NEW Ferry Butterfly Park has been recognised as one of the UK's very best green spaces.

Celebrations were held by volunteers at the park when they were awarded with a Green Flag Community Award for 2018-19 on Saturday, August 11 by chairman of Cheshire Wildlife Trust Chris Koral.

The Green Flag scheme recognises sites across the country and the efforts made by the volunteers who manage them.

Due to the fact the New Ferry Butterfly Park had previously been awarded with a flag, this year the site was assessed by a mystery shopper.

Chris said: “What a great community asset the park is.

"It has moved on considerably in the last three years since my previous visit, with more biodiverse habitats, artworks and a greater engagement with the public.

"It is a great tribute to the work of a dedicated volunteer group and is exactly where the Wildlife Trust movement should be.”

The volunteers at the park support conservation activities and have introduced a number of interactive displays to help people learn about the wildlife that they can spot.

A BBQ was held for the volunteers to mark the achievement of the award.

Chris used the group’s ceremonial billhook to cut the yellow brimstone butterfly designed cake - brimstone butterflies were first recorded breeding at the park in 2014 and have remained constant residents ever since.

Honorary secretary of New Ferry Butterfly Park group Paul Loughnane said: “This is a record-breaking summer season for the number of visiting groups to the park, and for some of our butterfly residents.

"It is great to have the volunteers’ BBQ where we can all relax instead of working.

"The Green Flag Award is a real pat on the back for all those volunteers involved with the habitat management, as well as all those who engage with the public and visiting groups.”

The park is open on Sunday afternoons from 12pm to 4pm until the close of this year’s season on Sunday, September 9.

On this date there will be a free heritage walk at 2pm (no need to book, just turn up) describing how the industrial nature of the site has benefited wildlife.