Hilbre Island with dogs

The lead rule

Wirral Council answers the question "Are dogs allowed?" with: "Yes, but as it is a nature reserve they must be kept on a short lead at all times due to ground nesting birds and feeding and roosting wintering birds." No seasonal exception is published, so treat the rule as year-round.

The reserve byelaws allow a dog that is kept on a lead and under proper control and effectively restrained from injuring or disturbing any person, animal or bird. Keep your lead short.

Seals and birds

Seals are present around Hilbre all year, and the council says numbers are highest in summer. Birds roost on the islands in winter, and the council asks visitors to avoid disturbing them.

The byelaws prohibit intentionally disturbing any living creature. Do not let your dog approach seals or roosting birds, and keep to the established paths. See Hilbre wildlife and birdwatching at Hilbre.

Waste and water

• There are no bins on the islands. The management plan asks people to take their litter home, and that includes dog waste.
• There is no fresh water on the islands, so bring water for your dog as well as for yourself.
• There is no shop on the islands.

If your dog goes into the water or mud

RNLI advice: if your pet goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after them. Move to a safe place and call your pet, as they will probably get themselves out. If you are worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

West Kirby RNLI reports on the safety guide include people and dogs cut off between Little Eye and Middle Eye as the tide rose quickly. Common mistakes, including wading back with a dog, are corrected in Hilbre crossing mistakes. A dog also needs water and a lead: see what to bring.

Plan around the tide

WalkHilbre's calculated window opens 3 hours after high water and closes 3½ hours before the next high water. The close is the latest time to be back on the mainland at Dee Lane. Start back from Hilbre by the calculated leave-by time, 60 minutes before that. A dog adds time, not margin: allow for a slower walk. An estimate — not permission to cross. Check the Dee Lane noticeboard before setting out.

Check today's calculated window and the Dee Lane noticeboard. Do not walk to the islands in the dark or fog.

On the mainland

We have not confirmed whether any dog restrictions apply on the beach and promenade at West Kirby. Check the signs at Dee Lane and Wirral Council before you set out.

If you rely on an assistance dog, ask the Wirral Council rangers at wcp@wirral.gov.uk before you travel.