Environmental project launched
NEW environmental information along with a guided walk has been launched at the Mersey Gateway Visitor Centre in Widnes.
Set up to tell the story of the Mersey Gateway, the centre now includes more information about the area’s environment and how Merseylink and the Mersey Gateway team, along with the new charity, the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust are working to conserve and improve the natural habitat in the Upper Mersey Estuary.
The new environmental section includes information about the wildlife and habitats of Spike Island in Widnes and Wigg Island in Runcorn and also showcases some of the many community and educational achievements made by the combined efforts of environmental teams during construction and beyond.
Volunteers will be on hand to lead guests through the centre and will also offer guided environmental walks along Spike Island where people can explore the landscape and wildlife surrounding the bridge and hear about the Mersey Gateway Bridge and what is going on around Spike Island now and in the past.
Ann Mulloy, a visitor who took part in a guided walk said: “Thank you very much for the interesting walk around Spike Island. Volunteers Barbara and Bill were very knowledgeable and informative.
“Their easygoing manner made the walk most enjoyable.
“I would recommend this walk to anyone as the paths are flat and even, it is also suitable for all ages.
“The start of the walk from the top of the centre gives you a wonderful perspective of the whole area.”
Paul Oldfield, company secretary at the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, said: “We are delighted with the new and exciting additions now available at the Visitor Centre.
“Conserving and improving the natural environment has from the very start, been a strong aim for the Mersey Gateway Project and we’re pleased that the environmental story of the new bridge is now available to the local community and visitors.
“The new activities at the centre are perfect for ● families f ili looking l ki f for a great t day out in the sunshine and I would encourage people to come along and get involved.”
Hugh O’Connor, general manager of Merseylink, said: “We are delighted to showcase the efforts made by our teams in protecting the ecology in the area and the care and attention to protect the environment whilst constructing the award winning i i project j t assets, t providing a lasting legacy for the local communities and visitors.”.
The Widnes visitor centre is based at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and is open from 10am4pm except Monday and Wednesday.
To book on a guided walk or for more information, call into the visitor centre or email info@merseylink.com