Contractors have started work clearing lowland heathland areas in West Wirral as part of ongoing conservation efforts.

The work istaking place on council-owned and managed land at Thurstaston Common, Caldy Hill and Heswall Dales.

All three of these areas are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and, as designated lowland heathland areas, provide a unique landscape of low-growing shrubs, which thrive on the acidic soils.

The work on the three sites involves cutting down any unwanted shrubs and trees from the area and disposing of them off-site, with a limited amount of the cut material being burned.

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “People shouldn’t be alarmed if they see workers on these sites in the coming weeks. 

"They are carrying out essential work to maintain these areas of historic and important heathland that is home to a variety of flora and fauna that can only flourish in such habitats.

“This cutting work has to be carried out in the winter months when these species are dormant and there are no nesting birds or invertebrate and reptile activity.”

Thurstaston Common, Caldy Hill and Heswall Dales are covered by an "Environmental Stewardship Agreement Higher Level" which means the council obtains funding from Natural England to manage the sites under an agreed plan.

Natural England carry out inspections on these sites to ensure such work is carried out according to the guidelines.

Councillor Meaden added: “We are very grateful for the contribution of volunteers in helping our Rangers on site throughout the year and, working in partnership, they achieve much.

"However, because of the specialist nature of the methods and machinery required to carry out this work, we have to use contractors."

The work will continue until the end of February.