Overview

Hilbre Islands consists of 3 tidal islands (Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island) at the mouth of the Dee Estuary. They have been designated a Local Nature Reserve. Access is free but permits are required for groups of more than six. The islands are cut off from the mainland by tides for up to four hours out of every twelve. The journey is only possible by foot and takes up to an hour so careful planning is required to coincide with tidal conditions. The tide can come in quickly and the weather can change suddenly. So you need to be well equipped and vigilant.

Hilbre Island itself covers 12 acres. Cliffs of up to 55 feet are found along it's western edge. The island is fairly barren consisting of rough grassland and only a few bushes and trees. There is a disused and roofless lifeboat station and a seawatching hide.

Access

The safest route is to start at the Dee Lane slipway in West Kirby and walk west heading for the south of Little Eye. Travel around Little Eye to the west and then walk north passing around the eastern side of Middle Eye. Then continue to Hilbre Island itself walking onto it from its southern edge. The journey is approximately two miles.

Birds

Vast flocks of waders can be seen wintering out on the estuary ( Dunlin, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Knot, Grey Plover, Turnstone , Redshank ). Purple Sandpiper is a speciality on Hilbre between November and March.

Seawatching attracts many birders to the island. Leach's Petrel are likely after 2 to 3 days of North westerlies in Autumn. Red Throated Diver can be seen in numbers and Common Scoter can be seen floating offshore.

Spring migration brings large numbers of a wide range of Passerines best seen in the early morning.

Hilbre is also known for Brent Geese and Red Breasted Merganser.