A wildlife group in Wirral celebrates its 50th anniversary this month.
Its first meeting was held at Bebington Oval on April 7, 1971.
Meetings then took place in two caravans, one at Thurstaston Visitor Centre and one at Eastham Country Park, each weekend during the summer months.
The original committee consisted of chairman Major Frank White, Margaret Gilmour, Henry Larsen, Nora MacMillan (Mrs Mac), David Mills, Jane Ratcliffe, Richard Smith and Graham Taylor.
Linda Higginbottom, member of the group said: "Jim Gilmour, a previous secretary to the committee, remembered passing a queue waiting for our jumble sale in Liscard and hearing a woman wondering what a ‘Conversation Trust’ actually did.
Wirral Wildlife hosting Apple Day during autumn
"We had little base data on species distribution in 1971 – an essential pre-requisite of conservation action.
"Recording of species in Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites has been carried out regularly since then.
"The information accumulated by our recorders has been of value to the Planning Department and Ranger Service.”
The group has been able to use their records and plans to obtain grants as well as contribute their knowledge to council initiatives and make recommendations on planning applications impact on wildlife.
The group get together to take part in pond-dipping activity
They are now involved with six Wirral nature reserves where practical work is carried out by a team of volunteers and led by honorary wardens.
Linda said: “We have also created a programme of talks and guided walks that are open to the public which are held in Heswall Hall.”
The seasonal events vary from early dawn bluebell summer walks to Apple Day at Eastham Country Park each autumn.
Linda said: “None of these things would be possible without a dedicated team who form the Wirral Wildlife committee and the host of volunteers who help out in so many different ways.
Members outside their stand on science day
“We value their support and we are all committed to a Wirral richer in wildlife. We are currently considering what we can do to celebrate this 50-year milestone.
“Our aim is to inspire, inform, educate and encourage people to protect nature in Wirral – values that were as true in 1971 as they are today.”
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