THE Gunsite Meadow and Dunes are not neglected but, as the Globe was advised by Mr Lester, they are more of a natural country park open space than a 'pretty urban park'.

Until this letter there has been no official comment by the 'Friends of the Gunsite' and certainly not concerning any gay activity. Such matters do not fall within the framework remit of our constitution. We exist as a voluntary, independent organisation to help the conservation and betterment of the Gunsite area and, in general, to give support to the work and aims of the council's Ranger Service.

There are sky-larks on the Gunsite, rare invertebrates and flora. A wildflower book published in 1999 says "a field of meadow buttercup: although still common, the plant is no longer seen in the huge masses that once coloured the countryside" - but such a spread of colour is to be seen in May, on the Gunsite. Currently there is still an abundance of that favourite wild flower, the dog rose, whose colour and fragrance are something to bring joy to the spirit.

As a recent amateur botanist looking at wildflowers as I walk my dog, I have identified over 100 different flowers. The judicious cutting of the grass helps these plants to flower, and to survive. In a little while look for the drifts of tufted vetch up on the ridge by Leasowe Golf Course, and the colour of the grasses on the meadow in autumn.

The subscription paid by 'Friends of the Gunsite' is not a compulsion but, like the donations we receive, the help on Project Action days and the support of people like Cllr Lesley Rennie and Cllr Ian Lewis, it is a sign of commitment to the aims of our organisation.

I would have been better pleased with the article (Globe, Page One, June 14) had it given some encouragement to the volunteers and Ranger Service, rather than discredit an area which, despite some faults, is still very beautiful. I regret to say that many people come to despoil rather than preserve the area: fly-tippers, careless picnickers, cyclists, horse-riders and motor-cyclists who ride on and damage the dunes, plus trees are broken and burned.

Those Wirral people who are seriously concerned with looking after this wilder open space should, perhaps, consider joining the 'Friends of the Gunsite' and helping with our Project Action days and other activities.

George Sutton, Chairman, Friends of the Gunsite.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.