Prenton Nature Trail is now open all year round

Prenton Nature Trail is now open to the public year round thanks to the work of a team of local volunteers.

The new nature reserve is located behind Prenton Rugby Club and features a beautiful circular route where walkers can admire a wide variety of nature that is now flourishing thanks to the team.

Prenton RUFC and National Grid have joined forces in a 10-year partnership in a bid to not only restore the natural beauty of Prenton Claypit, but also provide better access and an educational nature trail for the wider community.

Situated behind Prenton RUFC Community Hub, the Prenton Dell Claypit is an area of both flora-rich woodland and numerous habitats, which has ultimately led to the area being home to a huge variety of birds and butterflies, as well as species such as great crested newts.

The project was split into several development stages, with all work being completed under the guidance of Wirral Wildlife. The first of these was the installation of gravel paths. Not only has this provided safe underfoot in a rather boggy space but it also enables its use for the community.

The wooden walkways were installed in areas that are prone to flooding by club volunteers with some help and advice from Nick and his team from Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire. The gravel paths were laid by local firm Gavin Building Services. Following this the team restored the ponds as well as installing benches and season-specific signs to aid in educating people of the species that call the Claypit their home.

The beautiful area can now be enjoyed by dog-walkers, eco schools and local scout groups, while also being a safe haven for mental health groups. It is very much a community project and provides a welcome opportunity to expand upon Prenton Rugby Club’s community garden which already serves as a brilliant place for local residents — all part of the wider vision to bridge gaps in the local community.

Brian Kenny, Mayor of Wirral said:

“The aim here is to create an area of biodiversity that is not only good for nature but also the local community and that is fantastic. I would like to say a big thank you to all of the volunteers connected with this project.”

The Prenton Dell Claypit’s Nature Trail is located just behind Prenton Rugby Club and is now open every day, 365 days a year. The announcement comes just as Prenton Rugby Club are about to complete their club development — a huge £1million project that has converted their club into a community hub due to many local facilities closing.