Birkenhead children get in touch with nature this summer

Birkenhead children are being given the opportunity to explore the changes taking place at Ilchester Park this summer.

A programme of play sessions is being held at the park to help kids reconnect with the local green space.

The sessions are being organised by The Mersey Forest and run by Play Out, a local play charity. The sessions will focus on introducing kids to natural play, helping them to reconnect with nature, and teaching them the value of local green spaces.

Ilchester Park is currently undergoing a transformation after a project to improve the park was granted £67000 by The Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The improvements will include tree planting, improved pathways, wildflower meadows, and the addition of natural play features such as climbing logs. So far, trees have been planted on site, with the rest of the improvements set to commence over the course of this year. A celebration event to mark the changes and their significance to local people will be held on 23 August.

Play Out sessions will be held every Wednesday and Friday between 23rd July - 20th August from 12 - 4pm.

Children of all ages are invited to take part in the free open access play and craft activities and can bring a picnic. During wet weather, sessions will take place at the nearby St. James Centre.

Kath Shaw from North Birkenhead Development Trust, who is coordinating the activities, said: "It's great to see so many children enjoying the improved park space and appreciating the value of natural play in a green setting, amongst all the new park trees."

The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, added, "With the improvements currently being undertaken in the park, it is clear that these play sessions are the shape of things to come for the park's young visitors."