Ditton Lane Nature Reserve to be protected under new local plan

A Wirral beauty spot is to be designated a Local Wildlife Area in the new Labour-led Wirral draft local plan. 

Ditton Lane Nature Reserve, owned by Cadbury Typhoo, is a well-loved local space. Located in Moreton between the Birket and Ditton Lane and Pasture Road, the site is a haven for wildlife, trees and birds and also an important part of the designated flood plain.

Anita Leech, Wirral’s Chair of Regeneration and also a Leasowe and Moreton West councillor, said, “I’ve been working with the residents’ group for many years, in particular a resident in my ward Paul Ivan, in attempts to preserve Ditton Lane Nature Reserve. 

“There have been a number of attempts by the landowner to sell off part of this land for housing development, which would mean ripping out many established trees and destroying the balance of the site for the development.  The site is home to many wild floral species and wildlife and much enjoyed by many local residents.

“However, I’m delighted to say that after working with officers and the residents’ group and professionals and going through multiple layers of red-tape we are now in a position to recommend to council as part of the draft local plan – regulation 19 that this site is classed as Local Green Space and subject to agreement at Council, it will be designated as a Local Wildlife Area.

“It has been a long-time coming and I now hope that all political parties of the council will join the Labour-led council’s proposal for this to happen.”

Labour’s candidate for Leasowe and Moreton East in yesterday’s elections, Helen Collinson, is also a regular at the site. She added, “This is fantastic news for this popular local site. Alongside the wonderful Womble group locally, Anita and I are regular litter pickers in the area.

“We were delighted when the new pathways were extended from the Epsom Estate entrance and new litter bins were put in place. After so much work behind the scenes, Anita – who has been leading on Wirral’s new Local Plan – is now able to recommend this to Council.”