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?
Our Patron is Ann Cleeves best selling author of Vera, Shetland and much more.
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
Seal watch days 2025.
Seal Watch & Open Days
Meet at West Kirby Slipway or on the island
Sat 8th 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
Become a member of Friends of Hilbre
£10 for 1 year
£100 life membership
Enter your details, submit and we will contact you for payment once approved.
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
"Look deeply into nature and you will understand everything better" Albert Einstein
All Videos
Hilbre Islands; a perfect day out
Useful information
2025 open days and seal watch.
Saturday 8th March 10.00-1500
Sunday April 6th 11.00-15.30
Sat May 10th 14.00-18.00
Sat June 21st, 11.00-16.00
Sun July 20th 1.00-16.00
Sat August 17th 10.30-15.00
Sat September 6th 14.00-1800
Sat October 4th 13.00-1700
Public transport; https://www.merseyrail.org
Visit Wirral; https://www.visitwirral.com/explore/coast/hilbre-island
Trip adviser; https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1420760-d618910-Reviews-Hilbre_Island-Wirral_Merseyside_England.html
What to do if you find an injured bird or seal. https://www.bdmlr.org.uk
The Friends of Hilbre
Preserving and promoting the Islands
The Friends of Hilbre welcome all new members and thank present members for their continued interest and support.
Members receive The Friends of Hilbre newsletters every 3 months, including updates of events by email.
Membership runs from May 1st to April 30th and can be either;
Annual, £10
or Lifetime.£100
Volunteering
Enjoy a day's hard work on the islands helping to conserve them for other visitors
Friends of Hilbre Members: Volunteering on Task Days
It is great fun taking part in activities on the Hilbre islands. However the islands are cut off from the mainland, by the tide twice a day and there are steep cliffs and tidal gullies.
The advice and precautions below will help you to have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable time on Hilbre.
• Due to insurance restrictions all volunteers must be members of the Friends of Hilbre and over the age of 18 to work on Tasks Days. If you wish to join the Friends of Hilbre please e-mail Barbara, our Membership Secretary, for an Application for Membership Form at: infohilbreisland@gmail.com
• If it is your first time volunteering please make yourself known to the task leader, at the meeting point at Dee Lane slipway, West Kirby, or email
infohilbreisland@gmail.com and we will make sure that we look out for you.
• Please keep to the ’meet’ and ’leave’ times stated when volunteering for Tasks Days on Hilbre Island to ensure a safe crossing to and from the islands.
• Information boards, by the slipway in West Kirby, show the daily safe crossing times and the safe route to walk to the islands.
• Public toilets are found in the building near Dee Lane slipway, West Kirby should you wish to use them before crossing to Hilbre. There are composting toilets on the island.
• There is no drinking water on the island. Please bring enough to drink for the day (not alcohol!!) and a snack. Bring warm clothing, gardening gloves and waterproofs; wellies may be a good idea!
• Most of our work is ongoing and we draw on our database of volunteers for the appropriate work in-hand.
Fundraising Opportunities
With more money we could work towards improving the toilets, and restoring the telegraph room and shelters
Contact Friends of Hilbre Island
Get in touch with Hilbre Island to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
Address