[dropcap type=”circle”]N[/dropcap]ot so long ago the location of Port Sunlight River Park was a mountain of landfill waste 120 feet high. The site was an eyesore and didn’t smell so good either. Now it’s a 70 acre park providing habitats for wildlife and a popular community space. Just two years old its visitor numbers are healthy and growing all the time.
Park Warden, Anne Litherland, describes its appeal: “It’s got the most terrific views of the Mersey, the Liverpool skyline, North Wales and the Wirral. It’s a great venue to watch local wildlife. We’ve got nearly a hundred species of bird already recorded in the two years we’ve been here. There are skylarks, linnets, water fowl and many more. Foxes are regular visitors. There are numerous butterflies and a particularly good bat population as well.”
The River Park sits cheek by jowl with industry and the contrast is one of the qualities that makes this little haven so special. Beneath your feet is soil that varies in depth between 3 and 10 feet, and beneath that a couple of layers of plastic that contain the waste and any by-products – like methane gas which is put to good use generating electricity that goes into the National Grid.
Owned by the Land Trust and managed by local charity Autism Together, the Park also plays an important role in the lives of people on the autism spectrum. Says Anne: “We have service users with us from Monday to Friday every week, and they help manage the park by mowing, strimming, clearing up leaves, cutting back, and generally being involved in the park’s maintenance.
“Sometimes autistic people are prone to feeling anxious, so here they can engage in tasks they might not feel able to do in other circumstances. Being in a natural environment, even an artificially created one like this, is really good for their well being and all the other people who come to visit.”
If you haven’t visited Port Sunlight River Park Anne has plenty of reasons why you should: “Come for the views. Access to the coast is difficult in this part of the world because of all the industry but you’ve got it here. Come and walk, walk your dog so long as it is under control, run, lots of people do that, ride your bikes, marvel at how rubbish can become something very special, and if you fancy, learn something about the natural world.”
You’ll find the award-winning park on Dock Road South, Bromborough, CH62 4LN. If you have a disability it’s a good idea to call first on 07587550060 as staff like to make sure that the most convenient parking and welcome arrangements are in place before your arrival.
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