The Sefton Coast Newsletter Winter 2002/2003

Coastlines The Sefton Coast Newsletter Winter 2002/2003

oastlines, the newsletter of the Sefton Coast Partnership. CCoastlines aims to provide information to elcome to this winter's local people and visitors about the natural value edition of Coastlines, the of the coastline, the current policies for Wnewsletter for the Sefton conservation management and other topical Coast. With the worst of the issues. The Sefton Coast Partnership includes weather out of the way we are Sefton Council, the National Trust, English looking forward to the coming of spring, when the Nature, The Wildlife Trusts, the Reserve Forces Digging out the Marine wealth and diversity of this coast Lake at Southport and Cadets Association, RSPB and local begins to emerge. To prompt you into community and interest groups in a co-operative getting out on the coast again we are partnership. running a photograph competition; see centre pages for further information. All enquiries and correspondence relating to All you have to do is take a Coastlines should be addressed to; photograph on the Sefton Coast. There is a huge range of Sefton Coast Strategy Unit photographic opportunities from Ainsdale Discovery Centre Complex wildlife to landscapes and people to The Promenade buildings. So good luck to you all and we Shore Road look forward to receiving your photographs. Foreshore, probably at Ainsdale-on Sea Bootle / Seaforth Southport PR8 2QB Whilst putting this edition of Coastlines Tel 01704 572329 together. We spent some time looking Fax 01704 575628 for photographs as examples for the Email; [email protected] photograph competition (see centre Web; www.seftoncoast.org.uk pages). We came across some old photographs, which we thought might Information on sites, events and guided walks interest you. The first one shows can be obtained from the following partners; workers digging out the Marine Lake at Southport by hand. The other Sefton Leisure Services Coast and photographs, we think, are down at the Countryside Service: 01704 570173 docks in the south of the borough by Bootle before Crosby Marine Lake was constructed but we are Foreshore, Bootle / The National Trust: 01704 878591 unsure when or where. If any readers can help with this we'd be Seaforth, any ideas when and where? interested to hear from you. English Nature: 01704 578774 ildlife Watch, the club making Christmas decorations RSPB: 01704 536378 Wfor all animal fans, for their December meeting. nature sleuths and young The club will run monthly Editor; Paul Wisse / Lorna Lander environmentalists. on a Saturday morning with a different activity each month, Design;The Graphics Section, Sefton MBC, In October last year including a coastal walk in Planning Department. Charlotte and Jenny from January and bird box building 0151 934 3579 Sefton Coast and for nest box week in February. Countryside Service and Front cover; montage of Fiona from The Wildlife We are pleased that we have Sefton dunes with some Trust for Lancashire, a full club, but if you would buckthorn eaters. Manchester and North like more information contact Merseyside embarked on Charlotte Harris on 0151 928 setting up a Wildlife Comma butterfly. 8946 CONTENTS Watch Club in the South ©Dave McAleavy Windfarm 3 Sefton Area to bring The second meeting of the Wildlife Watch is the junior together 8 to 12 year olds ‘Animal Adventure Club’ took branch of The Wildlife Trusts Rhino 4 Pond dipping at to look at and learn about their place on a bright November and can be contacted by: Rimrose. ©Sefton local environment whilst morning again on the Rimrose emailing: Coast and Countryside 5 Council having fun. Valley where they undertook [email protected] Climate Change 6-8 some practical conservation or looking at the web site: Flooding 6 The first meeting took place work. To say Eugene (Rimrose www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/ on Rimrose Valley where 25 Valleys Ranger) looked worried lancashire English Nature 9 enthusiastic youngsters got was an understatement as the Photo Contest 10-11 together for the first time. They group picked up loppers and got to know each other quickly saws and started the job of Saltmarsh 12 by joining in a range of willow coppicing on an area Bike ride at Rimrose. ©Sefton Council The Asparagus Coast 13-14 environmental and name encroaching the valuable games such as ‘Fox and Hare’ Small is beautiful 15 Reedbed habitat. If that task and ‘Dragons’ and collectively was not enough to keep them Where would you be? 16 decided on the new name for busy they also managed to Crossens walk 17 their club: ‘The Animal gather seed for propagation Adventure Club.’ and natural materials for Friends of Crosby Park 18 RSPB 19

Visitors map 20 coastlines winter 2002/2003 page 2

BBuurrbboo ooffffsshhoorree wwiinndd ffaarrmm uuppddaattee Proposed location of wind farm in Liverpool Bay. ©SeaScape Energy

eaScape Energy has recently submitted its Environmental will be appointed to carry out the work and SeaScape hopes to use as Statement (ES) for the Burbo offshore wind farm. The ES many local companies from the North West as possible. The onshore Swas the culmination of twelve months of consultation and research connection will be progressed, with the possibility of constructing the on the effect the proposed development could have on the Liverpool Bay substation and installing the onshore cables towards the end of 2004. area. An ES is required as part of the process to apply for consent, outlining all the possible impacts the wind farm may have. Organisations Investigations into different foundation types for the meteorological such as English Nature, Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, Marine and mast have put back its installation until 2003. The construction of the Coastguard Authority and the Royal Yachting Association, to name a few, wind farm itself is now expected to take place in 2005. have been consulted about the development. SeaScape is pleased to say that our studies have shown there will be no harmful effects Copies of the Environmental Statement and the Non-Technical anywhere in Liverpool Bay. Summary are available to download from the SeaScape Energy website

Photomontage overlooking Seaforth docks. ©SeaScape Energy Photomontage of the view from Blundellsands shore. ©SeaScape Energy

Following consultation with people in Merseyside, some final at www.seascape-energy.com. A paper copy of the Non-Technical adjustments were made to the layout of the wind turbines. This was Summary is available free of charge from SeaScape Energy. done to minimise the spread of the turbines when looking west from the Sefton Coastline, keeping the view to the Welsh Hills clear. This follows Adrian Maddocks several successful public exhibitions in the area, where SeaScape Project Manager received favourable feedback about the wind farm. Tel: 01524 736553 The next phase of the project is to undertake more detailed monitoring Email: [email protected] of the wind farm. This will include several boreholes to provide a detailed assessment of the sediments on-site, to help with the engineering of the foundations. Detailed designs of the turbine foundations, their installation methods and subsea cable connections will be prepared. Contractors

