Author: Martin Driver

Sefton residents looking for an activity to get involved in from home during lockdown, are being encouraged by Green Sefton to take part in the RSPB’s nationwide Big Garden Birdwatch.

To join in, people need to choose just one hour over this weekend, Friday 29^th to Sunday 31^st January, to count the number of birds they see. This can be in their garden or from their doorstep, window or balcony overlooking a greenspace or yard.

While lockdown restrictions remain in place, many residents and visitors who would normally undertake nature walks or visit Sefton’s Local Nature Reserves, may want to see what they can spot from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The Green Sefton team will be sharing some of their favourite birds (like the Robin pictured below) that people might just be able to spot themselves across the Borough on the Council’s social media channels, as part of the Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend.

People can join the conversation online on the Council’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and enjoy some incredible wildlife sightings without having to leave home.

The RSPB uses the annual Birdwatch results to increase their understanding of the challenges faced by wildlife, and what might be causing problems for certain types of birds.

People can visit the RSPB website to find bird ID charts, tips for conducting a count and how to submit results online.

John Dempsey, Green Sefton Engagement Officer, said: “With everyone urged to stay close to home, there’s never been a better opportunity to enjoy the winter visitors outside your window during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

“Whether you have a garden or yard it’s surprising what you can see in Sefton – many of our homes are relatively close to coastal nature reserves or rich farmland, and birds frequently commute from these areas for easier pickings on feeders and bird tables in winter.

“It really doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned bird spotter or you don’t know your Blackbird from your Greenfinch, the Big Garden Birdwatch is a great way to enjoy your surroundings, learn a little about the nature on your doorstep and also provide the RSPB with valuable information it can use to track the fortunes of the nation’s wildlife.

“It could be an hour that transforms your life – good spotting all!”

In Sefton, there are a number of Local Nature Reserves home to an array of wildlife including RSPB Marshside, which is home to many species including Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing, Pink-footed Geese and Wigeon.

The Council’s Green Sefton team works alongside many organisations to undertake important conservation work on its coastal and countryside locations. Find out more on the main Sefton Council website.  

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rainfall expected late on Wednesday and into Thursday of this week.

The warning covers Sefton and means that disruption to transport and flooding is likely.

Last week’s severe weather resulted in flood alerts in the Maghull and Formby areas of Sefton, and residents were supported at a temporary rest centre when river levels were dangerously high. As a result of the prolonged rainfall, much of the ground is still saturated in the area.

Sefton Council is monitoring forecasts to put necessary measures in place to protect residents and properties from any potential risk.

The Council has distributed its sandbag supplies to residents across the Borough already affected by last week’s weather warnings, and is urging residents who might be concerned about flood risk to ensure they have a stock of sandbags which can be bought from builders merchants or DIY shops.

Other flood preparations that residents might want to consider whilst the weather warning is in place:

• Find out your own risk of flooding before a flood happens. Floods can happen anywhere, and it is important to remember you don’t need to live by water to be at risk of flooding. Visit the government’s flood warning information service online or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
• If you are in an at-risk area sign up for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline online or by calling: 0345 988 1188
• Make a personal Flood Plan for what you will do if there is a flood. It could be used if you’re required to leave the house quickly for other risks.
• Think what you would take if you needed to evacuate and consider where everything could be kept.

Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website or Sefton Council website.

Residents can report flooding on a public highway or any blocked road gullies on the Sefton Council website using an online reporting form.

Should anyone end up with flood water in their property, they should report this to flooding@sefton.gov.uk with any photos to accompany the report.  

Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by incidents of flooding and allow officers to work with other flood risk management authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of future flooding.

Roads may become impassable across the Borough later this week due to heavy rainfall, and people are urged to only go out if it’s essential. Accidents happen in fast flowing water so avoid walking or driving near floodwater and residents are reminded that there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects or raised manhole covers beneath the water.