With warm, sunny weather forecast for the next week, the Council is sharing advice for those planning a visit to our natural coast.
There will be high tides of up to 10 metres from 27 – 30 April, which means Ainsdale beach car park will be closed during this period.
Southport beach car park remains closed for the time being due to the unsuitable condition of the sand. Green Sefton staff conduct daily assessments so the beach parking in Southport can be opened as soon as conditions are safe.
Visitors travelling by car are urged to plan before setting off, as parking spots fill up quickly on warm sunny days.
People should consider public transport and explore active travel options. Merseyrail train stations are all within walking or cycling distance to Southport, Ainsdale, and Crosby beaches. People can plan their journey at www.merseyrail.org/journey-planning
This is one of the peak times of the year for bird migration, and visitors and their dogs must avoid disturbing these resting birds, especially during high tides.
Many of the bird species seen along Sefton’s coast are travelling north to the Arctic and are taking a much-needed break to rest, feed and build up fat and energy levels before continuing their migration.
Some species of wading birds currently resting along our coast are Knot, Turnstone, Dunlin and Sanderling.
If disturbed during high tides, the birds will fly, burning energy they cannot replace while their feeding areas are covered by seawater. If this disturbance happens repeatedly, the birds become exhausted and can die.
Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Now the weather is warming up, we understand many people want to visit our beautiful natural coastline.
“I encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. We’re fortunate to have Merseyrail stations near our beaches in Crosby, Ainsdale and Southport.
“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 a Public Spaces Protection Order.”
“We ask visitors to respect and protect the landscape and wildlife by following our advice. It’s a small request with a big payoff in conserving this special place for generations to come.”
For the latest coastal updates and to learn more about what’s on offer, head to www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches and follow the Council on Instagram @Sefton_Council
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