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Coastland conservation meets welfare! prickly problem for Zoo has a long history of Sefton Coast has managing and breeding the Abecome a treat for Black rhino and also the Black rhinos at Chester supports rhino conservation Zoo thanks to Helen Woods projects in Kenya. Only a student at Liverpool John recently, our three young Moores University. rhinos have moved into an exciting new enclosure the

sSammy, Kitania and Manyara, three young Black rhinos. ©Helen Boczek. Rhino Team, Chester Zoo

tRhinos prehensile lip. ©Helen Boczek. Rhino Team, Chester Zoo

Sammy rhino. ©Pat Cade

Helen Along with the other The sea-buckthorn animals in the zoo our provides a perfect form rhinos are of enrichment for part of Black rhinos, a species a that browse on thorny program bushes and scrub in the of African savannah. They use 'Tsavo 'environmental their amazing prehensile Experience', and we enrichment' upper lip for grabbing, aim to continue to breed designed to stimulate manipulating and pulling off more of these amazing approached their natural range of branches and no meal is too animals. the Sefton Coast behaviours. Food prickly! and Countryside Service, enrichment in the form of We hope that the plant who manage the Ainsdale browse is important for In the wild, Black rhinos donations will continue in Local Nature Reserve, plant eating species like the walk for miles each day and order to supplement the about the removal of Black rhino and is by placing the browse in vegetation planted in the troublesome sea-buckthorn especially appreciated by different areas of the rhinos' new home and bushes from this coastal our three playful youngsters. enclosure we encourage this provide them with many site. Helen was well aware behaviour at the Zoo. A more hours of novel that this prickly plant is a A zoo diet of concentrates further advantage of feeding feeding experience. nuisance to dispose of and and vegetables meets all of the bushes is that they act as was determined to develop the rhino’s nutrition a visual barrier and provide Authors: an environmentally friendly requirements but does not the rhinos with shelter and Dr. Stephanie Wehnelt (Research Officer) and novel use for the take long to eat. By some privacy. providing extra browse we & Eleanor Condon bushes. She hit upon the (Research Assistant), idea of sending the sea- are giving the animals the Black rhinos are critically Chester Zoo, (email contact: buckthorn to us at Chester option to feed for hours endangered in the wild due [email protected]) Zoo to use as 'browse' for throughout the day, as they to poaching for their our Black rhinos. would naturally do. impressive horns. Chester

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CCOOAASSTT AANNDD CCOOUUNNTTRRYYSSIIDDEE SSEERRVVIICCEE

Oystercatchers - one species of wader that you might see on a birdwatching event. ©Steve Young

inter is well and truly with us Wand the Coast and Countryside Service has been working hard on its present projects as well as on our routine management tasks, keeping us busy for the days ahead. Work on preparing the beaches for next summer is well underway and work on sand and litter clearance on the Southport and digging of a channel out He is also working on Crosby promenades will continue. to sea. Safety fencing and biodiversity action plans, signs are erected to ensure visitors' including that for Sefton's Winter and spring are excellent times safety. It can be quite a spectacle to see colonies of Petalwort. for getting to know our wintering birds, the huge volume of water rushing out. Signs of the time. ©Sefton Council both on the beach and inland, with the As well as lowering the level for amenity New interpretation boards have been early spring migrants arriving here from use, the practice helps to maintain a erected at the Queen's Jubilee Nature Health walks more southern climes meeting the birds level of salinity, as some seawater Trail and are planned for Sands Lake Sefton Leisure Services in partnership that have wintered here and are leaving washes back in with the tide, and Birkdale beach, to help inform the with Sefton Technical Services and Sefton to go further north. So there is always a contributing to the special character of users of the areas rich wildlife diversity. Primary Care Trusts are running a series chance to see Redwing and Willow the Lake. Winter highlights include Our News and Events Leaflet is due out of weekly health walks across the Warbler in the same bush. Bittern, Red Throated Diver and in April, with its mix of wildlife walks, borough. All walks are led by volunteer Slavonian Grebe. children's activities, evening talks and leaders and last between 30 minutes to special events. It will be available in 1 hour. Walking is a great way get fit Scrub removal continues at Ainsdale local libraries or you can contact us on and explore new areas. To receive a and Birkdale Sandhills LNR under the 01704 570173. Events are also copy of the walk programme and more Wildlife Enhancement Scheme funded by advertised in local papers and on our information please contact Stephanie English Nature. The work is web pages at Boote at Sefton Leisure Services, Sport concentrating on the Birkdale Frontals www.merseyworld.com/sefton_coast. and Recreational Development Section, this winter, important amongst many telephone 0151 934 2377. other reasons for the conservation of Coming Up: Petalwort, the tiny liverwort species Sefton Leisure Services in found in very few parts of the country on partnership with Sefton Technical BIRDW Areas of buckthorn targeted for removal to ATCHING EVENTS increase the potential habitat for Petalwort, Sand calcareous dunes. The sheep are back Services and Sefton Primary Care Booking is essential as places are limited Lizards and Natterjacks. ©Sefton Council this year, the legacy of the dreadful foot Trusts are launching a free cycle loan Satur day 1st March and mouth epidemic is past, and grazing scheme across the borough. From 10.00 - 13.30 Southpor The 'Birdwatching for All' events at will continue to play an increasingly March 2003 good quality bikes and t Beach Bir Southport Pier have proved very popular important part in sustainable helmets will be available from dwatching Walk (Booking essential) with people braving the weather to see management of the dune habitat. Ainsdale Discovery Centre to Sunda y 2nd March the huge numbers of birds roosting and explore the Sefton coast line at your 10.00 - 13.30 feeding along the tideline. The Rangers Tony Duckles, an experienced leisure. Other sites where the bikes Pier Birdwatching - have been on hand to help introduce member of the beach patrol, retired in will be available are: Dunes an introduction to November and we know everyone will Leisure Centre, Crosby Leisure birdwatching visitors to our rich and varied birdlife Satur day 22nd March with telescopes, games and other join us in wishing him good luck in all Centre, Bootle Leisure Centre and 12.00 - 15.30 activities for all the family. Look out for his future endeavours. We are glad to Seaforth Fitness Connection. For 12.00 - 15.30 Pier Birdwatching more events at the Pier in the coming welcome Alan Bale, our newest member more information about the Family fun day Sunda of staff, who will be implementing the scheme please contact Chris y 23rd March months. 12.00 - 15.30 Woodland Plan, ensuring the habitats McBrien at Sefton Leisure 12.00 - 15.30 Pier Birdwatching At Crosby Coastal Park, the Marine needed by Red Squirrels, bats and many Services, Sport and Recreational Family fun day For booking and fur Lake has undergone its regular other animals and plants will be Development Section, telephone ther inf please contact the Coast andormation Countr lowering, a major event involving the retained. The first phase of this work 0151 934 2355. Ser will be seen at Lifeboat Road this year. vice on 01704 570173 yside

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pril 2002 saw the launch of a new set of four scenarios of future climate change for the UnitedA Kingdom. CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS The new scenarios were commissioned by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), for the UK Climate Impact Programme. They are collectively known as The key results are:- L Winters will become wetter L Relative sea level will L Extreme sea levels will be UKCIP02 and replace the 1998 scenarios. and summers may become continue to rise around most of experienced more frequently. A UK climate will (indicates dryer. In the Northwest, summer the UK's shoreline. By the 1 in 50-year event today could The scenarios cover four different levels of L high confidence), become rainfall is predicted to decrease 2080's, sea level may be become a 1 in 3 year event by emissions; low, medium low, medium high and high. warmer by the 2080's for the by up to 60% and winter rainfall between 7 cm for low emissions the 2080's. high emissions scenario. Parts may increase beyond 30%. and 67 cm for high emissions The new scenarios are based on a higher of the Northwest may (this above the current level in resolution (A 50-km grid rather than a 300- indicates less than high L Snowfall amount will Northwest England. km grid). They provide estimates of changes confidence) be up to 4.5 decrease throughout the UK. to extremes of weather and sea level. centigrade warmer in the All of these climate scenarios will be used as summer. L Heavy winter precipitation input to research themes covering policy, will become more frequent. broad scale modelling, flood forecasting and L High summer temperatures warning, and engineering. will become more frequent and very cold winters will become The focus for flood defence and coast protection will be on adaptation strategies to increasingly rare. meet the impacts.

