Hilbre Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Wirral and they house a unique ecosystem that includes rare plants, wildlife and stunning views. There are three tiny islands off the West Kirby coastline, Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island itself that are popular walking destinations where people can enjoy the panoramic views and have the opportunity to spot a seal or a dolphin, although some in Merseyside have still not made the trip out to the historic spot.
The islands are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a nature reserve filled with plants that are difficult to find outside of Merseyside. For example, the Limonium britannicum, a subspecies of the Rock Sea Lavender and the Hilbre Islands are home to around 10% of the world's distribution of the flowering plant. Hilbre is one of only five sites in the world to have this scarce flowering plant. The subspecies of Rock Sea Lavender are hardy plants, especially the salt from the sea's waves and spray and the flowers attract pollinators and you can spot them on the rocks with their beautiful, delicate purple flowers. Only 11 acres in size, the small and rocky island is accessible by foot during low tide from the mainland at West Kirby, but always check the tide times before you head out