Are dogs allowed on Southport beach?

Much of the Southport’s golden beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a series of nature reserves and protected areas running from Crossens to Formby.

Dog owners are encouraged to exercise their pets here but you must clean up any fouling, do not leave dog poo bags in the landscape and ensure your dog is kept under control.

Dogs should also be kept away from birds on the beach, especially large flocks of roosting birds, all of which use this coastline as an essential stop off or breeding site as they travel over continents.

It is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to allow your dog to disturb these birds.

Some basic rules when bringing your dog to the coast:

• Keep your dog under close control at all times. If you cannot control your dog, keep it on a lead.
• Keep your dog out of pools of water or slacks (the dips where water gathers) on the dunes as there are a variety of rare flora and fauna that shouldn’t be disturbed.
• Never let your dog roam around the coast unattended. A dog out of sight might be out of control or at risk of harm from a high tide or unexpected danger.
• You must clean up after your dog. Failure to clean up dog waste is an offence under the cleaner Neighbourhoods Act 2005. You could incur a £75 fixed penalty or be fined up to £1000 if prosecuted.

However people can often be confused if they can take their dog on Southport Beach.

There are two beach dog exclusion zones in place from 1st May to 30th September each year in Southport.

• Southport beach is free of dogs starting from the Pier south towards Pleasureland (for 555m) and to the tide line.
• Ainsdale Beach is free of dogs 200m either side of the main beach entrance and to the tide line.