Further information is available on the UK Climate Impacts Programme web site: Erosion events like this one at Formby Point in 1998 may become more frequent in the future. www.ukcip.org.uk ©John Houston Summary produced by Paul Stainer, Environment Agency

FLOOD WARNING TRITON uses forecast tide heights Instead of receiving a general from the Met. Office (astronomical warning that gives a tide level the You will all be familiar with the plus surge) combined with wind Council will receive a warning for a Environment Agency Flood Warnings speed and specific area that details that you see included in the weather direction. Flood the amount of overtopping forecast on the television. These are How TRITON works a useful tool for warning people of warnings will be expected. This will assist issued based Local Authorities by potential problems but here in the I Off-shore forecasts, upon the forecast enabling the flood Northwest this system is being wave, wind and surge extended to provide more specific overtopping of warning system to be warnings. defences. I Swan wave model more closely tied into Triton Tidal Forecasting Project This winter will generates forecasts of Local Authority emergency plans. Aim: be used as a trial near-shore conditions To establish a tidal flood warning period for TRITON. Tidal I Amazon overtopping system that is based upon the local model used to characteristics of areas at risk of tidal events will be flooding. used to assess calculate flooding Key Project Outcomes: the accuracy of extents TRITON and I Modelling is done off- n A forecasting system calibrate it for line local variations n Flood Warning Maps defining areas that are at flood risk that the models cannot cater for. Forecasts will be Erosion at n Established criteria at which based on the existing system that Burbobank Road. warnings are issued uses Liverpool levels. ©Sefton Council

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NGE SCENARIOS

High tides plus onshore winds cause flooding up Shore Road, Ainsdale 2002. ©Paul Wisse. L Relative sea level will L Extreme sea levels will be continue to rise around most of experienced more frequently. A the UK's shoreline. By the 1 in 50-year event today could 2080's, sea level may be become a 1 in 3 year event by between 7 cm for low emissions the 2080's. and 67 cm for high emissions above the current level in Northwest England.

Formby Point gets a battering by a storm event in February 1997. ©Dan Wrench

History of Tidal Flooding in times. Sixteenth century court proceedings mention the villages Sefton of Meanedale, Argameols and Ravemmeols lost to the sea and The Sefton Coast is like a sand old maps show a village of castle that is easily washed away by Altmouth near what is now the the sea. Because it has no outcrops of Altcar Rifle Range. rock the forces of nature readily mould Flooding on Marine Drive, north of Southport Pier 1954. it, so the shoreline is constantly Nicholas Blundell's diary ©Greswell changing in response to the influence describes "great losses sustained of wind and water and as a result of in Lancashire in December 1720 1859. In October 1883 storms human activity. Before the construction by the violent overflowing of the sea". damaged the promenade extension of coastal defences the sea sometimes Storm tides had flooded 6,600 acres of and the Cheshire Lines Railway, which broke through the sand dunes and land, washed down 157 houses, and was under construction near the flooded low-lying inland areas. damaged 200 more. The main areas seafront. Greater damage occurred at However people moved with and of damage were on low-lying land at Hesketh Bank in December 1833 and adapted to changes in the position of Pilling Moss and Marton Moss near the November 1866 when the sea burst the coast. The geological evidence of Fylde Coast and the West Lancashire through earth banks and flooded parts such events can be found but there Moss between Formby and Tarleton. of the village and large areas of were few written records until recent At Ince Blundell sea banks were farmland. breached, the River Alt floodgates were broken and more than 100 acres of During the 19th century, despite productive farmland were damaged by these storms the local coastline seawater. Roads and bridges were generally gained land because more also affected, including a public bridge sand was moved onshore during in Great Crosby known as 'Foremost periods of favourable weather than was poole bridge' (Far Moss Pool bridge). eroded by winter storms. In the 20th century this trend reversed around the When Southport was developed as a exposed coast of Formby Point. The bathing resort in the early 19th century change was probably caused by an landowners built sea walls and the first increase in the number of storms and promenade. Bland's 'Annals of the effects of navigation works in the Southport' relate how storms broke Ribble and Mersey estuaries. The down these new sea walls in January erosion rate is greatest at the boundary 1839, December 1852 and January between the Formby National Trust

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Erosion caused by high tides in 2002. ©Sefton Council

