The Mersey Gateway Project

Walk on the wild side hailed as major success

July 24, 2015MerseylinkNews

Nature-lovers got a rare treat when they were able to take in the wildlife at Fiddler’s Ferry nature reserve.

About 15 people attended the Hawks and Hawkers event, organised by the Mersey Gateway Project, which enabled wildlife enthusiasts to take a guided tour around the area, which is normally closed to the public.

Enthusiastic group: About 15 people attended the Hawks and Hawkers event at Fiddler’s Ferry nature reserve (Picture: Geoff Dearden)

They were able to spot rare and spectacular birds, including buzzards, hawks and peregrine falcons, as well as Hawker dragonflies.

Nature at its best: An example of the wildlife on show during the Hawks and Hawkers event at Fiddler’s Ferry nature reserve (Picture: Jeff Clarke)

Tour guide Jeff Clarke said the event had been timed to coincide with the peak period for dragonflies and damselflies. Fiddler’s Ferry nature reserve has a wealth of ponds and water bodies that provide the perfect home for a number of these beautiful creatures.

However, the neighbouring power station is a well-known haunt of some great bird predators, too, so visitors got to glimpse a variety of spectacular wildlife.

Philip Antrobus, from Hough Green in Widnes, said: “Something completely different. Amazing and very enjoyable.”

And David and Angela Barrow, from Widnes, said: “It was well organised and really enjoyable. Jeff Clarke was very knowledgeable.”

All profits from the event will be donated to local environmental charities.

Hawks and Hawkers was one of three guided nature events organised by Merseylink and the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust that are taking place this summer.

They are designed to encourage nature-lovers to study wildlife along the Upper Mersey Estuary. A long-term aim of the Mersey Gateway project is to improve the local environment along the river.

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