About Hilbre
A tidal landscape cared for by a community
The Hilbre Islands sit in the Dee Estuary off West Kirby. Friends of Hilbre brings together people who value their wildlife, history and distinctive sense of place.
The islands
Three islands shaped by every tide
Hilbre, Middle Eye and Little Eye form a chain across the intertidal shore. Their red sandstone, grassland, rock pools and wide estuary views change with the weather and the water.
A visit begins on the mainland and must always be planned around crossing conditions.
The charity
Preserving and promoting Hilbre
Friends of Hilbre is a registered charity supported by members and volunteers. Its work includes visitor information, practical conservation, heritage interpretation, events and education.
The charity works alongside the organisations responsible for the reserve, historic buildings and specialist wildlife recording.
Our patron
Ann Cleeves and Hilbre
Crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE spent four years living on Hilbre with her husband Tim, then custodian of the islands. Telegraph House was a family home and the setting for her first published writing.
Ann agreed to become patron of Friends of Hilbre in March 2023, continuing a relationship with the islands that began decades earlier.
Governance
A transparent volunteer organisation
The Friends of Hilbre is registered charity number 1103822. The charity is committed to clear, accountable governance.
The constitution and dated reports are available in Publications. Current officer and trustee details should be checked against the Charity Commission record or confirmed directly with the Friends.