north of Hall Road that the night of 11th and 12th November directed the flow seaward 1977 severe storms coinciding with and away from the high tides overtopped coastal defences coastline. The coastline throughout Lancashire and Cumbria. was reinstated and At Southport the midnight tide rose by hardened by the tipping of more than one and a half metres (5ft) demolition waste, builders' above its predicted level and flooded rubble and tin slag from 110 houses at Harrogate Way in local smelting factories. Crossens. No one was physically Crosby sea wall and injured but floodwater up to a metre promenade were built in the deep caused considerable damage to and the Ainsdale National Nature 1970's forming the Marine Park and property. It was found that water had Reserve, with an average loss of protecting property from Seaforth to overtopped a length of sea bank dating approximately 10ft (3m) per year over Hall Road West. The coast north of from the 1890’s, which was lower than the past 100 years. Hall Road West is still vulnerable to the other sea walls at Southport. erosion and the tipped material is Elsewhere in Sefton the sand dunes At Crosby the River Alt changed its slowly breaking down and spreading eroded by up to 20 metres (60ft), course during the early 20th century. along the shore towards Hightown. A promenades, coastal parks and sea Having previously discharged seaward major Government-funded study is now walls were damaged and there was from Altcar in a westerly direction, it in progress to identify the best options much wind damage to inland property. moved to the south and began to for the management of the coastal The bank at Crossens was raised and erode the coastline at Blundellsands. defences between Crosby and Formby strengthened during the following year Seafront houses in Burbo Bank Road (see last issue of Coastlines). and has not been damaged since. had to be abandoned as the land was slowly carried away despite attempts at Although storm damage along the Tony Smith artificial hardening. The River Alt was Sefton Coast is frequent and inevitable, finally brought under control in 1936 by there are few recent instances of the construction of a training bank damage to homes. However during Flood Risk and Insurance What should you do if this affects you? A number of residents in Sefton have contacted the Council with regard to their household insurance, when renewing their insurance they have been My advice would be to gain concerned by large increases in the premium and a greater understanding of the references to them living in flood risk areas. In the situation, have a look at the past insurance companies have tended to apply a Environment Agency web flat rate to all properties so that the risk from flooding site, see if you are covered has been spread over everyone's premiums, this is by the indicative flood plain changing, mapping, but read the notes particularly in that back up the mapping Regular inspection of secondary defences response to the so that you understand the at Southport. ©Sefton Council significant flood limitations. Then have a events we have look at the information had over the that the Association of past 5 years. British Insurers provide Many insurance (www.abi.org.uk) which companies are should clarify their now basing position. There has been their decisions coverage of this issue in on whether or the news so it is worth not a property looking at sites such as has a history of the BBC and searching flooding or is at for relevant articles. It risk of flooding, will be far easier to often using the indicative floodplain mapping discuss these issues supplied by the Environment Agency (available at with your insurer if www.environment-agency.gov.uk). These maps use you have a greater information currently available, based on historical understanding of flood records and geographical models. They the situation. indicate where flooding from rivers, streams, watercourses or the sea, is possible. However, the Graham Lymbery, maps do not show flood defences, which offer vital Project Leader Coast Defence Flooding-Marine Drive, protection in many areas. Flood forecasting is not a Southport 1998. ©Sefton precise science and the maps can only give a Council general indication of risk.

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NewsNews frfromom EnglishEnglish NaturNaturee

Seaside centaury. ©Lynne Collins, English Nature.

Yellow Bartsia. ©Rob Wolstenholme, English Nature.

o show local councillors and interested parties what the Dune TRestoration Area looks like after tree stump removal English Nature arranged a site visit last August. Around 50 people gathered and discussed all aspects of the future management of the National Nature Reserve. English Nature's chair Sir Martin Doughty was able to attend and gave local Councillors a first hand opportunity to pose questions directly. Sir Martin Doughty reminded all those present that English Nature has an obligation under the EU Rob Wolstenholme talks about management issues on a guided walk at Ainsdale NNR. Habitats and Species Directive. This means ©Alice Kimpton, English Nature. they need to manage the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve into favourable condition for those ecological During 2003 Independent consultants will you will feel able to participate in this features it is internationally listed for (i.e. carry out an Environmental Impact important process concerning the future of open dune habitat). Assessment for the retention or partial the National Nature Reserve. removal of pine plantation from sand dunes There were many positive comments at at Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature In addition, landscape architects CASS the site meeting regarding the increase and Reserve. An Environmental Impact Associates are using landscape character attractiveness of restored dune slack Assessment considers the effect of certain assessment. This is a tool used in planning habitats. This was due to increased activities upon the environment. for sustainable landscape management. numbers of nationally rare species (such as Assessments of local character type identify Yellow bartsia and Seaside centaury) and It will resolve and integrate any potential key characteristics to be considered in the other local or distinctive plants of dune site management conflicts in meeting the future management of the Ainsdale Sand habitats. requirements of nature conservation Dunes National Nature Reserve. We need to legislation, for example Wildlife and create a sustainable balance between English Nature are keen to provide as Countryside Act (Red squirrel) and Habitats landscape and nature conservation much information as they can to local Regulations (open dune habitats). The end objectives. This will set out potential residents to explain what they have done, result of the Environmental Impacts 'landscape elements' which may be what they are doing and why and will Assessment will be an Environmental included in future management proposals. continue to do so. Look out for a full- Statement on the proposed future Dune These include: blow out with dune slacks; guided walks programme for 2003. Restoration Project as it relates to the dune slacks; retained tree groups and Forest Plan / which will inform retained tree lines. the future management of the site. The Environmental There will be special guided walks on Statement will include Sunday June 22nd and Wednesday June consultation with the local 25th. This will allow you to input into the community and a wide range of Environmental Impact Assessment and interested individuals and discuss the next stages with the organisations. independent landscape consultants.

English Nature wants your help For more information please contact and input. Please look out for Lynne Collins news in the local press and on Community Officer on 01704 578774 site notice boards. At the time of going to press the timetable of consultation is still being developed. English Nature hope Bee on thistle. ©Lynne Collins, English Nature.

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at Jessops. The best junior (under 18) 3. A maximum of two photographs per 9. Photographs must be taken on/of Please send entries to: Say cheeeese! entry will receive a family membership entrant are allowed. the Sefton Coast. for the National Trust (valued at £60). Coastlines Photo Competition, 4. All entries should be supplied with 10. Photographs will only be returned if Sefton Coast Photograph Competition Additional prizes for the best junior Sefton Coastal Strategy Unit, the entrants name, age (if under 18), a stamped self-addressed envelope is Ainsdale Discovery Centre, The Sefton Coast is a very varied and entries will be provided by RSPB and telephone number and address written provided. All photographs sent are at The Promenade, dramatic coastline. It stretches from Jessops. The best images will appear on the back (preferably on a sticky the photographer’s own risk. The Shore Road, Bootle dockland in the south to in the next issue of Coastlines. label). A brief description of the organisers regret they cannot accept Ainsdale-on-Sea, Crossens Marsh just north of Southport. The competition is sponsored by Sefton photograph location should be liability for any loss or damage of any Southport It has wide sandy beaches, an excellent Council and Jessops, with additional included. picture(s) entered into the competition PR8 2QB dune system, saltmarshes and competition prizes donated by National (howsoever caused) nor for any other 5. Anyone entering the competition woodland, it is a popular tourist Trust, Formby and RSPB, Marshside. loss or damage resulting therefrom. under the age of 18 must seek their Your local JESSOPS store is situated on destination and a favourite for locals, On behalf of the partnership we would parents / guardians permission before 11. The judges will be members of the 443-5 Lord Street in Southport. there are the man-made structures such like to thank the sponsors for their entering the competition. Sefton Coast Partnership and a Tel: 01704 533232 as the pier, marine lakes and seawalls. support. representative from Jessops and their It is easy to say that we have a very 6. The Sefton Coast Partnership Conditions of entry decision is final. The organisers' Local Staff varied coastline and this is what we reserves the rights to use any entries in decision on all matters relating to the Manager want you to capture on film. The 1. The competition is open to anyone future web pages, leaflets, posters and Amanda David competition is final; no correspondence Assistant Manager photograph can contain people, places except for land managers and paid staff any other literature at no additional Tony Murphy will be entered into concerning the Sales or things but must be taken on the who work on the Sefton Coast, and cost with the copyright remaining that Dave Stephens competition's judging and organisation. Sales Sefton Coast. board members, advisers and of the photographer. Rob Lawrence Lab Assistant observers of the Sefton Coast 12. Winners will be announced in the Jo Rowlans This competition is open to all and we 7. The closing date for entries is 20th Lab Supervisor Partnership. next issue of Coastlines together with Moe Langley want you to send in your photographs of June 2003. P/T Sales their winning photograph and other Matt Farrah what the Sefton Coast means to you. 2. All entries should be supplied as 8. Photographs must be taken by the highly commended entries. The overall winner will receive a gift prints, colour or black and white, and entrant, who must hold the copyright. voucher to the value of £100 to be spent no bigger than 7"x5".

