Important butterfly reserve threatened with closure on the Wirral

The owners of the reserve has asked for it to close, with no explanation.

New Ferry Butterfly Park, a community-run nature reserve on the Wirral, is threatened with closure. Brock plc, the owners of the site, have told the Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT), which holds the lease, to vacate the Park and have refused repeated offers by CWT to buy it. The Park site, already a nature reserve and Site of Biological Importance, was bought in 1997.

The park is one of the best butterfly sites in Cheshire, and also home to many other mini-beasts such as spiders, moths, bumble bees, grasshoppers, shield bugs, woodlice, snails and hoverflies. It is used for education and training, from infant schoolchildren up to post-graduate professionals, as well as quiet recreation and enjoyment of wildlife. Its unusual management has featured in national scientific journals.

Corporate, Social & Environmental Responsibility - Lip service?

Brock PLC is a subsidiary of D Morgan PLC. D Morgan PLC's Corporate, Social & Environmental Responsibility states:

"D Morgan PLC operates in the community in a manner which minimises environmental impact and which encourages communication with local people. Independently audited by the Centre for Construction Innovation D Morgan PLC is classified ‘Carbon Neutral' although our operations go beyond this classification by being ‘Carbon Negative' which benefit can be passed on to our Clients by ‘Carbon offsetting'."

Is this just lip service? 

Hilary Ash, one of its management team and Hon Conservation Officer for Wirral Wildlife, says "There is simply no equivalent site in Wirral or Cheshire. Its ecology is unique, which is why Cheshire Wildlife Trust leased it in 1993. It is also in the urban area, with excellent public transport access, more than 2000 schoolchildren within walking distance, and in an area with little natural open space. It will be a huge loss to people and wildlife if it is destroyed."

Ben Chapman, MP for Wirral South, who has often visited the Park, said "The Butterfly Park is a vital asset to New Ferry. Many local schools, societies and other organisations have visited and benefited from its presence. The Park Committee has put in a great deal of effort over the years to regenerate what was essentially a useless piece of land into a thriving urban nature reserve. The conservation work of Wirral Wildlife has also recently been recognised at a Downing Street Reception. I am very disappointed that the landowners have expressed their desire to close it and I very much hope we can reverse this decision".

New Ferry Councillor Steve Niblock said " It is a disgrace that the future of the Park is under threat. This gem in New Ferry must be preserved at all costs. It is sad that the owners will not sell the land to the dedicated volunteers that manage the park. I am asking that the community rally round and sign the petition to save the park (www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethebutterflypark/).