Huyton Lane Wetland Park

The land to the south of Huyton Lane was farmed as part of the Huyton Hey Estate, owned by the Molyneaux Seel family who lived at the now demolished Huyton Hey Manor on Seel Road. The wet meadows were used for summer grazing until the 1930's , which possibly accounts for the local name for the site, 'The Cowie'. From 1901 to 1903 Huyton Lane Wetland was excavated for coal by Cronton Colliery. Three shafts, each 20 yards deep, were sunk to exploit the Whiston Main Coal Seam.
In 1988 Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council designated the Wetland as a site for nature conservation and recreation. With assistance from the Merseyside Task Force and a Derelict Land Grant the mineshafts were made safe and the site developed for recreation and wildlife. Footpaths, boardwalks and benches were installed and local residents and schools helped by planting wildflowers and trees.

Local Schools now regularly use the site for environmental education and conservation sessions delivered by Sustainability and Environmental Development Division. Typical wetland wildflowers flourish on the site such as Marsh Marigold, Purple Loosestrife, Tormentil, Silverweed and Cuckoo Flower. The wet areas of the site are shallow and seasonal but the nearby ditches provide habitats for newts and frogs.

Birdlife on Huyton Lane Wetlands include Snipe, breeding Lapwing, Reed Bunting and Kestrel are often seen hunting for field voles and mice in the grassland areas.

Visitors to Huyton Lane Wetland will find a surprisingly peaceful haven for local wildlife, close to Huyton Town Centre where they can enjoy a picnic, walk the dog or just sit and enjoy the birdsong.

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Public Transport Directions

From Huyton Station turn left and walk to the nearby Huyton Bus Station. Walk through this to the lights just past McDonalds, crossing straight over into Huyton Church Road. At the far end go left along the fenced path following this through to the main road. Turn right, 150 yards further on, on the right, is the Wetland Park.