GUIDES
DAVID PORTER
David has walked West Wirral for over 20 years. He has an on-going passion to introduce people, both local and from further afield, to the beautiful landscape of the Wirral peninsula. His lifelong interest in walking and ornithology has seen him visit many corners of the globe.
As a youngster, David worked voluntarily from the age of 12 in a Liverpool veterinary practice in order to prepare himself for a career as a country vet. The time spent with vets Mr. Highet and Mr. Weinberg, David describes as 'some of the happiest times' of his young life. In order to satisfy another passion, travelling, (David was influenced greatly by his late Grandfather who had served on submarines during the 2nd World War) consideration of an Armed Forces career was beginning to develop.
This resulted in David joining the Royal Navy and as a member of the Armed Forces, he subsequently had the opportunity to be involved in exercises and expeditions to many extraordinary places, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Persian Gulf and Middle East, East and West Africa, North America, the West Indies and many places around Europe and the Meditteranean Sea.
For the past 15 years, David has been involved in education as a teacher (P.E.) in a school in Crosby, Merseyside. His involvement in outdoor pursuits and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, has been a significant feature of his teaching career to-date. David is fully CRB cleared.
PAUL WAKEHAM
Paul was born and has lived his entire life in West Wirral. His family have a real history in this part of the world, from previous generations being heavily involved in fishing on the River Dee, to Paul's Great Grandfather, the infamous William 'Wacker' Higgins.
Wacker lived in the White Cottage (Tides Way) on the beach at Heswall (access via Mannings Lane) and built a reputation as allegedly being the first person on hand to 'salvage' anything of worth from stricken vessels. Paul is of real interest when questioned on these matters and adds a real local history flavour to our walks should you get talking to him.
Paul has been involved with many members of the local community through his links with amateur sport and continues to look at ways of strengthening his support of young people in the area. At present, Paul is also completing a Level 2 Mentor Training qualification through MOCN.
IAN PORTER
Ian excelled at sport as a youngster, breaking many school records before being picked up by Liverpool Football Club as a 10 year old.
Just like David, Ian has also been interested in the great outdoors from a young age and together the brothers would foster a love of birdwatching and nature from regular visits to a 500 acre country park on their doorstep - often leaving at first light and returning home late in the evening.
Ian also served in the Armed forces, following a period of outstanding achievement in the Junior Leaders Regiment.
A keen runner completing many 10K's, half marathons and most recently the Hamburg (full) Marathon, Ian's inclusion in the business as a lead walker is one that really strengthens the team at West Wirral Walks.