RESIDENTS from across the borough have described Wirral’s pollinator sites as “beautiful” following developments at parks and open spaces.

Dedicated wildflower beds planted at New Brighton’s Tower Grounds and Mersey Park, Tranmere came into bloom during the school holidays and the array of vibrant, bright colours caught many residents and visitors eyes.

These are just two projects that have been made possible due to Wirral’s allocation of UK Government funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) as the lead authority.

Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Cllr Tony Jones, said: “This funding is already starting to make a real difference to people’s lives right now, with activities and environmental improvements taking place along the Left Bank, while we also press on with the wider regeneration of the area. 

“In addition to what’s already happening, the grant will help us support local arts and heritage - including Wirral’s next year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2024 - and help us give our high streets a real boost.” 

The development of the wildflower beds at Tower Grounds and Mersey Park provides at least 1,000 square meters of wildflowers at each site, meaning there is now more than 2,000 additional square meters – an area approximately the size of eight tennis courts - packed with pollinator plants for the wildlife of Wirral to enjoy as well as residents.

The work started back in March 2023 with the sites being excavated and rotavated, prior to the wildflower seeds being sown in early April.

The funding is focused on three local investment priorities – Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills. 

Wirral has been allocated more than £1.5m UKSPF funding as part of the Communities and Place investment priority, which is supporting many projects ranging from helping local communities become greener, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in key locations, supporting high streets and bringing forward new ways of encouraging volunteering and social action.