in the new year: we shall be continuing to monitor the situation and encourage an improved approach. Thanks again to all who signed the petition.

Bats in the Dales

The Friends had been conducting a bat survey and planned to install some bat boxes in the Dales when one of our members with a particular interest in and knowledge of bats stepped in to help. He agreed the sites of the bat boxes with the Ranger and very kindly donated five bat boxes which are now installed near the Turtle's Head and near the Birch Steps. Why the need? Modern building techniques mean that available sites for bats to roost in are in decline: we are fortunate that there are still three types of bat in Heswall - the Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle and Noctule. If you have an interest in bats you might consider joining the Bat Conservation Trust va the local group, the Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group via www.batgroup.org.uk