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Heswall Dales - LNR
Heswall Dales is an area of lowland heath of some seventy two acres in extent, it is situated on the north eastern side of the Dee Estuary of which, weather permitting, superb panoramic views may be obtained, together with views of the hills and mountain ranges of North Wales beyond.
The heathland was recognised in 1979 as the second best remaining example of lowland heath in the Merseyside area, (Thurstaston Common being the first) and as such was designated for its heathland value, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by the Nature Conservancy Council now English Nature. In 1991 Heswall Dales was given the status of Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
Heswall Dales LNR is situated a short distance almost due west of Heswall Centre. There is free access at all times. Although there are six access points leading into the heathland the main route would appear to be via the bridleway off Oldfield Road which crosses the heathland to Bushway, off Delavor Road. Along this route you will pass Dale Farm - situated near to the entrance gate is Heswall Dales information box - which is regularly updated with walks, talks and events - local happenings and management topics relating to the local reserve area.
Unfortunately Heswall Dales possesses neither a car park or toilets - car parking being restricted to local roads adjacent to access points. Heswall Dales LNR is one of the series of western lowland heath plant communities occurring on the Triassic sandstone outcrops of Wirral.
The area possesses wet and dry heath, with birch and oak scrub, and some plant species which have a localised distribution; together with its associated wildlife it represents an important refuge in an ever expanding urban environment. During the warm summer months, the heath supports an array of insects including grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies and moths; which in turn are a rich food source for insectivorous birds and mammals. Shrews can occasionally be heard bickering noisily from the dense undergrowth. Gorse provides excellent cover for birds such as Wrens, Yellowhammers and Chaffinches.
The dominant plant of the heathland is Heather (Calluna vulgaris) drier areas of heath contain an assemblage of Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Western Gorse (Ulex gallii) this latter species has a distinct western distribution in Britain and is of regional significance.
The mosaic of Birch scrub and European Gorse is an important habitat for breeding birds. The heathland has a characteristic flora and fauna which will not tolerate any great disturbance - serious damage may be caused through visitor trampling and fires.
A pleasant introduction to Heswall Dales LNR would be to park your vehicle at the Wirral Country Park Centre at Thurstaston and follow the blue waymarking sign - this is a circular walk which passes through the Heswall Dales - encompassing farmland, heathland and estuary en-route before returning you to Thurstaston Centre, where refreshments and toilet facilities are available.