This is also true of Caldy Hill where the outlook is one with fine views over West Kirby and the mouth of the Dee estuary to the Clwydian Hills. Here is a place to rest a while and contemplate.
The sandstone outcrop of Hilbre Island lies just off shore, as Caldy itself would have done when the sea filled the deep valley separating the hill from Thurstaston. Sandstone was quarried from Caldy Hill to build many local walls and buildings.
The property contains a fine example of one of these old quarries served by a series of trackways between the quarry and the road below. The remnants of lowland heath here complement the plantation woodland, which fall within the Caldy Conservation Area.
Woodlands in our care
Woodlands in our care include Irby Hill and Harrock Wood in Irby, and Burton Wood in South Wirral. Harrock Wood comprises remnant Wych Elm woodland with other hardwoods including oak, beech and ash standing alongside the Arrowe Brook.
Harrock Wood adjoins a small water meadow and with the adjacent farmland, helps to break up the urban environment and give an open feeling to the area, which is much appreciated.
Early Scout camp
The birch, oak and pine woodland of Irby Hill has developed on former heath. Within the wood there is localised evidence of quarrying. The site is known to have been the site of one of the earliest Scout camps following the pioneering work by Baden Powell in nearby Birkenhead.
Perched on the hill at the back of Burton Village, Burton Wood, otherwise known as Burton Mill Wood, is popular with local residents. The major archaeological significance here is the site of the old mill, just off our land.
The peg mill was erected on the present site in 1629 although ruined in 1882. The southern slope of the property offers glimpses of the Dee Estuary and Welsh Hills. Arthur Kilpin Bulley, the founder of Ness Botanical gardens a few miles to the north of the property, was the major donor of the property and this may have been one of the sites that he considered for the gardens before building them at Ness.
The mixed mature woodland bears fine oak, beech and Scots pine and a number of large sweet chestnuts and cedars not typical of local woodlands.
Heswall Fields