Green Sefton

To mark the start of a new year, the Council’s Green Sefton service has launched a new nature’s calendar to tell people what will be happening along the Borough’s unique Natural Coast and its many greenspaces.

Seasons

Each month the nature’s calendar tells people what they can expect to see and hear happening around them as the seasons progress. It also describes what work the Green Sefton teams are doing and sometimes explain what they are not doing, to nurture our protected habitats landscapes, plants and wildlife.

Also, the calendar, at www.sefton.gov.uk/nature-calendar will provide some advice on what Sefton residents might see or be doing in the garden or their nearby park or greenspace.

Snowdrops starting to appear, robins and wrens singing, and the unearthly mating calls of foxes are among the things the calendar’s January page says we should look out for.  It also explains that during the winter, Green Sefton cuts back invasive scrub on the coast and uses visiting Belted Galloway cows and Herdwick Sheep to improve habitats through conservation grazing.

Wildlife

This month’s calendar also reports that Green Sefton will be mowing in some parks and inland green spaces but will be on the lookout for wildlife like hedgehogs. Some areas will be left uncut to provide vital food sources.

With winter far from over, it also advises that people living in areas prone to flooding, check they have made any preparations that can avoid water damage and maybe find out more from the North West Flood Hub at https://thefloodhub.co.uk.

Nature Coast

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Working on Sefton’s green spaces and along our 22-mile nature coast, much of our Green Sefton teams’ work is determined by the seasons and they have a month-by-month programme designed to enhance and protect our unique combination of environments, plants and wildlife.

“Ensuring we provide protection for these sometimes means carrying out measures including scrub clearance, which some people may be surprised to see.

“It also sometimes means not doing things people expect we would, such as not mowing in certain areas this month to provide food sources during the lean winter months.

“This year we thought it would be good to share some of those seasonal update elements with Sefton residents telling them what’s going on around them in nature and what to look out for.”

Visit the Sefton Nature Calendar.

Community groups across the Borough have once again been recognised for their green-fingered expertise for the 2021 North West in Bloom competition.

Volunteer groups from Ainsdale, Bootle, Litherland, Netherton, Maghull, Crosby, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo were enthusiastically involved in this year’s celebration following the cancellation of the official competition in 2020.

In July, the North West in Bloom judges visited each location to see for themselves the good work the volunteers have been doing, despite the difficulties posed by the continuation of some Covid-19 restrictions.

Despite the obstacles they faced, Sefton’s gardening enthusiasts have once again showcased their skills by maintaining flower beds, supporting community initiatives and creating wonderful displays.

So much so that 38 entrants were recognised by the judges with the following awards: Thriving, Advancing, Outstanding, Silver and Gold. Special recognition was also awarded to seven Sefton entrants:

• Ainsdale in Bloom – Best Town, Gold Award
• Botanic Gardens Community Association, Southport – Five Years Outstanding Award
• Cheyne Close, Crosby – Five Years Outstanding Award
• Crosby and Waterloo in Bloom – Silver Gilt, Clean Sweep Award
• Maghull Station Volunteers – Best Railway Station, Outstanding Award
• Southport in Bloom – Best Large Coastal Resort, Gold Award
• Southport Model Engineering Club – Five Years Outstanding Award

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

“The Green Sefton team has been absolutely bowled over by the determination and commitment of our green-fingered community groups and volunteers who’ve created such wonderful displays and been involved in great outdoor projects this year.

“Not only do their continued efforts help to make our Sefton greener, but they also help to bring communities together making them stronger and happier. We’ve all enjoyed spending time outdoors, perhaps more than ever in recent times, and having passionate gardeners across our Borough looking after our valued green spaces has really enhanced our time spent outdoors.

“What’s more is that many of these displays help to boost our Borough’s biodiversity, attracting many pollinators that are vital in the natural fight against climate change that we’ve heard so much about recently.”

North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, and is one of the 18 regions and Nations that comprise Britain in Bloom.

Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service – who help co-ordinate North West in Bloom within the Borough – are encouraging residents to think ahead now to next year when it is hoped the competition will go ahead without any restrictions on activities.

