Birkenhead park restoration

Maintenance and management of urban nature, Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity

The three principle habitats comprise the woodland, open grassland and the three lakes. “Birkenhead Park has the potential to be ecologically varied, providing a rich resource for an otherwise urban environment. Intensive use and physical deterioration reduced the opportunities for biodiversity in the recent past and these situations need to be reversed if the nature conservation value of the site is to be enhanced”. The general purpose of the restoration project (summarised): preserve and protect the character, appearance and structure of the park, improve opportunities for Heritage interpretation and education and collate archive material as an educational resource, encourage people to participate in and appreciate the value of recreation, conservation, cultural activity and sport. (Ref. 1) Suggestions for the future scheme include: the island in the centre of the Upper Lake to be developed as a habitat for the future possibility of creating a reserve for red squirrels. (Ref. 2, 3) This plan will ensure community involvement, improved visitor services, improved standards of maintenance and improved security and community safety. A key element of this work has been the engagement of the local community and key stakeholders to ensure their involvement and sense of ownership in the future management and development of the park. Key to this has been the involvement of local schools and groups in annual programmes of events and activities based around community arts, local heritage, health activities and sports. (Ref 6)

Measures from the restoration scheme (2002-2007) include new trees/shrubbery planted, a holly hedge was planted, lake edges were restored to their earlier form, water quality of the lakes was improved, marginal planting introduced, resulting in lakes becoming refuge for wildlife as well as "an outdoor classroom for schools and groups". Works at the lakes involved draining, de-silting, constructing of bridges, new borehole and aeration system. (Ref. 1) A key element of this work has been the engagement of the local community and key stakeholders to ensure their involvement and sense of ownership in the future management and development of the park. (Ref 6) The park also contributes to meeting Wirral’s Carbon reduction and other environmental targets by providing green space services close to the borough’s largest population centre and thus increasing the liveability of Birkenhead and thereby enabling people to live close to where they work. (Ref. 1)

• Local government/Municipality
• Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
• Citizens or community groups