Prenton Dell Claypit

28/10/2026

The calm after the storm..
It was a beautiful morning in the nature reserve yesterday. After the battering from Storm Austen everything was peaceful and calm. there had been a little tree damage around the entrance but nothing major. The biggest difference is the amount of water. Having been desperate for rain all summer, our ponds are now full as are every animal scrape, pot hole and foot print. The rain has had an effect on the new path which we will address over the next couple of weeks.
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG)Wirral Environmental NetworkWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelPrenton Primary SchoolPrenton Green PartyMove it or Lose it WirralCheshire Wildlife Trust

18/10/2026

Rooting out the problem
Yesterday we had a very successful morning removing tree roots. This was from the area that was damaged by the brash fire that we suffered during the summer’s heatwave. Using root spades and chain winches we managed to remove eight of them. Bill and Mike would like to thank Rachel and Steve for their all of hard work and in particular for bringing the average age of the volunteers right down!! Great work guys.
If you would like to get involved contact us through Facebook or email.
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG)Wirral Environmental NetworkWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelCool Wirral: Climate ActionPrenton Primary SchoolMove it or Lose it WirralCheshire Wildlife Trust

07/10/2026

Where do bumblebees go in the autumn? 🍂

🍯 Unlike honeybees, bumblebees don't live in hives or make honey to eat over winter.
🏠 Bumblebees live in a colony with one queen and her worker daughters.
🪦 Most bumblebees die off naturally in autumn.
💤 Only new queens, born in late summer, survive. After mating, they find a sheltered spot in the soil to hibernate over the winter.
👑 When the queens emerge the following spring or summer, they carry everything they need to start a new nest.

03/10/2026

New path in place
The final section of the path was completed this week giving us an alternative"dry" route through the Nature Reserve wit different views.
Once again, the team from Gavin Building Services Inc Ltd did a brilliant job. From the ingenious way of getting the 70 tons of gravel into the Claypit to the efficiency of getting it down.
Thanks guys.
Prenton RUFC Community Hub Wirral Wildlife Butterfly Conservation Wirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG) Wirral Environmental Network Prenton Green Party Prenton Primary School Wirral Countryside Volunteers Wirral Channel Cool Wirral: Climate Action Move it or Lose it Wirral Cheshire Wildlife Trust

28/09/2026

Winter (work) is coming….
As the summer ends it is time to plan our winter work at Prenton Dell Claypit. The final stretch of path will be completed over the next week or so and some additional benches are in the process of being put together.
Last week, we had our annual meeting with Dr Hilary Ash from Wirral Wildlife to look at the habitat and to decide on the priorities for this winter. What has been achieved over the last two years is amazing but it is just the start.
As expected, there is a lot to do so if you fancy getting your hands dirty you will be most welcome. It is not all “heavy” work so something for everyone. From mid-October, we will be carrying out habitat work every Wednesday and Saturday morning. We meet at the Prenton RUFC Community Hub for a pre-work coffee at 9.00 am. We have gloves and safety glasses and all the necessary tools, so just wear some decent shoes and be prepared for bad weather.
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG)Wirral Environmental NetworkWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelPrenton Primary SchoolPrenton Green PartyMove it or Lose it WirralCheshire Wildlife Trust

21/09/2026

Scything Mission Complete
Yesterday, we were happy to welcome members of the Wirral Countryside Volunteers to the Dell. They, along with our own volunteers scythed and cleared a large area of the open grassland. This is the first time that we have done such a large area and the object is to give the low growing plants such as Birds’ Foot Trefoil a boost next spring. We probably cleared about three quarters of an acre and removed around 20 “ton bags” of material. It will be really interesting to see how the area develops and that will determine our plans for scything next year.
A massive thankyou to Paul, John, Louise, Alan, Izzy, Rachel, Zoe, Robbie, Jim, Dave, Karl and Mike for their hard work. A mention must also go to Philippa and Rachael for the amazing cake and chilli!
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG)Wirral Environmental NetworkPrenton Green PartyPrenton Green PartyWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelMove it or Lose it WirralCool Wirral: Climate Action

14/09/2026

A Quick Update
Why not add a visit to the Prenton Deli after a walk in the Prenton Dell Claypit
From this week, the clubhouse will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays for drinks, pastries, muffins, scones etc. This will be from 9.30 to 12.30.
We have also updated the noticeboard in the Nature Reserve with things to look for in winter.
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Amphibian & Reptile Group (WiARG)Wirral Environmental NetworkWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelPrenton Primary SchoolPrenton Green Party

11/09/2026

Pond Update
We were really happy to see the much-needed rain but what has it done for our ponds?
Pond 1 – Looking good
Pond 2 – Nothing
Pond 3 – Damp
Pond 4 – Beginning to fill
Pond 5 – Probably 50% full.
Obviously, the location and soil/clay layers make a big difference.
We now need the rain to ease off until we get our final stretch of gravel path put in.
RUFC Community HubWirral WildlifeButterfly ConservationWirral Environmental NetworkWirral Countryside VolunteersWirral ChannelPrenton Primary SchoolPrenton Green PartyCool Wirral: Climate Action

04/09/2026

02/09/2026

The seasons are changing, and so too are the butterflies and moths you can find in your wild spaces 🦋🍂

Keep an eye out for these species in your gardens and local green spaces this month, and let us know what you see.