Bidston Moss before Newlands
- Until the 1990's Bidston Moss was a lanfill site and was "unsafe for public access"
Until the 1990's Bidston Moss was a landfill site and was "unsafe for public access".
Visible from road and rail routes, Bidston Moss was close to several large residential areas - Birkenhead North, Bidston Rise, Poulton and Leasowe. In the state it was in, the site was giving a negative impression of the area.
Groundwork Wirral had been working on Bidston Moss since 1995; restoring parts of the site with the goal of developing the area for education, research and community use. However, significant investment was still needed to expand this work across the whole project area.
- Bidston Moss makes up part of the Mersey Forest - the Community Forest for Merseyside and North Cheshire.
What Newlands did at Bidston Moss
Bidston Moss was transformed into a thriving community woodland. Investment from Newlands meant that the fishing lake could be renovated, making it a destination for local residents and schools.
Overall access to the site was improved thanks to the addition of the footbridge over the mainline railway. New cycle routes linked the site with the existing National Cycle Network.
The improvements to the site also made it a popular venue for many sporting events, from traditional cycling to the more unusual pursuit of Nordic Skiing.
A number of community events, including fun runs and family open days, were held on site to introduce local people to their new community woodland.
In 2007, Bidston Moss became the home for the world's first Green Billboard - a living structure of willow trees stretching over 20 metres, onto which a message board is mounted. Located on the edge of the site and close to a main road, it was a great way to promote an environmental message and raise awareness of Bidston Moss at the same time.
Bidston Moss today
- Bidston Moss brings people together and contributes to the health, prosperity and positive image of the area.
Bidston Moss is a well-managed green space for the local community. The site remains popular with local people for informal uses such as dog walking, exercise and family days out. It brings people together and contributes to the health, prosperity and positive image of the area.
The Forestry Commission is managing Bidston Moss over the long term. This means that some of the sites most valued wildlife, including barn owls and lapwings will be protected. The site's status as a Site of Specific Biological Importance will also be maintained.
Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority's busy Recycling Centre is located on Bidston Moss and the site plays an important role in the wider educational programme of MWDA.
