Runcorn Hill Nature Reserve
Runcorn Hill Nature Reserve
Work is coming to a close to help protect Runcorn Hill Local Nature Reserve, Halton’s only heathland local nature reserve. During the hot weather in July 2006, the Fire Service were called out 120 times, involving over 300 appliance movements and 1500 manpower hours to deal with heathland fires which affected over 3 hectares of good quality heathland. The causes of the fires are thought to be deliberate or through discarded cigarette ends.
A WREN grant of £32,400 was awarded to Halton Borough Council in 2006.
Throughout this summer, contractors have been laying down 300 metres of water pipe, to install a fire hydrant system to cover most of the reserve with a ready supply of water if needed. A new access ramp has been constructed, to allow the fire tenders quick and easy access to deal with any heathland fires. Three new Information Boards have been erected, giving phone numbers and location details for the Fire Service to act upon.
A significant proportion of the funding has been used to restore the damaged heathland using specialist contractors who are experienced in restoration works within sensitive heathland areas.
