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.

Bridge in the park

 

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 meadows, 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.

A roman boat house framed by trees and shrubs

The many mature trees throughout the park not only provide excellent shade from the sun in the summer months, but are also vital habitats for birds, insects, and mammals such as the park’s beloved squirrels. The small island on the lake in the Upper Park is a particularly good refuge for various species of birds.

The lakes, with their long sinuous shapes, appear like meandering rivers. Here you will find our resident populations of geese, swans, and ducks, as well as a variety of fish and other wetland creatures. We even have some turtles!

 

i
Blue tit © Ron Thomas

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.

i
Grey Heron © Ron Thomas

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.

Mammals

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.

i
Daubenton bat © Ron Thomas

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

Just as animal species, there are many differences between trees. Here at Birkenhead Park, we're lucky to have more than 1450 trees, some native to the UK, and some that originated as far afield as North America, Iran, and Western Himalayas.

Holm Oaks?

Have you spotted our Holm Oaks? They are trickier to spot than our other typical lobed leaved Oaks due to their dark green, Glossy, Holly like leaves. Did you know that, although they're often referred to as Holm Oaks their botanical name Quercus Ilex means Holly Oak (Holm being an ancient name for Holly), and they are ever-green just like Holly?

i
Photo: ChicagoRTI

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. Inconspicuous yellow/green flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. It is one of the largest Magnolias and very cold tolerant. This species is native to Canada and parts of Northern America.

i
Cygnets © Paul Collinson

Bird 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!

Walking Trails

Birkenhead Park’s history, horticulture and wildlife offer endless opportunities for discovery. Visit our Walking Trails page for some recommended routes: whether you’re taking a casual stroll or embarking on a more focused journey, there’s always something new to learn.

Walking trails