Heswall Dales

Opening times

The park is open 24 hours. There are no car parks or toilets. Car parking is on local roads near to access points.

Things to do

• enjoying nature
• walking
• dog walking
• horse riding

Designations

• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
• A small part of the site, Bush way, has been locally designated as a Site of Biological Importance (SBI)

Reasons to visit

Heswall Dales has beautiful panoramic views across the River Dee. It offers interesting walks and pathways, with sights and smells that are unique to Western Lowland Heath environments. The heathland was designated a Site of Speciail Scientific Interest in 1979 and is one of the best remaining example of lowland heath in Merseyside.

Underlying the heath are some geologically interesting, Triassic sandstone outcrops. The reserve has wet and dry heath, with birch and oak scrub, and some plant species which have a localised distribution. With lizard, butterfly, and invertebrate species, this site is a haven for nature lovers.

The dominant plant of the heathland is Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Drier areas of heath contain Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Western Gorse (Ulex gallii). This 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.

Read about the natural heritage at Heswall Dales

Facilities

Rangers office.

Volunteering

The Heswall Dales volunteers meet on Wednesdays at the Ranger's Office. They work alongside the council's team on a variety of environmental and site improvement tasks.

The Friends of Heswall Dales also volunteer, working in partnership with Wirral Council to ensure the future of Heswall Dales.

Find out more about the Friends of Heswall Dales.

Accessibility for people with disabilities

There is free access at all times. Although there are six access points leading into the reserve, the main route is via Oldfield Road which crosses the heath to Bushway, off Delavor Road.

All paths and trails within the site are over rough or uneven ground and may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

Management plan

• View the Management Plan for Heswall Dales (PDF, 2MB)