Rivacre Valley Country Park
A fascinating green oasis within Ellesmere Port, Rivacre Valley has over 400 acres of beautiful woodland and wildflower meadows to appeal to all the family.
The park follows the course of Rivacre brook and there is a self-guided nature trail and a ranger centre.
Contact the Rangers on 0151 357 1991
Burton Wood
Rising uphill behind the picturesque village of Burton is this attractive wooded area commanding superb views across the Dee Estuary. The display of wild hyacinths and rhododendron are a particular feature in spring.
Stanney Woods
A leisurely stroll through this area of woodland provides interest throughout the seasons. Circular routes lead through an area of ancient, dense woodland providing a retreat to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Contact the Rangers on 0151 357 1991
Wirral Country Park
Wirral Country Park follows the route of the former Hooton to West Kirby railway line. A linear footpath known as the Wirral Way passes through a variety of scenery with places to sit and enjoy a picnic along the way.
Hadlow Road Station at Willaston is an important feature. Appearing as it did in the 1950s, it provides a sense of nostalgia for a bygone age.
For further information, contact Cheshire County Council Countryside Management Service on 0151 327 5145,
or the Wirral Country Park Visitors' Centre on 0151 648 4371
Website: Cheshire County Council's Countryside Management Service
Dee Estuary
For many hundreds of years the Dee Estuary was a gateway to the port of Chester until gradual silting led to the development of mud flats which were colonised by salt marsh vegetation.
A suggested route known as the Wildflowers Walk takes in a quiet stretch of the coastline along the Dee estuary. This circular route passes through the pretty village of Ness and hedgerows of the Wirral Way. The mass of marshland attracts an abundance of interesting birdlife.
For further information contact Wirral Ranger Service on 0151 648 4371.
Whitby Park
Just a short distance from the busy Port Arcades shopping area in Ellesmere Port is an area of urban parkland which provides an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside.
The park was originally designed by T.H. Mawson and Son in 1932/3 and many of the original design features remain. It is a fine example of nineteenth century landscape.
In the centre of the park stands Whitby Hall, a large hall built in the 1860s by the Grace family and is now used by the community. Facilities include a children's play area, ball court, bowling green, community green and public toilets.
Stanney Fields Park
The park is a 5 minute walk from Neston Town Centre and is an ideal place to stop off and have a picnic.
For those interested in a longer walk, the park is an ideal starting point or stop-over for walkers along the linear footpath of Wirral Country Park with easy access to Parkgate, or further afield to Heswall and West Kirby. Facilities include a skate park and a children's play area.
Both parks are ideal venues for local events. Anyone interested should contact 0151 356 6767 for further information.
Get involved in looking after the parks
Some parks in Ellesmere Port and Neston have active Friends Groups who meet regularly to talk and plan developments and management issues within their respective parks. For further information contact: 0151 356 6994
Further information - useful external link
