Wirral libraries reveal their 'seven natural wonders'

This December, Wirral libraries have explored their seven natural wonders of Wirral.

You can drop into Birkenhead Reference Library to find out more about all these places. They also have lots of photos in their extensive archive.

Here is a look at the list: 

7. Raby Mere

Raby Mere is the largest body of water in Wirral. It’s nearly a quarter of a mile long and is surrounded by woodland on three sides.

It was created by damming the River Dibbin, which once flowed through the peninsula. In the 17th Century a watermill stood on the banks of the mere but, by Victorian times, this had become a tearoom.

Raby Mere (Image: Tracey Rennie)

During this period the area was a popular beauty spot, with swing-boats, penny slot machines, rowing boats to hire and ice-skating in the winter. Busloads of people would arrive at weekends to enjoy the fun.

It’s all much quieter these days but remains a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the view.

6. Storeton Woods

Today Storeton Woods is a popular walking spot. It boasts many old beech, sycamore and oak trees and its pine wood has earned locals the nickname ‘firbobs.’

The area is also notable for its history. The woods grew up on the site of the old sandstone quarry, which has existed since Roman times.

Storeton Woods (Image: Richie Robinson)

A tramway was laid in 1837 using rails from the famous Rainhill Trials, and stone from the quarry was used to face the Empire State building. In 1838 preserved dinosaur footprints were also discovered on the site.

The raptor-like reptile was called a Chirotherium and you can view one of its footprints in Liverpool’s World Museum.

5. Leasowe Bay

When heading to the beach, Wirral residents are spoilt for choice. Our peninsula offers plenty of options but Leasowe Bay is one of our favourites.

Standing on the north coastline, the beach is reached via the sand-dunes—a nationally threatened habitat containing wildlife such as sand lizards, kestrels and burnet moths.

Leasowe Bay (Image: Meg Dawson)

Overlooked by Leasowe castle on the western side, the vast expanse of beach has lovely golden sands and is ever changing with the tides.

With industrial views of the Liverpool docks in one direction and the Eryri mountain range on the other, it’s a fabulous place to sit and watch the world go by.

4. Bidston Hill

With a peak of 70m (231ft), Bidston Hill is one of the highest points on the Wirral. This made it useful for signalling to ships in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

A flag signalling station let dock workers know when ships were coming into Liverpool. The hill has also had a lighthouse since 1771.

Bidston Hill (Image: Barry Brown)

Bidston Lighthouse is the furthest inland lighthouse in the world, being 3.2km (2 miles) from the sea.

The hill is also a site of biological importance and has several different habitats, supporting a range of plants and animals.

3. Thor's Stone

Climbing Thor's Stone has been a rite of passage for Wirral children for more than a century.

This imposing sandstone outcrop looms so large in local imagination that many suppose Thurstaston is named after it.

Thor's stone (Image: Creative Commons)

The village's Old Norse name actually means 'farm or village of a man named Thorsteinn'. This hasn't stopped years of speculation.

Legends about the stone include it being the location of Thor's hammer, and its red colour coming from the blood of human and animal sacrifices. While these appear to be Victorian inventions, Thor's Stone still has an air of mystery.

The proof of all the people drawn to the site lies in the many carvings adorning it. You won't find a spot that doesn't have initials etched into it.

2. Hilbre Island

Walking to Hilbre Island is an essential Wirral activity. It's one of only 43 tidal islands that you can walk to in the UK and is a Local Nature Reserve.

There are lots of birds to see as well as grey seals. Hilbre also has two Grade II listed buildings: a house and a telegraph station. The island's name derives from a medieval chapel that used to stand there, which was dedicated to St Hildeburgh.

Hilbre Island (Image: Annie Cannell)

Originally called Hildeburgheye, the name has shortened over the centuries.

There is no longer any evidence of the chapel, which may lie beneath the modern buildings. Two smaller islands, know as Middle Eye and Little Eye, lie to the southeast of Hilbre Island.

1. River Mersey

Number one on our list is the River Mersey; a natural wonder that we share with our neighbours.

The Mersey helps to define the very shape and identity of our peninsula—the 'oblong of dreams' if you will. Wirral life has revolved around the river for around a thousand years.

River Mersey (Image: David Mansell)

It’s believed that the first ferry from Birkenhead to Liverpool was started by the monks of Birkenhead Priory in around 1150.

Nowadays, the ‘ferry ‘cross the Mersey’ is iconic. More recently, the shipbuilders Cammell Laird has been a major employer, building famous vessels such as HMS Ark Royal.