Radar tower at dusk, Crosby Coastal Park. ©Paul Wisse

Ainsdale walker. ©Dan Wrench

Strandline debris. ©Paul Wisse

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9. Photographs must be taken on/of Please send entries to: the Sefton Coast. Coastlines Photo Competition, 10. Photographs will only be returned if Sefton Coastal Strategy Unit, a stamped self-addressed envelope is Ainsdale Discovery Centre, provided. All photographs sent are at The Promenade, the photographer’s own risk. The Shore Road, organisers regret they cannot accept Ainsdale-on-Sea, liability for any loss or damage of any Southport picture(s) entered into the competition PR8 2QB (howsoever caused) nor for any other loss or damage resulting therefrom. Your local JESSOPS store is situated on 11. The judges will be members of the 443-5 Lord Street in Southport. Sefton Coast Partnership and a Tel: 01704 533232 representative from Jessops and their decision is final. The organisers' Local Staff decision on all matters relating to the Manager Amanda David competition is final; no correspondence Assistant Manager Tony Murphy will be entered into concerning the Sales Dave Stephens competition's judging and organisation. Sales Rob Lawrence Lab Assistant 12. Winners will be announced in the Jo Rowlans Lab Supervisor next issue of Coastlines together with Moe Langley P/T Sales their winning photograph and other Matt Farrah Jessops shop frontage at Southport highly commended entries.

Sunset at Southport Pier. ©Colin Jackson

Formby beach. ©John Houston Holly Blue. ©Dave McAleavy. Bouy washed up at Ainsdale beach. ©John Houston

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altmarshes are found all around The first plant to colonise the mud is Ducks and geese feed on the plants the British coast in sheltered areas Glasswort (Salicornia sp) it does two and seeds on the grassy marsh. S(bays, estuaries, areas in the lee things, it stops the mud from being Wigeon are the smallest totally of shingle spits or offshore barrier swept out to sea and it makes the water herbivorous ducks and during the islands) and Britain has more saltmarsh slow down around it (slow moving winter, feed almost entirely on than almost any other European waters drops more mud) both these saltmarsh grass, which is difficult to country. Locally, there is a small things raise the level of the ground digest. A Wigeon must eat half its saltmarsh at the Alt Estuary in exposing that area to air for longer body weight of food each day, and so Hightown, the huge marsh at the Ribble periods. This area now attracts other has evolved feeding around the clock in Estuary and the mixed sand dune and plants. Eventually the level of the order to meet its energy needs. saltmarsh between Southport and marsh will be raised so high that the Ainsdale. tide rarely covers it. Wading birds gather at the waters Looking at a saltmarsh you will see edge because the small molluscs and Saltmarshes are difficult places to that it has distinct zones, the areas worms on which they feed are found live in and dangerous to visit, with deep nearest to the sea are covered in close to the surface when the mud is soft mud rich in invertebrate life and Glasswort and saltmarsh grass wet. As the tide goes out the mud full of remarkable plants which can (Puccinellia maritima), middle areas dries and the prey burrows deeper in withstand immersion in salty waters. contain Sea purslane (Halimone search of moisture and will soon be out portulacoides), Annual seablite (Suaeda of reach. Saltmarshes form on mud between maritima) and Sea aster (Aster There is no where to hide on the flat the high and low water marks and are a tripolium) and areas nearest the land open expanses on a saltmarsh so transition zone between land and sea. are colonised by other plants such as waders roost and feed in large flocks as As the tide ebbs and flows the slow Sea milkwort (Glaux maritima) and there is safety in numbers, taking off en moving water drops tiny particles of rushes. mass whenever a predator appears silt, which develop into mud banks and causing confusion and many escape the are colonised by plants specially Plants living on saltmarshes often clutches of a Peregrine or Merlin. adapted to living in this difficult produce masses of seeds since the Saltmarshes are amazing places; their environment. chances of germination are low. Sea daily dramas go unnoticed by most

Glasswort. ©English Nature Sea aster. ©English Nature

Land plants, like us, are unable to purslane is most common along tidal people, as all we see is the most use water from the sea, as it is too channels where you should find masses landward part. They are probably the salty and struggle to find ways to cope of its broad silvery leaves. These least explored of all our wild spaces. with the sunshine, salty water and the leaves help the plant to save precious flooding around their roots during the water and also reflect sunlight to Alice Kimpton, English Nature twice-daily influx of the tide. This protect it from scorching. Sea purslane. ©English Nature means the specially adapted plants thrive in an environment where they Saltmarshes are important feeding face very little competition from other grounds for thousands of birds, which plants for space and nutrients. visit during autumn and winter to make use of the enormous food source.

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working closely with the National Trust to establish an Stewardship on the Asparagus Trail which will celebrate this unique coastal agriculture.’ The Trust will prepare a small Asparagus Coast area for asparagus planting in March 2003.

Andrew Brockbank, Hitachi excavator grubbing out scrub. ©Sefton Council Countryside Property Manager, The National Trust

Visitors to the National Trust Reserve at Formby often notice the small, ridged 'pieces' of levelled ground amongst the dunes. Some are now lost to the retreating coastline, while others lie overgrown, belying their use, until only a few years ago, by asparagus growers. The National Trust has recently entered into a new Countryside Stewardship Agreement with DEFRA and the The National Trust acquired Lark Hill Fields in 1985, potential for re-vitalising this unique cultural through public subscription to the Enterprise Neptune landscape is gaining community support. Local Formby asparagus. ©National Trust A new Stewardship Agreement aims to maintain a wider part of the pattern of small fields created by asparagus cultivation. Seasonal grazing with sheep will help to improve the conservation value of dune grassland, compensating for that which is being lost to the retreating coastline. Herdwick sheep have been introduced to lightly graze the ridged fields of the former Pinetrees Farm in the centre of the property. The sheep reduce the proportion of Dewberry and coarse herbage, allowing a more diverse, short-sward grassland to develop.

