Southport MP Patrick Hurley says he and his team are “making progress” as he looks to try and find solutions to save the Botanic Gardens Aviary in Churchtown in Southport from closure.
On 1st July, Sefton Council announced that it intended to close the attraction, which has been enjoyed by families for the past 87 years due to it “ageing rapidly” with plans to rehome the 180 birds on site.
On 10th July Patrick Hurley organised a public meeting at The Settle Inn cafe at the Botanic Gardens that was so packed with members of the public that many were standing outside the venue.
He has since been speaking with various groups involved as he looks for ways to save the Aviary – as he appealed for people who can help to get in touch.
Over 4,000 people have signed petitions asking for the Aviary to be saved, including those held by the volunteers at the Botanic Gardens, as well as online: Petition · Save the Botanic Gardens aviary – United Kingdom · Change.org
Patrick Hurley said: “I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on where things stand with the Botanic Gardens Aviary.
“Firstly, thank you. The number of people who’ve got in touch over the last couple of weeks has been incredible. I’ve received hundreds of emails, and it’s been clear from every conversation just how much the Gardens mean to people, not just the aviary itself, but the whole place and the memories it holds for so many families.
“Over the past fortnight I’ve been sitting down with the Botanic Gardens Community Association, talking with Green Sefton, meeting local residents and speaking to a number of other people who may be able to help. The aim has simply been to get everyone around the table, understand the challenges properly and start working out what a sensible way forward might look like.
“There’s still plenty to do, but I genuinely think we’re making progress. There are lots of good ideas on the table, a lot of people willing to roll their sleeves up and help, and I’m hopeful we’ll be in a position to say more by the end of the week about the next steps.
“In the meantime, if you’d like to keep up to date, share your memories of the Gardens, offer your ideas or let me know if you have skills or experience that could help, I’d love to hear from you. You can register your interest here: Share your stories of the Botanic Gardens Aviary | Patrick Hurley MP
“One thing that’s really struck me throughout all of this is how much affection there is for the Botanic Gardens. My job now is to help turn that goodwill into something practical that gives the Gardens the strongest possible future.”
Speaking earlier this month, David Cobham, the Chair of the Botanic Gardens Community Association said: “We have been volunteering to maintain and improve the Botanic for the past 15 years.
“Between all the volunteers, we give 8,000 hours of our time for free every year so families can come and enjoy this wonderful park and everything that it offers.
“We have fought against the cuts that have happened in our park over the years, including the closure of the Botanic Gardens Museum and the loss of the boats on the Serpentine Lake.
“The latest cuts which have now been announced will see the closure of the Aviary at the Botanic Gardens.
“It’s been decided that the birds here, all 180 of them, will be going elsewhere, but where to, we don’t know.
“There are many reasons why we need to keep this Aviary. For people who have passed away, or who are unable to look after their birds, we have somewhere here which is large, and well maintained. It’s a real sanctuary.
“During this year there are many things we have done to improve the Aviary.”
In a statement released on 1st July, Sefton Sefton Council said: “We know people will not be happy with this decision…
“We are closing the aviary at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown.
“Alongside the Botanic Gardens Community Association, we’ve been responsible for maintaining the aviary since 1974.
“It first opened in 1939 and it is ageing rapidly. We have carefully reviewed animal welfare guidance and the aviary is simply not keeping up with modern high quality animal welfare standards expected for our birds.
“As a result we have taken the decision to begin sensitively planning its closure over the next year.
“After carefully reviewing animal welfare guidance and considering the ageing infrastructure of the aviary, the Council decision was taken to begin planning its closure.
“Vitally every effort will be made to rehome the animals with organisations suitably skilled in animal welfare..”
Cllr Joanne Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:
“It is no longer possible for it to operate to the high welfare standards that are rightly expected of a modern site. For that reason, the decision has been taken to oversee the aviary’s closure.
“I’d like to personally thank everyone who has supported the aviary over the years, including the wonderful staff and volunteers who have cared for the animals on a daily basis.”
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