Author: Amy Hitchmough

The Council’s Green Sefton service have introduced a new campaign, “Give Birds A Break”, to highlight the need for visitors to not disturb migrant birds as they rest on our natural coast.

Many of the bird species that are seen along Sefton’s coast have travelled from the arctic and are taking a much-needed break to rest, feed and build up fat and energy levels before continuing their migration south.

Disturbing wildlife should be avoided at all times, but in the case of the migrant birds, resting during high tides is critical. If disturbed during high tide, the birds will fly, burning energy they cannot replace while their feeding areas are covered by sea water. If this disturbance happens repeatedly, the birds become exhausted and can die.

Green Sefton and partners, National Trust and Dynamic Dunescapes, are hosting a number of activities during October Half Term.

Guided walks will be taking place along our natural coast to show visitors the incredible birds from a safe distance. The walks will display the wonderful variety of birds found along our shores, explaining their long journey to get here and the threats they face.

At both Ainsdale and Formby, there will be Paws for Thought pop-ups from Dynamic Dunescape and Green Sefton who will be on site raising awareness about dog walking on our coast.

The Paws for Thought campaign encourages visitors and their furry friends to enjoy these landscapes while also helping us make these habitats a safer home for the wildlife that relies on it.

All activities can be found below:

Tuesday 25^th October at 9am – Green Sefton hosting at Burbo Bank, Crosby Beach

Email: jordan.scott@sefton.gov.uk to book a place

Tuesday 25^th October at 11am – National Trust hosting at Lifeboat Road, Formby Beach

Email: bree.hodge@nationaltrust.org.uk to book a place

Wednesday 26th October – Dynamic Dunescapes and Green Sefton hosting Paws for Thought pop ups at Lifeboat Road, Formby Beach and Ainsdale Beach

Thursday 27th October at 11am – Dynamic Dunescapes hosting at Range Lane, Cabin Hill

Email: natalie.Coffey@naturalengland.org.uk to book a place

Friday 28th October at 10am – Green Sefton hosting at Ainsdale Beach

Email: jordan.scott@sefton.gov.uk to book a place

People are encouraged to bring binoculars, should they have them, and to wear weather appropriate clothing and stout footwear.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Our Natural Coast is home to many important wildlife, and it’s great to see partner organisations getting involved with the “Give Birds A Break” campaign.

“All visitors, especially dog walkers and horse riders, are urged to take care along our coastline and avoid disturbing birds. To do so is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and is also covered by the new Coastal and Visitor Area PSPO.”

Temporary signage has been put up over high tides at key points along the coast reminding visitors not to disturb the birds.

For the latest information on the campaign, people can follow Green Sefton on their social media channels:

Twitter – @GreenSefton_

Instagram – @GreenSefton

Facebook – www.facebook.com/greensefton

Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed visits to Sefton’s beautiful Crosby, Ainsdale and Southport beaches this summer.

The Council’s Green Sefton coastal rangers have been kept busy managing beach car parks, emptying bins, litter picking and helping people get the most out of their visit to the Borough. And they have done this alongside partners the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and National Trust Formby.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the visitors who’ve been to our beaches over the summer and who’ve played their part by using our bins or by taking their rubbish home. This has kept our beaches looking fantastic and the rare and fragile natural habitats that make our coastline so special, safe.

“And a big ‘thank you’ also to Green Sefton and all our partners and volunteers for all the work they’ve done over the summer months keeping our coast clean and safe, and so enjoyable for all our visitors.”

Mark Shaw, Green Sefton Service Manager, said:

“Thanks to all those visitors who came this summer and who were kind to our staff, considerate to local people living along Sefton’s coast and for being respectful to each other.

“We hope you had a great time and look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

Parking Information

Beach car parks along Sefton’s Natural Coast are now closed, marking the end of the busy summer season. Ainsdale and Southport beach car parking will now remain closed until 1^st April 2023.

For those who visit our coastline all year round, there are still plenty of ways to travel to the coast, by either foot, bike, or train.

Sefton’s beaches are in easy walking distance from Merseyrail stations such as Southport, Birkdale, Hillside, Ainsdale, Freshfield, Formby, Hall Road, Blundellsands & Crosby and Waterloo. People can plan their journeys and find timetables and service updates at www.merseyrail.org

For those driving to our Natural Coast, there are many other pay and display car parks in the Southport area just a short walk away from the beach.

Crosby beach is backed by a promenade, from where people can view the Another Place ‘Iron Men’. There are several pay and display car parks adjacent or close to the promenade.

For those planning looking for another reason to visit the work of art, The Guardian newspaper have this week published an online article showcasing the Borough’s Sefton Coastal Path with a suggested walk route.

While car parking for the beach at Formby remains open all year round and is managed by the National Trust, who have lots of helpful tips you should read when planning your visit there. Have a look at their planning your visit page.

Sefton Council are reminding residents that lantern and balloon releases are not permitted across the borough. The ban was introduced to protect Sefton’s 22-mile coastline and greenspaces.

Sky Lantern and Balloon Releases

Many people are unknowing of the dangerous impact sky lantern and balloon releases have on wildlife and the environment.

As Newton put it, ‘What goes up, must come down’ and once released, sky lanterns and balloons become a form of littering, as well as a serious fire hazard and danger to animals through suffocation, ingestion, or entanglement.

Sefton Council is one of 100 other local authorities across Great Britain listed on the Marine Conservation Society ‘Don’t Let Go’ campaign website, because it has banned balloon and sky lantern releases owing to the environmental and wildlife damage they cause.

This activity also falls under the Council’s new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and those participating in sky lantern or balloon releases could face a fixed penalty fine.

People can find out more by heading to sefton.gov.uk/coastalpspo

Impact on Wildlife and Environment

Sefton’s sand dune system is one the largest in the country. This environment is recognised as one of the most important dune habitats in North-west Europe and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

As such, our Natural Coast is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna; from the rare natterjack toad to sand lizards and northern dune tiger beetle.

Everyday plastic objects can sadly become hazardous when found by wildlife. By taking all litter home or disposing of it properly in bins, the lives of many wildlife could be saved.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Sefton Council said: “Sefton’s Coast is an internationally protected nature reserve, and we need your help to keep it that way. Taking all litter and belongings home after a trip to one of our beaches is a simple and easy way to protect this precious landscape.

“We urge people considering a balloon or lantern release to research the safe and environmentally friendly alternatives that are just as beautiful and special.”

For more information, people are encouraged to visit the websites below:

Marine Conservation Society ‘Don’t Let Go’

RSPCA Balloon and Sky Lantern Alternatives

Coastal and Visitor Area PSPO

MySefton article – Council reminds residents that balloon releases are not permitted