Plan for art and science centre on nature reserve

Artists, scientists and ecologists have been working together to create a centre for science and art at a nature reserve.

Hilbre Island, off the coast of the Wirral peninsula, is a tidal island with a long history of strategic importance for seafarers and wildlife.

Already a site of Special Scientific Interest and a wetlands of international importance, the island plays an essential role in the maritime heritage of Wirral and the Dee Estuary.

Led by Liverpool-born artist Terry Duffy, the new collaboration will create a centre for science, art and sustainability on the island, utilising old buildings already there.

The Hilbre Island Community Land Trust was established by three organisations, the British Art & Design Association, Hilbre Island Bird Observatory and the Friends of Hilbre with the shared aim of securing a long term future for the important heritage buildings and protected landscape within the central portion of the island.

The buildings on the island, four of which are Grade II-listed, will be restored to create the centre, to expand the existing monitoring of migratory birds and to enable greater connection with the local community through educational activities.

As part of Independents Biennial, the artist-led, sister-festival to Liverpool Biennial, a summer of artist residencies, workshops, exhibitions and performances will cast a spotlight on the restoration and protection of the historic archipelago.

Mr Duffy said: "I want visitors to be fascinated, surprised, intrigued, and challenged by this unique nature reserve island."

The programme of events will run throughout the Independents Biennial, which begins on 7 June and runs until 14 September.

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