Runcorn Hill is a diverse site with a range of habitats for wildlife. The quarry and the coved walk are good examples of woodland and the top of the hill is a rare and valuable heathland habitat.
Our monitoring has shown that woodland is encroaching onto this valuable habitat. Due to the rarity of the heathland habitat we would like to bring the heathland habitat back to full health. As part of this work, trees will be targeted for removal from within the heathland area.
Heathland habitats were once common throughout Britain, however their fragile nature and competition from other habitats have meant that over recent years, much of the UK heathland has been lost – only 0.3% of England is covered by heathland.
Heathlands are home to rare and beautiful species of plants and animals such as ling and bell heather, and lizards. It is also home to a range of specialised heathland butterflies and moths.
This work will begin this winter, around 10 November. This year we are going to concentrate on the east quarry on the south of the site. Teams will be on site for around 6 weeks carrying out tree removals targeting silver birch and elder; this will allow typical heathland species such as heather, gorse and broom plants to thrive.
The work will also make way for declining species including lizards to make a comeback. We will be retaining the woodland sections in the coved walk and the quarry which will remain on our regular maintenance and inspection programmes.
This work at Runcorn Hill has been chosen first, as the habitat is rare and we are extremely close to losing it all together. There is scope for similar work to be carried out at more of our nature reserves in order to protect, increase and maintain the biodiversity.
Please contact Halton Direct Link on 0303 333 4300 with any enquiries and ask to speak to the Environment Services Team.