A NEW park ranger has been appointed to oversee the daily running of a popular Wirral beauty spot.

Andrew Jennings-Giles, a former UK Wildlife Specialist at Chester Zoo has taken over at Port Sunlight River Park, succeeding Anne Litherland, who was been ranger since the area opened in 2014.

The 70-acre site, owned by The Land Trust and managed by local charity Autism Together, offers visitors the chance to enjoy great views across both the Wirral and River Mersey in an attractive, natural setting.

A former landfill, the site has since been transformed, with a network of paths allowing the community to explore and enjoy the green surroundings and abundant wildlife.

New ranger Andrew Jennings-Giles said: "Last year I was working part-time, split between my role at Chester Zoo and as the education officer at the River Park.

"I love spending time at the park and I really enjoy working with Autism Together, so when the chance arose to take on the ranger role, full-time, I couldn’t pass it up.

"I feel I can really make my mark on the River Park.

"Anne already built up a community of people who regularly use the park, like our volunteers and the people we support, plus we’ve got lots of community groups using the site, and I want to get all of them even more involved.

"One of my passions is wildlife identification and recording, and I’m keen to help the public and people we support get more out of being immersed in nature."

The River Park offers a range of habitats to explore, from tree-lined lower paths, up to open meadows, via an inner-marshland and along the vibrant banks of the Mersey itself.

Individuals with autism are supported to work outdoors around the River Park, assisting with the site’s maintenance and general upkeep, while learning useful workplace and social skills.

Andrew continued: "If you’ve never been before, I would encourage you to visit.

"There are already signs that spring is on its way and we’re having a bird box making event this Saturday to coax the many small birds we have in the park to nest and raise their young here.

"There are walks to suit a range of abilities, with disabled access and parking available, while our on-site café is open six days a week, selling hot and cold drinks, and snacks."

Port Sunlight River Park's Bird Box event, part of National Nest Box Week, takes place on Saturday (February 22) from 11am-3pm.

To find out more about Port Sunlight River Park, visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/psriverpark, the website: www.thelandtrust.org.uk/port-sunlight-river-park or email: River.Park@autismtogether.co.uk.

For more about Autism Together, visit the charity’s website: www.autismtogether.co.uk or Facebook page: facebook.com/autismtogetheruk