People offered guided walks along Sefton coast to show importance of migrating birds

Sefton Council’s Green Sefton service has introduced a new campaign, “Give Birds A Break”, to highlight the need for visitors to not disturb migrant birds as they rest on our natural coast.

Many of the bird species that are seen along Sefton’s coast have travelled from the arctic and are taking a much-needed break to rest, feed and build up fat and energy levels before continuing their migration south.

Disturbing wildlife should be avoided at all times, but in the case of the migrant birds, resting during high tides is critical. If disturbed during high tide, the birds will fly, burning energy they cannot replace while their feeding areas are covered by sea water. If this disturbance happens repeatedly, the birds become exhausted and can die.

Green Sefton and partners, National Trust and Dynamic Dunescapes, are hosting a number of activities during October Half Term.

Guided walks will be taking place along our natural coast to show visitors the incredible birds from a safe distance. The walks will display the wonderful variety of birds found along our shores, explaining their long journey to get here and the threats they face.

At both Ainsdale and Formby, there will be Paws for Thought pop-ups from Dynamic Dunescape and Green Sefton who will be on site raising awareness about dog walking on our coast.

The Paws for Thought campaign encourages visitors and their furry friends to enjoy these landscapes while also helping us make these habitats a safer home for the wildlife that relies on it.

All activities can be found below:

Tuesday 25th October at 9am – Green Sefton hosting at Burbo Bank, Crosby Beach

Email: jordan.scott@sefton.gov.uk to book a place

Tuesday 25th October at 11am – National Trust hosting at Lifeboat Road, Formby Beach

Email: bree.hodge@nationaltrust.org.uk to book a place

Wednesday 26th October – Dynamic Dunescapes and Green Sefton hosting Paws for Thought pop ups at Lifeboat Road, Formby Beach and Ainsdale Beach

Thursday 27th October at 11am – Dynamic Dunescapes hosting at Range Lane, Cabin Hill

Email: natalie.Coffey@naturalengland.org.uk to book a place

Friday 28th October at 10am – Green Sefton hosting at Ainsdale Beach

Email: jordan.scott@sefton.gov.uk to book a place

 People are encouraged to bring binoculars, should they have them, and to wear weather appropriate clothing and stout footwear.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Our Natural Coast is home to many important wildlife, and it’s great to see partner organisations getting involved with the “Give Birds A Break” campaign.

“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 the new Coastal and Visitor Area PSPO.”

Temporary signage has been put up over high tides at key points along the coast reminding visitors not to disturb the birds.

For the latest information on the campaign, people can follow Green Sefton on their social media channels:

Twitter – @GreenSefton_

Instagram – @GreenSefton

Facebook – www.facebook.com/greensefton

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