The five acre reserve, adjacent to Bebington Railway Station, has attracted 50,000 visitors since opening in 1993 and supports at least 397 species. Recently, Hilary has spearheaded the creation of a new sculpture trail on the site, showcasing the work of 11 local artists. Hilary has volunteered her botany expertise for 30 years through the ‘Cheshire Wildlife Trust’, aiding other conservation work across the Wirral and supporting research investigating plant growth on industrial waste sites.
Hilary is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
In a personal letter to Hilary, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“In founding the ‘New Ferry Butterfly Park’, you have created an area of beauty and biodiversity that is benefitting your local community. You should be proud of all you have achieved in your decades of volunteering, and particularly how you have attracted not only 50,000 visitors but supported nearly 400 species.”
Charlotte Harris, Chief Executive Officer at Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: “We were thrilled to hear that Hilary had won today’s Points of Light Award. Volunteers are the live-blood of our organisation – helping us to achieve so much to protect and promote wildlife in Cheshire. Hilary has been instrumental to the success of New Ferry Butterfly Park. Her passion for wildlife and her achievements as part of our local group, Wirral Wildlife, make her a well-deserved winner!”