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Because of Hilbre’s position in the
River Dee estuary, where migrant birds feed every winter, it has been a
special place to see wading birds and wildfowl (ducks and geese) for
hundreds of years. The rocky shore also supports invertebrates such as
several species of sea anemones, crabs, annelid worms, and molluscs such
as winkles and mussels. In the past, the river was used as a salmon
fishery. The grass and heathland vegetation of the islands supports
nesting birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits. There was once a rabbit
warren, kept as a source of winter food by the medieval monks, and
mentioned in later leases.
Since the 1930s, a non-breeding
colony of Atlantic Grey Seals has increased from about 10 animals to more
than 500 at their peak in August. Many of them disappear in autumn to
breed in west Wales, and possibly Scotland. Others remain here all year,
hauling out at low tides on the sandbank to the west of Hilbre.
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After World War II, Hilbre was
bought by the local council, as a public open space, and a place to
enjoy wild life. It has since been granted several titles and forms of
protection, which are increasingly vital in a world where industrial
development and over-fishing have destroyed many river and sea shore
habitats. The Hilbre Bird Observatory was founded in 1957 by local
experts, who continue to monitor the migration of many species of
world wide importance. Most of these are winter visitors, which
migrate to the Arctic Circle or northern Europe to breed in the
spring. In autumn they move south to warmer quarters in Africa. The
Dee provides winter visitors with vital food in the form of
invertebrates in the mud and sand of the shore. They rest on the rocks
at high water, and it is important that they are not disturbed, as
they waste energy every time they fly up. They live near to their
energy limits, and a small amount of disturbance could mean that they
starve to death. |
Hilbre Bird Observatory © Val Burnett
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In Britain, a
system of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSIs) was set up by successive Governments from about 1960
onwards. Hilbre is an LNR, and part of the larger SSSI comprising the Dee
Estuary and the Red Rock salt marsh. There is legal protection for the
wild life here, and penalties for disturbing breeding species.
 View
of Middle Eye at high tide © Val Burnett
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European recognition followed
for the estuary, as a Special Protection Area {SPA}. The Dee Estuary
is at present a candidate for EU Special Area of Conservation. In the
1990s, the Dee and Hilbre were together given further status as a
protected wetland area under the international treaty signed at Ramsar
in Iran in 1976. Ramsar sites in the many countries involved are those
which shelter important populations of wetland species, especially
birds. The original Convention issued a statement, accepted by all the
governments concerned, that it provided “conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources by national action” and by international
agreement.
Hilbre Islands’ owners, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, and
national organisations such as English Nature and the RSPB continue to
look after this precious site, while allowing the public to enjoy its
beauty. Following the Country Code is a guide to sensitive tourism.
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©
Susan Craggs, 2005
For further information on the biodiversity of Wirral with links to the
Hilbre Islands please visit:
www.wirral.gov.uk/ed/biodiversity/home.htm
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