Fund, to safeguard this land from building development. The fields were once part of Larkhill Farm and variously used for growing asparagus, grazing livestock or taking a cut of hay. One field, which was too wet to grow asparagus, has developed as dune heath since the 1950's. Though small, the Herdwick sheep grazing on asparagus fields. ©National Trust dune heath is the most accessible example of this The National Trust is seeking separate funding to priority habitat on the Sefton Coast. Ideally, grazing restore asparagus cultivation at nearby Sandfield the dune heath with ponies for a few weeks in the Farm. Dr Reg Yorke of the Formby Civic Society summer will reduce competition from grasses, sand comments, ‘The asparagus landscape is intimately sedge and scrub, and should allow the heather to linked to the origins of Freshfield and our society is flourish.

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Scrubbed up relic asparagus fields. ©National Trust

Over a three-year period, out more, join our guided the Trust intends to remove walk ‘Formby - choices in a some of the dense Gorse changing landscape’ on scrub from the heath field, Sunday 14th April (10am to using an excavator. 12 noon). For further Removing the Gorse, roots details telephone 01704 and all, will help to provide 878591. a fresh seed bed onto which heather seed will be spread. Countryside Stewardship Some areas of scrub will be offers many benefits in this retained to maintain landscape helping to diversity and nesting sites emphasise the distinctive for birds including long local character of small tailed tit, willow warbler fields originally created by and whitethroat. asparagus growing and pasturage. Alongside Lark Hill Lane, planting new hedges will For further information:- provide functional, living boundaries, which will also Andrew Brockbank, soften the urban margins of The National Trust the property. The hedges Countryside Office, will be maintained quite Blundell Avenue, low to preserve views. Freshfield, Formby, Most feedback from Liverpool L37 1PH. residents has been positive Tel: 01704 878 591 and discussions are e-mail continuing to gain [email protected] agreement about the best locations for kissing gates and access points. Fencing work started last year in November.

If you would like to find

ational Trust membership is an membership can cost from as little as 8p By joining the National Trust, you are ideal way to help your local site at a day - but can mean so much to the contributing to the care and protection of NFormby. A membership gives you protection and conservation of beautiful Britain's natural and historic treasures, free access to many National Trust landscapes and historic places. from the breathtaking beauty of the Lake Properties. District to glorious coastline like Formby The National Trust could not achieve so and wonderful heritage like Speke Hall, in We live in an extraordinary country, much without the support of its members Liverpool. and National Trust membership is about With so much going on around the playing your part in protecting and caring country, membership makes perfect As a member, you will enjoy FREE entry for the unique and precious inheritance sense - you can enjoy hundreds of days to over 300 historic houses and 200 that we have all around us. out and your subscription will be spent gardens as well as Natíonal Trust on protecting, managing and caring for countryside car parks. Join by direct Membership means that you can enjoy the places you love to visit. debit at the National Trust in Formby, any free entry to many beautiful places as day before the end of February 2003 and often as you like - but safe in the As a member you will be part of you could get 3 months membership knowledge that your money is helping to Britain's most successful conservation FREE. By joining at Formby you are protect and care for such places now and charity, with over 100 years' experience directly helping our conservation work. in the future. in looking after beautiful and precious places. You'll discover timeless For further information either contact We have so much work to do on the treasures, relax in some of the most the National Trust at Formby or visit coast, in the countryside, and at houses tranquil settings and be contributing to www.nationaltrust.org.uk and gardens, and we need your support something totally unique. more than ever. National Trust

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SSmmaallll iiss bbeeaauuttiiffuull:: rraarree mmoosssseess aanndd lliivveerrwwoorrttss oonn tthhee SSeeffttoonn CCooaasstt

and dunes are renowned for their incredibly difficult to identify, success being to a variety of pressures including coastal rich diversity of wildlife, including gained from hours if not months of development and drainage, so particular Ssome of our more charismatic painstaking examination under the care is needed to look after those that species such as Natterjack toads and microscope! remain. The spread of Sea Buckthorn is a orchids. But they are also host to a group widely acknowledged problem, with a of less well known plants - the mosses and All three species are very particular as to continual struggle in place to keep it in liverworts, known collectively as bryophytes where they grow and inhabit similar places - check, whereas other threats are rather - that form a fascinating miniature world bare areas of damp sand in or on the edges more difficult to pin down such as amongst the sand grains. of dune slacks. Once larger vascular plants enrichment by nutrients. But we now know such as Creeping Willow colonise, the where these species occur and what they The Sefton Coast is probably the most bryophytes are unable to 'keep up' with the need to survive - which is an important first important dune system for bryophytes in competition and are eventually lost from step- and the effective partnership on the Britain, with no less than three of our most these areas. Ensuring that there is a Sefton Coast is working hard to ensure that threatened species that are listed under the continual supply of damp bare sand for the needs of this special group of species UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Petalwort these species to colonise is a key to their are taken into account in the management (Petalophyllum ralfsii) is perhaps the most success. Dunes are by their very nature of their sites. distinctive of these - a bright green liverwort dynamic so areas of bare sand appear from

time to time of their own accord. Grazing by that resembles a minute lettuce, measuring Jenny Duckworth, Plantlife no more than 5mm across. Long leaved rabbits and stock is also important here to A leaflet entitled 'Looking after mosses and thread-moss (Bryum neodamense) is keep some of the taller vegetation in check liverworts in coastal dune slacks' giving more relatively large as mosses go, forming tufts and open up the ground. Even trampling by information on these species is available. up to 10cm tall, and has blunt leaves on a people can be beneficial so long as it is not Copies will be available from Plantlife red stem. Warne's thread-moss (Bryum too heavy. Tel: 020 7808 0100 warneum) is smaller, but has its fruiting Email: [email protected] body borne on a disproportionately long These species have been lost from stalk. This moss is infamous for being several of their former sites in the past due

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Where would you be if you could see: a knob, a dopping, a sute and a rush? My mum phoned up the other day with a word puzzle.

Where would you be if you could see

Ribble saltmarsh. ©English Nature mm, where would I be? from Crossens on the Sefton Saltmarshes are notoriously With my extra clue Coast to Lytham on the Fylde. difficult to visit due to the H"you've been working The Reserve (established in inherent dangers of a tidal site, there one day a week for the 1979) is renowned for the flocks but the walk described last year" I did get the answer - of waders and wildfowl that opposite gives you a flavour of I would be on a saltmarsh - but pass through each autumn the reserve and estuary with I didn't know why. and spring, on their way from none of the dangers. breeding grounds to wintering Apparently they are the areas and back again, or English Nature is a Government funded collective nouns for various which stay for the winter to body, which cares for our natural heritage water birds like ‘a murder of feed on its rich pickings. crows’. So next time you see a However, the birds depend on and promotes the conservation of group of Wigeon you can the ability of the estuary to England's wildlife and natural features. impress your friends and say, provide an abundant supply The Ribble Estuary National Nature "Look there's a knob of Wigeon of food at all times. This food Reserve is one of 200 National Nature flying over!" for wading birds, such as Reserves, which represent the diversity Oystercatcher, Knot and of our wildlife. Well, now we know we are Dunlin, comes in the form of on a saltmarsh why don't we an immense number of inter- For further information contact: take a look at the Ribble tidal invertebrates, or for the Estuary National Nature wildfowl such as Pink-footed Mike Gee, Reserve. It is an enormous geese, Wigeon or the wild Reserve covering over half the swans, in the form of saltmarsh Site Manager on 01704 225624 or whole estuary (4,697ha is grasses. English Nature English Nature, National Nature Reserve) manages the Reserve to Cheshire to Lancashire Team, including sandbanks, mud maintain this huge food Pier House, Wallgate, Wigan. flats and saltmarsh stretching resource. Lancashire WN3 4AL Tel: 01942 820342. Or visit: www.english-nature.org.uk.