Green Sefton officers are also keen for volunteer groups to think about the most environmentally friendly ways to maintain their future displays and arrangements. Ensuring that nature can thrive and act as natural mitigation to today’s climate concerns.

Anyone interested in becoming involved can email greensefton@sefton.gov.uk

For more information on taking a more active role in community gardening the RHS has lots of helpful resources, simply visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening

Sefton’s heritage parks and green open spaces, along with its 22-mile coastline and exciting nature reserves are here to be explored this winter.

Whether its walking, cycling or simply getting outside for a breath of fresh air, which many people may look to do over the festive break, the Council’s Green Sefton service is reminding residents to take care and to respect wildlife, as well as the landscape, when getting outdoors locally.

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

“This year we’ve continued to see unprecedented use of our outdoor spaces, particularly throughout the summer months along our beautiful coastline. We joined forces with colleagues and partners to implement our Coastal Action Plan and we were delighted with the support we got from residents and visitors, the vast the majority of whom took note to enjoy our beaches safely.

“Now we’re embracing the seasonal changes and the onset of winter, and I would encourage everyone to continue to make the most of some fresh air when they get outdoors, as well as enjoying everything that nature has to offer in our Borough. That’s not just on our coastline but also our canal walks, cycling routes and Sefton’s many small open spaces and parks.”

Downloadable resources and ideas for places to explore locally in Sefton are available on the Visit Sefton website visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk.

Residents are being urged to be prepared for winter differences before getting out and about around Sefton’s parks, coastline, and open spaces.

Cllr Moncur added:

“Following this advice and going through a quick check list before heading out and about will ensure that people get the best out of spending time outdoors.

“Similarly, the seasonal changes bring with them amazing wildlife spectacles. Rare migrating birds can often be spotted along our coastline, as can cattle and sheep that through their grazing are helping to manage vital habitats among the dunes. Please do show respect to both the landscape and the wildlife that we are so lucky to have in Sefton.”

A handy checklist covers everything residents, and visitors alike, need to know when enjoying the Borough’s outdoor spaces this winter.

• Be prepared for winter weather with appropriate clothing and robust footwear.
• Always check the weather forecast as conditions can change quickly and check tide times before you set out to the coast.
• Take note of any safety signage at beach entrances – there are no RNLI lifeguard patrols on Southport or Ainsdale beaches during winter. Lifeguard cover is year-round at Crosby. If you or someone needs help at the coast call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
• Remember that the evenings get darker earlier so carrying a torch or wearing reflective clothing would be advisable.
• Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Remember that some of our gated parks may be locked an hour after sunset.
• Take care close to water, especially in wet or icy conditions and do not attempt to walk on frozen water, ponds or lakes.
• Avoid walking through woodland in high winds and keep away from any fallen or hung up trees until they have been made safe.
• Sefton’s entire coastline is environmentally sensitive and protected – please respect this precious landscape.
• Do not disturb wildlife, livestock or damage habitat – keep a close eye on dogs and keep them under control away from pools of water and resting birds. Similarly, horse riders should never ride through flocks of wading birds. If they are chased or disturbed intentionally it can result in serious harm to them.   
• Leave nothing but your footprints – take all your rubbish home with you and recycle wherever possible.
• Some facilities like public toilets may not be open in winter months at parks and nature reserves.
• Beach car parks are closed and will not re-open until the spring – please park responsibly in the parking available nearby.
• Walk or cycle rather than taking a vehicle where possible.
• If walking or cycling in remote areas, ensure you take a fully charged mobile phone and be aware that signal may be poor.
• Camping, BBQs and fires are not permitted.
• Remember to follow current COVID-19 guidelines.
• Report any emergency hazards or concerns to Sefton Security on 0151 922 6107.
• Always follow the Countryside Code: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

For more advice, tips and updates from the Green Sefton service this winter, people are urged to follow them on social media:

Facebook: greensefton
Instagram: @greensefton
Twitter: @GreenSefton_