Rare Sand Lizard rescued in Southport’s Ocean Plaza Shop – UPDATED!

Sand lizards are a highly protected UK species. Southport’s coastal dune area is one of their last established strongholds.

Sadly, a great deal of their vital habitat has been lost due to human inroads and developments. Somehow, they still do manage to survive with difficulty in small colonies.

Sand Lizards are one of the UK’s rarest reptile species. Because of  dramatic habitat loss they now only naturally occur on sandy heathland in Surrey, Dorset and Hampshire and within our coastal sand dune in Merseyside.

Some years ago, the popular Southport Cyclone was demolished. Concerns had been raised by some campaigners that sand lizards existed in the area, yet the destruction still went ahead with disbelieving authorities taking little notice.

However, the proof of sand lizard existence in the Ocean Plaza area came starkly to light this week when a kind-hearted witness rescued one specimen that was spotted in a local shop. The sand lizard was quickly returned to suitable wild habitat in the area.

The specimen was positively identified later on by an expert from Froglife, a leading national wildlife conservation charity.

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It is thought possible that ground moment from nearby car park building work by the pier may have disturbed an existing sand lizard colony, thereby driving them further afield.

Sand lizards receive full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. This makes it an offence to deliberately or recklessly:

· Capture, injure or kill animals of such species

· Disturb animals of such species

· Take or destroy the eggs of such an animal

· Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.

Penalties for offences include fines of up to £5000, plus up to six months imprisonment, for each offence committed.

4 July 2023 update.

Yet ‘another’ legally protected sand lizard was seen this morning (4 July 2023) in an Ocean Plaza shop close to the Starbucks building work, that’s going on under Southport Pier. Natural England, Froglife, a Southport councillor and Sefton Council have been made aware of the situation. The Merseyside Police Wildlife Officer has also been updated.

This was last month’s report.

The CEO of Froglife has also written to Natural England demanding action be taken to help the sand lizards.