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Crossens Walk This first walk starts in the 1. The walk will take between 1-2 4. Keep walking along Marine Following high tides water is car park next to the sand hours depending on how fast you Drive and you will come across slow to drain form these inland winning plant on Marine go and how many bird watching the start of the grazed saltmarsh. fields and open water is a magnet Drive at Marshside (grid ref: stops you make. Take a pair of Summer grazing is very for wildfowl. These splashes on SD353205). Try to go on a binoculars and start in the car important to the estuary as it the in-marsh attract many birds high tide (a few suggested park. At high tide this can be a creates the ideal habitat for over including Mute swans, Pink- dates are given below), as great place to start your bird wintering waders and wildfowl. footed and Greylag geese. The this will push the birds into watching as you can see a wide The two key species for the water filled channels make great view. It is always best to variety of waders. Thousands of Ribble are Wigeon and Pink- fishing grounds for Herons and visit saltmarshes in the Dunlin, Knot and Plover join footed geese. Cattle produce the Egrets. If you look harder in and autumn and winter when together into clouds of shorter turf preferred by these around the grass smaller waders most of the birds are here. shimmering wings alternately birds. Wigeon are the smallest start to appear including Black- Choose a day when the sun is silver and grey as they turn and totally herbivorous ducks and tailed godwits and Golden plover. shining and the sky is blue as twist. At low tide monster trucks have to spend up to 13 hours a this gives the huge vistas trundle out from the sand day feeding on saltmarsh grass. 8. The next two fields are over the marsh additional winning plant to the Horse Bank Marshside Nature Reserve interest and the hills of collecting sand for the glass 5. Crossens-out-Marsh is a great managed by the Royal Society for Lancashire and Cumbria their industry in St Helens. place to see flocks of Wigeon, the Protection of Birds (RSPB). greatest backdrop. Pink footed geese and other Water levels can be controlled by a series of sluices, which allows 4 water to be retained during the 5 summer breeding season. You 3 can spot a dopping of Shelducks using the water filled channels and a rush of Pochard may fly in to dive in deeper waters. 6 9. When you reach Marshside Road turn right and head 7 2 seaward to reach the car park RSPB hide and sand winning plant. open daily 8.30am - 5pm

2. Walking northeast from here ducks like Teal and a Dates in 2003 with higher along the seaward side of Marine sute of Mallard. Look in the Although only tides exceeding 9 metres Drive you see the ungrazed water filled channels for the 4.5km, this walk does enable during daylight hours: saltmarsh owned by Sefton ducks and in the grass for the you to catch a glimpse of the y 17th - Monday Februar Council. The fence, visible from geese. Lapwings wheel and call wealth of wildlife on the vast y 22nd Saturday Februar the embankment makes a good above your head and flocks of Ribble Estuary. vantage point for birds of prey starlings surprise with their size. Sunday March 2nd - looking for a small mammal meal Venturing out on to the Wednesday March 5th in the long grass. Short-eared 6. As you approach the second saltmarsh itself is not Monday March 17th - owls, Merlin, Peregrine and gate onto the marsh look across recommended unless you are in Saturday March 22nd Kestrel can regularly be seen. the road to find the waymarked the company of someone who Coastal Footpath (brown posts knows the marsh well. Tuesday April 1st - 3. Further along Marine drive you with yellow circular badges) that Thursday April 3rd pass the start of the National follows the embankment along Alice Kimpton Tuesday April 15th - Nature Reserve itself, managed the back of Crossens-in-Marsh. Assistant Site Manager English Nature Sunday April 20th purely for its wildlife interest by Carefully cross the road and join English Nature (marked by a this path. Wednesday May 14th - visitor information sign and Mixed fowl. ©Sefton Council Sunday May 18th viewing platform). The sand and 7. These inland marshes, more For further details pick up a mud flats of the Reserve stretch sheltered from the extremes of copy of local tide tables for out west behind the sand winning weather, provide valuable areas Liverpool, available in most plant to Southport pier and north for roosting and feeding bookstores across the estuary to Lytham. particularly at high tide.

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FRIENDS OF CROSBY COASTAL PARK

he Leisure Services Coastal Park was issued in October Sefton, and contribute to improving Department's Coast and 2002. As a result there are now the quality of life of Sefton TCountryside Service has over 140 potential Friends of Residents. always had close links with the Crosby Coastal Park. communities that are local to the Anyone can become a Friend of sites that we manage on behalf of The inaugural meeting of The Crosby Coastal Park. If you would Sefton Council. Indeed, voluntary Friends of Crosby Coastal Park is to like more information, please Rangers have been part of the Coast take place early in 2003 and there contact: and Countryside Service for many shall be a further meeting of the years. In early 2002 it was decided group later in the year. The Gordon White to take this a step further at Crosby intention is for the group to meet Coast and Countryside Officer by creating a new group - ‘The two or three times each year to The Ainsdale Discovery Centre Friends of Crosby Coastal Park.’ have open discussions about the The Promenade future of the Coastal Park. There off Shore Road During 2002, we started to are many issues facing the Coastal Ainsdale-on-Sea compile a list of groups and Park and the involvement of the Nr Southport individuals who have expressed local community even further, can PR8 2QB interest in, or concerns about, only be a step forward towards Crosby Coastal Park. When we finding the best forms of action to Tel: 0151 928 8946 spoke with the local community face them. email: gordon-white@coast- about the idea of a ‘Friends of’ countryside.fsbusiness.co.uk group the vast majority were very The Leisure Services Department, positive. The community's on behalf of Sefton Council, is soon The Coast and Countryside responses took many forms, some to publish it's Cultural Strategy Service is planning to start other were critical of the Coastal Park, which guides the development of ‘Friends of’ groups for Formby and but most were enthusiastic and culture within the Borough for the Ainsdale. Anyone interested in encouraging. next five years. The formation of either of these two groups should the Friends of Crosby Coastal Park contact Rachel Northover at the There are several existing user will encourage people to become address above, or by email on: groups at Crosby Coastal Park, e.g. involved in their locality, it makes [email protected]. Crosby Sailing Club, The Scouts best use of existing facilities, and it and Guides Marina Club and Sefton will contribute to strengthening of Paddlers. In addition, many pride, ability and citizenship within individuals contacted the Coast and Sefton. It will also improve access Countryside Service after a press to cultural experiences for all those release about the Friends of Crosby living, visiting or working within Crosby landscape; the Marine Lake, dunes and shore, with Seaforth docks in the background. ©Sefton Council

