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The Meadow area
The Meadow area
The Meadow area is rare neutral grassland which has probably never been used for agriculture. In the past the field was grazed by cattle but has not been cropped. We are working to enhance the Meadow area by adding suitable native plants, including yellow rattle. Known as 'nature's lawnmower', yellow rattle suppresses the growth of the more vigorous grasses, enabling other plants to flourish.
The Meadow area is rare neutral grassland which has probably never been used for agriculture. In the past the field was grazed by cattle but has not been cropped. We are working to enhance the Meadow area by adding suitable native plants, including yellow rattle. Known as 'nature's lawnmower', yellow rattle suppresses the growth of the more vigorous grasses, enabling other plants to flourish.
Black Poplars
Black Poplars
In 1999, three rare black poplars were planted near to Jackson's Pond. These have now matured and we are working with Wirral Wildlife and Chester Zoo to have them genetically typed.
In 1999, three rare black poplars were planted near to Jackson's Pond. These have now matured and we are working with Wirral Wildlife and Chester Zoo to have them genetically typed.
Amphibia
Amphibia
In Jackson's Pond, we have great crested newts. These are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The pond also has had smooth newts, frogs and toads.
In Jackson's Pond, we have great crested newts. These are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The pond also has had smooth newts, frogs and toads.
Wild Flowers
Wild Flowers
During the summer months it is usually possible to see some orchids in the Meadow area. In particular, we have the common spotted orchid most years.
During the summer months it is usually possible to see some orchids in the Meadow area. In particular, we have the common spotted orchid most years.
We try to ensure that only native wild flowers grow in the Meadow. For a handy identifier of different wild flowers in the UK, click here.
We try to ensure that only native wild flowers grow in the Meadow. For a handy identifier of different wild flowers in the UK, click here.
Bats
Bats
We have done bat walks with our volunteers. Pipistrelles bats are always found in the Dead Man's Pond area but we have also detected noctule bats and soprano bats flying about.
We have done bat walks with our volunteers. Pipistrelles bats are always found in the Dead Man's Pond area but we have also detected noctule bats and soprano bats flying about.
Bird Life
Bird Life
We have a bird watching team who visit each month to see what birds are in the meadow area. In 2025, they spotted 39 species. Regular visitors, seen at least ten of the twelve months include blackbirds, blue tits, crows, jackdaws, woodpigeons, magpies, great tits and robins. Rarer visitors, spotted only once this year included fieldfare, goldcrest, common gull, Canada goose, bullfinch, pheasant, raven, pink footed goose, starling, swift and willow warbler. For the full list, click here.
We have a bird watching team who visit each month to see what birds are in the meadow area. In 2025, they spotted 39 species. Regular visitors, seen at least ten of the twelve months include blackbirds, blue tits, crows, jackdaws, woodpigeons, magpies, great tits and robins. Rarer visitors, spotted only once this year included fieldfare, goldcrest, common gull, Canada goose, bullfinch, pheasant, raven, pink footed goose, starling, swift and willow warbler. For the full list, click here.
We have bird boxes in both School Wood and near Dead Man's Pond which have successfully been occupied by blue tits and great tits.
We have bird boxes in both School Wood and near Dead Man's Pond which have successfully been occupied by blue tits and great tits.
Not sure what birds you have seen? Try this identification site to help identify the most common birds.
Not sure what birds you have seen? Try this identification site to help identify the most common birds.
Fungi
Fungi
In October 2025, we had a fungi foray and identified 25 different varieties. We were particularly pleased to find a waxcap, which is an indicator of ancient grassland. For a full list, click here.
In October 2025, we had a fungi foray and identified 25 different varieties. We were particularly pleased to find a waxcap, which is an indicator of ancient grassland. For a full list, click here.
Butterflies
Butterflies
We see a lot of butterflies, particularly attracted to plants by the middle entrance. This area has been named butterfly corner. We have planted some alder buckthorn to attract brimstone butterflies at the North end of the meadow. Other butterflies we see are commas, whites, blues, peacocks and meadow browns.
We see a lot of butterflies, particularly attracted to plants by the middle entrance. This area has been named butterfly corner. We have planted some alder buckthorn to attract brimstone butterflies at the North end of the meadow. Other butterflies we see are commas, whites, blues, peacocks and meadow browns.
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