Volunteering in Full Bloom at New Ferry Butterfly Park
- emmagriffiths00
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
A look into a local nature reserve and their volunteering opportunities from Emma Griffiths
New Ferry Butterfly Park is an absolute hidden gem. Quite literally hidden, it's nestled down a lane opposite the Bebington train station car park, where the Silver Jubilee entrance gates appear in front of you. As you get closer you notice the gates are framed with beautiful ceramic butterfly tiles each representing volunteers and funders of the trust.
Paul, who is the manager of the site, was kind enough to spare his time to chat to me and give me a personal tour of the outdoor park, telling me about the history, purpose and how the park is managed by volunteers.
What's there?
The Park is open Sunday, 12pm to 4pm from May to mid-September, during which the community can visit the site to enjoy the surroundings and take part in the sensory trails. Paul and the gang also cater for corporate events, brownie visits, etc. which can be pre-booked. Volunteer wardens are on hand to tempt you into having a dabble at pond dipping and to guide you through the park to see the array of wildlife along the trails, including the Art trail and the History trail.
The butterflies came out in force on the day of my visit despite the cooler start to the day. Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Small White and Speckled Wood butterflies are just a few that fluttered by to say hello. These beautiful creatures danced among the wildflowers and trees, as the delicacy and colours of their wings were awesome to see. I can understand completely why people visit this amazing wildlife treasure trove and the attraction to the wonderful volunteer opportunities is obvious!
Volunteering opportunities
To name a few, the opportunities they have include volunteer wardens, event stall holders, children’s group guides and volunteers to support students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. All volunteers are inducted and given full training, including shadowing other long-standing volunteers. Paul and the team are clearly passionate about the Butterfly Park and, on my visit, there was a clear sense of camaraderie and (maybe just as importantly) tea, coffee and cake on hand for the all-important breaks in the sun…. fingers crossed.
Volunteers who are lovers of the outdoors and nature that would like to be part of a well-established environmental project, or even those who can spare just a little time to help to maintain the area, are welcomed to get in touch with Paul and the New Ferry Butterfly Park.
So, if this has stirred a interest to volunteer there, visit the opportunity listing that is live now on our Volunteer Portal to find their contact details and easily apply.
The Volunteer Portal is an easy-to-use digital platform where you can view hundreds of volunteering opportunities in your local area, as well as list your own if you are part of a charitable organisation or community group. If you'd like support listing your own volunteering opportunities onto our Portal, get in touch with our Volunteering team via the button below:
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