Seal watch days 2023
Seal Watch & Open Days
Meet at West Kirby Slipway or on the island
Sat 4th Mar 12:30am—4:00pm
Sat 15th Apr11:00am—3:00pm
Sun 28th May11:00am—3:30pm
Sun11th Jun11:00am—3:00pm
Sat 29th Jul11:00am—3:30pm
Sat 26th Aug10:30am—3:30pm
Sat 9th Sept11:00am—3:00pm
Sun 8th Oct11:00am—3:00pm
About the Islands
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 freehold property managed by the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral supported by the Friends of Hilbre.
Through volunteering we enjoy the islands and help keep them beautiful and fit for visitors. Why don't you join us?
Enjoying a safe visit
QUICK GUIDE,
Check the tide times for the day you wish to visit.
It is safe to cross from West Kirby 3 hours after high tide.
You must leave the island at least 3 hours before the next high tide.
It takes around 1 hour to walk from the marine lake to the main island. Check the notice board on the slipway.
WALK FROM THE MARINE LAKE SLIPWAY TO THE LITTLE ISLAND AND THEN ONTO THE MAIN ISLANDS.
Do not attempt to cross from Hoylake as there is a deep muddy channel blocking your crossing
Planning a visit to Hilbre Islands
Check the weather.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646472
It is safe to cross from West Kirby 3 hours after high tide. It's often quite windy and can get very cold so take warm waterproof clothes. Walking boots or wellingtons will help you negotiate the pools and slippery rocks safely.
You must leave the island at least 3 hours before the next high tide.
It takes around 1 hour to walk from the marine lake to the main island. The islands have plenty of places for a spectacular for a picnic but please take all your rubbish home. There is no fresh water oand only 2 composting toilets, so go to the toilet before you leave! Stick to the paths and keep clear of the crumbling cliff edges.
About the Islands
Facilities: There are no shops or fresh water on the islands, and very little shelter.
There are 2 very basic compositing toilets on the island.
Toilets are available at Dee Lane slipway 10am – 6pm in the summer months.
Clothing: Always carry waterproofs, and warm clothing, and food and hot drinks in winter.
Footwear: Wear sensible footwear as rocks, barnacles etc can cause injury.
Overnight stays: are not allowed.
Please help Protect the Wildlife:
All plants and animals in the Local Nature Reserve are protected.
Please do not collect any living creatures, pick or damage the plants.
Please avoid disturbing the roosting birds in winter.
Please keep to the paths or rocks to avoid trampling plants or eroding soil.
Please take your litter home with you.
Fires are not allowed on the Islands, if you see a fire please dial 999.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the islands which are a Local Nature Reserve