MOST huge developments mean waving goodbye to any wildlife unfortunate enough to get in the way ...

But, love it or hate it, the new Mersey Gateway Bridge has a host of surprising wildlife living right under our wheels.

Alison Hitchens, a Cheshire based filmmaker has revealed a host of wildlife who call the Mersey their home.

Her film Making Room for Nature takes the viewer out onto unseen parts of the Mersey Estuary & salt marshes to reveal the beautiful creatures living there.

Commissioned by the independent charity the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, who are responsible for looking after and improving the natural health of the Upper Mersey Estuary, the film was released to mark the result of two years worth of environmental work.

Hitchens feels strongly about our responsibility towards nature.

She said: "when we build in the UK, no matter the project, we have a simple choice; to live alongside nature or to replace it."

Hitchens' love of seeing nature every day drives her to make UK based wildlife films.

She says that it doesn't have to be rare or exotic - it might just be some ordinary seagulls but if you sit and watch them flying around, squabbling, fishing, squawking, they can put a smile on your face even after a rubbish day.

With so much new construction in the county she calls home, Hitchens fears her beloved Cheshire falling silent of bird song and becoming a place where only people live.

"I'd like to see every single building project choosing to protect the animals, plants and habitats surrounding them.

"It takes time, money and planning, but it's very achievable even with the largest of builds, and we should be demanding that this is the case every time.

"I hope my film will help to inspire people to make room for nature."

Next time you're out for a walk near the Mersey Estuary (please stick to the footpaths), Hitchens wants you to see who else you can spot living there!