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The

Who we are and what we do

he RSPB is the charity that supports internationally important do as much as possible for those takes action for wild birds and numbers of waterfowl and one of the important bird groups off the reserve Tthe environment. To put it highest densities of nesting wading in the superb range of sites we have another way we are 'the Royal birds in the UK. around the Ribble Estuary and Society for making sure wild birds Sefton's shores. Tony is supported and the places where they live at Of course even with all that by staff at the RSPB's Regional home and abroad can survive' but support, we cannot do everything. Office in Huddersfield where a team that would not be quite so snappy a We do not run bird hospitals or look of ten look after bird issues across title! We passionately believe that after injured birds for example - nine counties. There are other birds and other wildlife enrich other organisations exist to do that. RSPB reserves and centres at peoples' lives and that the health of We do not take a stance on animal Lytham St. Annes, the Forest of bird populations is indicative of the welfare or field sports issues. This Bowland, Morecambe Bay and health of the planet. On that the gives us time and energy to focus on Leighton Moss and the Dee Estuary. future of our own species depends. the most important issues for bird A new Marshside leaflet is now conservation and the most threatened available. With this definition in mind our bird species in the UK. Many of mission is to inspire people about these priorities are found close to For more information you can birds, champion birds and the home. Breeding wading birds, contact environment with our politicians, (Redshank, Lapwing, Snipe and research the problems birds face and Black-tailed godwit), and lowland Tony Baker look for practical solutions and to farmland birds, (Skylark, Linnet, RSPB Office protect, restore and manage Corn bunting and Tree sparrow), 24 Hoghton Street important habitats across the UK and have declined more steeply than Southport work through Birdlife International most birds and have become the PR9 0DA overseas. The RSPB's great success priority groups for RSPB action. Tel./fax: 01704 536378 has come from the support and Fortunately, we have important or by e-mail: generosity of its million members populations of both these groups [email protected] across the UK. Locally we have locally. active RSPB Members' Groups and Lapwing. ©Andy Hay and rspb images.com Wildlife Explorers' Groups at Crosby At Marshside, the RSPB manages and Southport and one of the most a very public site with superb important wetland reserves in the birdwatching opportunities. No country at Marshside. This is one of admission fee is charged and the two over 150 RSPB nature reserves in state-of-the-art hides are open to the UK. Each RSPB reserve everyone from 9am-5pm, 365 days a protects, manages and in some cases year. Site Manager, Tony Baker, is restores a vital piece of bird habitat. assisted by a growing army of At Marshside, the coastal grassland volunteers. As well as looking after habitat is a nationally rare one and things at Marshside we are trying to

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1. RSPB Marshside P 8. Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve Enjoy bird watching from one of two comfortable Parking P A peaceful nature reserve which mixes open dune hides overlooking the wet grasslands, or take a Toilets T habitat with pine woodland. Several pathways go stroll along the footpaths to take in the views ‘A’ Roads through the site; the main hard path is suitable for over the saltmarsh and foreshore. ‘B’ Roads disabled and cycling (by permit) Minor Roads (Tel: 01704 578774). 2. Southport Pier T Stations l Take a pleasant stroll down the recently 9. Fisherman's Path refurbished pier, complete with a new modern A relaxing walk from Freshfield Station to the pavilion which homes a cafe and interpretation beach through tranquil woodland where a variety of centre for the coast. flora and fauna can be seen. The newly reopened Old Fisherman's Path provides for an alternative 3. Southport Beach P route to the beach. One of Sefton's award winning beaches provides a popular location for visitors to take the sea air. 10. National Trust, Formby P T On a clear day to the north you can see Famous for the Red Squirrels and the pine Blackpool Tower and the mountains of the Lake woodlands, the reserve also offers access to the District. beach and has a variety of paths to explore the dunes, woodland and old asparagus fields. 4. Queen's Jubilee Nature Trail and Velvet Trail The QJNT meanders through a small area of 11. Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols Local Nature dunes. The trails are well laid out and Reserve P T information boards detail species present. The popular Lifeboat Road area provides access to The recently restored Velvet Trail runs through the beach as well as local dunes and woodland. the Birkdale Hills Local Nature Reserve. For those looking for a quieter spot walk through the extensive dune system at Ravenmeols and see 5. Sands Lake P the Devils hole blowout. A pleasant area for accessing Birkdale Local Nature Reserve with a new boardwalk around the 12. Hightown Dunes and Meadows lake allowing for easy access. A jetty provides a An unusual area fronted by an informal rubble feeding area for the birds that congregate on the defence, which was formed from demolition arising lake. from bomb, damaged areas in Liverpool. It now provides wonderful meadows full of flowers and 6. Ainsdale Beach P T insects, and a small coastal dune system. Bird A quieter beach than Southport, which provides watching can be rewarding along the River Alt. visitors with a view of the start to Sefton's sand dune system. A popular starting point for those 13. Hall Road and Beach P T who wish to explore the remoter areas of the Ideal area for walkers of all abilities either along coast. the promenade or into the Hightown Dunes and Meadows. Those not so energetic can relax on the 7. Ainsdale Discovery Centre and Ainsdale beach or recreational grasslands. Local Nature Reserve P Come and visit the centre for an informative 14. Crosby Marine Park and Beach P T displays and interpretation about local facilities, A popular area for sun bathing and recreation with wildlife and history. The LNR is an excellent views over the Mersey Estuary to the Wirral and example of open dune habitat with mobile dunes North Welsh Coast. Dunes are rapidly accreting and wet slacks. along this stretch of coast.

If you are planning to visit the sites please remember to L Clean up after your dog look after the environment and yourselves. L Keep to paths L Always check tide times if visiting the beach. Look out L Don't forget the suntan lotion for advice on notice boards and warning flags especially if planning to swim. If in doubt speak to a L Do not disturb the wildlife lifeguard or the beach patrol. L Do not pick wild flowers leave them for others to enjoy L Dispose of litter correctly either putting it in the bin or L Keep dogs under control at all times taking it home.

I would like to join the Coastlines mailing list.

Name Send to: Address Sefton Coast Strategy Unit, Ainsdale Discovery Centre Complex, Email address The Promenade, Shore Road, Ainsdale-on-Sea, q Add me to mailing list Southport q Tick box for information sent out from other relevant organisations PR8 2QB q Add me to email distribution list NB: any information supplied will be programmed into a computer in accordance with the 1998 Computer Data Protection Act.