The Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve is contained within the Dee Estuary on the north west coast of England. The Dee Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, a Ramsar Site which is a Wetland of International Importance and a candidate EU Special Area of Conservation.
The three tidal islands, Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island and the surrounding foreshores, are the freehold property of, and managed by, the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. Only Hilbre Island itself will be accessed during this event but the suggested route takes us around both Little and Middle Eye.
The islands are accessible on foot at low tide. the walk takes around an hour. High tide on the day of the event is at around 11:30am. It is safe to cross around two hours after this, although you can just follow the receding tide. Sunset is at 16:02 although the sky will be light for around 30 minutes after this. This allows only a short window for a visit on this day. A suggested itinerary is given below.
12.45 pm - Assemble at the Dee Lane Slipway in West Kirby (See additional waypoint)
From 1pm - Begin crossing, following the receding tide (see suggested route picture)
2 - 2,30pm - Arrive on Hilbre Island
2.30 - 3pm - Event, beginning with group photo
3.30pm - Begin return crossing
4pm - Arrive back at West Kirby
From a caching point of view there are three Earthcaches on the islands as well as a multi cache on Hilbre Island itself. There is also a Wherigo which starts at our meeting point, takes us on a walk around the islands and, as with the multi, takes us back to the mainland for the physical cache itself.
Please come prepared. You should wear strong boots or wellies, warm, layered clothing and a waterproof coat. Bring your own supply of water and any food you will need. Although we may walk together as a group you are each responsible for your own safety. Children are very welcome indeed, but their safety and conduct are he responsibility of accompanying adults.
There are composting toilets on the island and some limited shelter, but no water or other facilities. Further information on Hilbre Island can be found by following the 'related webpage' link at the top of this page.
The Wirral Country Park ranger team has been notified of our visit and the proposed itinerary.