The Parkland and its Wildlife
Birkenhead Park is a green oasis within a busy urban landscape, providing vital space for a wide variety of wildlife. From the tiniest insects to the towering trees that define the park’s skyline, this is a sanctuary for everyone.
The Park's Landscape
Although it looks naturally formed, Birkenhead Park was in fact carefully designed by human skill and thought. In 1844, its designer Joseph Paxton imagined it as a safe haven that would reflect the tranquillity and feeling of the countryside while in the middle of a busy town. And that is still very much true today.
Soon after entering the park, you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets. You will be amazed by the hilltop trees overlooking the wide-open grasses, before losing yourself in the shady paths. The trees and shrubs have been placed in a way that constantly hides and then reveals views before your eyes.
Along the way, you will find historic features such as the Swiss Bridge and the Roman Boathouse, nicely nestled into the landscape. The lakes, with their long sinuous shapes, appear like meandering rivers
Wildlife in the Park
You’re never alone in Birkenhead Park with the many mammals, birds and insects who call this space their home. Animals, birds and insects… many of them call the park their home. And that’s even before we consider migratory birds or animals from surrounding areas that use the park as a corridor. With its rich habitats and diverse ecosystems, the park plays a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity and connecting surrounding green spaces.
Birds
If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, Birkenhead Park offers plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of species. Some birds are residents year-round, while others, such as tufted ducks, goosanders, and red-crested pochards, can be seen only in winter. Beyond the lakes, where waterfowl gather, you’ll also find several other bird species nesting in trees or flying overhead. Common sightings include woodpigeon, goldfinch, blackbird, mistle thrush, robin, and even woodpeckers.
Fish
The lakes in the park are home to many fish species including carp, rudd, roach and tench. Fishing is allowed on our Lower Lake and permits can be bought from the Visitor Centre.
Squirrels
A variety of mammals live in and use Birkenhead Park, from tiny wood mice to striking foxes. The furry-friends you’re most likely to spot though are our grey squirrels! Squirrels are great at finding their own food, but if you want to give them a little treat, go for unsweetened and unsalted nuts. You can also give them some fruit and veg like chopped apple, carrots, spinach, green beans, bean sprouts or celery.
Bats
The park is also a haven for bats, with several species making their home here, including pipistrelle, noctule, and Daubenton’s bats. These nocturnal creatures, often seen flitting through the twilight skies, play a vital role in the park’s ecosystem. With their voracious appetites, they help control the insect population, feasting on gnats, midges, and other small flying insects.
Birkenhead Park’s Trees
Birkenhead Park is home to a diverse collection of trees from all over the world. From rare specimens like the cucumber tree, Himalayan cedar, and Korean dogwood, to familiar native species like oak, lime, hornbeam, and field maple, our park showcases the beauty of variety.
Cucumber Tree
Despite its name, you won’t find actual cucumbers on a Cucumber Tree! This species gets its name from its unripe fruits which resemble cucumbers before they ripen and turn red.
English Yew
One of Europe’s longest-living trees, the English Yew can live for over 2,000 years. While its bright red berries (called arils) attract birds, the seeds inside are toxic to humans and most animals.
Holm Oak
With their dark green, glossy leaves, the Holm Oak can be tricky to spot! This species’ strong resemblance to Holly has led to both its common and scientific name: Holm is an ancient name for Holly, and Quercus Ilex means Holly Oak). Just like Holly, the Holm Oak is evergreen.
Learn More
Birkenhead Park’s history, horticulture and wildlife offer endless opportunities for discovery. Visit our Walking Trails page for some recommended routes, including our Tree Trail where you can learn more about our collection.
Walking TrailsBird Feeding
The lakes within the park are home to numerous species, including coots, moorhens, cormorants, mute swans, mallards and geese. Each spring, the park welcomes new life in the form of cygnets, goslings and ducklings to our park family. If you want to feed them, please do not give them bread – it has very little nutritional value, it pollutes the lake, and it pleases the rodents more than the birds. We sell great value nutritional duck food and bird seeds at the Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can give them oats, sweet corn, rice, or even peas!