Bidston Moss

This walk has been developed with a young people's group from Women's Enterprising Breakthrough. They walked the route and produced this information and a short film. They would like to pass on that high heeled jelly shoes are not suitable for this walk...



Bidston Moss has been transformed into a thriving community woodland. Features include the newly renovated fishing lake which, with its new 'recycled' boardwalks and fishing pegs is welcoming local residents and schools for informal fishing and educational events. The lake holds carp, tench, bream and if you're lucky/unlucky you might catch an eel!

The site is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Buzzards can be seen regularly and there are loads of bugs and butterflies, which feed a large number of small birds.

New cycle routes (including a 2km perimeter trail) link with the existing National Cycle Network. Bidston Moss is now a venue for many sporting events, from traditional cycling to the more unusual pursuit of Nordic skiing (which is suited to the steep terrain of Bidston's 'mound'). Bidston Moss remains popular with local people for informal use like dog walking, exercise and family days out (the site is one of the few with views to the coast, which makes it a popular choice for many).

This triangular piece of land sandwiched between the River Birket, the M53 and A554 was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1994.

Bidston Moss was originally low-lying wetland marsh at the head of Wallasey Pool. In 1936 most of the land was given over to residential, commercial and industrial landfill. Since the cessation of waste disposal operations in 1995, Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority and the charitable trust Groundwork Wirral have undertaken environmental restoration works to landscape the site.

Bidston Moss has recently been used as inspiration for an art project and film called Zone. Its mixture of nature and post-industrial landscapes inspired artists Close and Remote who were working with the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology and The Mersey Forest.

There are some large street artworks under the A5139 - it feels like a sci-fi movie being under the bridges and is a stark contrast to the Nature Reserve.

1. Climb the steps up to the footbridge at Bidston train station and bear left. Descend the steps and continue down the footpath angling off to the right.

2. Cross the bridge over the water.

3. Turn right and head onto the signposted cycle path, marked by a big black sign with a tag on it.

4. Cross the road by walking under the bridge, taking note of the graffiti on the left where the path turns into stones and gravel.

5. Continue along the path. You will see a turn off to the left, but walk straight on.

6. When you have been walking for about 10 minutes, with the train tracks to your right and marsh and vegetation to your left, the path will take a left.

7. Bear right at the signpost to Bidston Moss, towards the big road bridges.

8. Here you might like to take a detour by walking off the path to the left in order to look at the street art on some of the concrete bridge uprights. If you walk up towards the railway line in between the two road bridges, you will discover some large and interesting artworks.

9. After exploring the artwork go back to the path and up the ramp towards the footbridge. Be aware that a lot of cyclists use this route, so keep an eye out.

10. There is a left turn on the footbridge, but keep going straight across onto Bidston Moss. You should see a sign post on the right hand side welcoming you to the Moss.

11. Follow the footpath downhill around to the left which will lead you on to a tarmac path.

12. At the bottom of the small hill turn right. Walk for about 10 minutes.

13. As the path starts to turn right, take the path on the left. On the right is a seating area where you can look at the lake and feed the ducks.

14. Return to the tarmac path, turn left and continue the way you were going.

15. As the path starts on a slight incline there is a gravel path off to the right. Take this path, passing a 'Viewing Structure' on your right.

16. Continue along the footpath towards the top of the hill, ignoring a left turn.

17. On your right you will pass another 'Viewing Structure', from which you should be able to see the Liverpool skyline.

18. Continue up the hill, ignoring another path on your left. To the right you will see another 'Viewing Structure', about 10 meters off the main path; this frames the Wirral coast and provides views across to Wales.

19. Continue on the path, making no turns. It will begin to descend and turn to the left.

20. Ahead of you is the Bidston Household Waste Recycling Centre. Continue along the path until you reach the exit on the right.

     

    Here you can either:

21. Take the path through the Green gates on your right, alongside the Bidston Household Waste Recycling Centre. Take a right when you hit the road and Birkenhead North train station is on your left (10 minutes). You may want to continue up through the Park to the left of the Church and go to the Open Door Café at the St James Street Centre (this is only open on weekdays).

22. Follow the path round to the left, passing the Friends of Bidston Moss notice board on your right. Walk along the path, passing the lake on your right, before returning to the circular perimeter path. Retrace your steps back to Bidston train station. (30 minutes)