PORT Sunlight River Park is preparing to celebrate its one year anniversary, with rangers calling for volunteers to help make the day a success.

It is approaching 12 months since Wirral South MP Alison McGovern declared the site open for public use.

Now the MP is helping with preparations for an event to mark the occasion.

Speaking about the anniversary, Ms McGovern said: “Volunteers have made the park the success that it has been over the last year and I would like to thank everyone who has given their time to help as their contribution has been really valuable.

"The park’s first year has been a very successful one having won an award for most improved space of the year and hosting a viewing event for the Three Queens fleet arrival back in May with thousands of people in attendance.

"I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this success and the first anniversary. The anniversary event promises to be a really fun day for all the family. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic along with them.”

The park was transformed from a landfill site after a multi-million regeneration project.

The site was used for landfill from 1991 to 2006 and is owned by waste management firm, Biffa. 

It was re-developed, at a cost of £2.3m, by the Land Trust.

It now features wildflower meadows, grasslands and picturesque views of Liverpool’s skyline. The 28-hectare park is set to become a haven for families and dog walkers.

More than 12,000 trees have been planted on the land that was once home to Bromborough Dock, with drainage work, viewing areas and soon-to-be-installed park benches all helping to create a spot that is sure to prove popular with Wirral’s walkers.

Volunteers will be needed to help on the day of the anniversary event which takes place on Sunday, August 16.

It will run from 12pm until 4pm, with a 5k run starting at 9.30am on the day.

Those who have some time to spare to volunteer on the day should contact the park’s ranger Anne Litherland on Anne.Litherland@wirral.autistic.org