Campaigners against the proposed closure of the Botanic Gardens Aviary in Churchtown in Southport say the closure was not made with sufficient evidence from animal welfare groups and that public consultation should have come before any decision.
Organisers of the Save Our Aviary campaign say a Freedom of Information response obtained by local resident Ian Banawich suggests that:
• No documents exist demonstrating that the current aviaries are unsuitable, nor is there any record of who made that determination.
• No discussions took place with the RSPCA or any other animal protection organisation.
• No public consultation was carried out regarding the closure.
• Sefton Council has only a broad estimate of £100,000 to upgrade the infrastructure and admits actual costs “have not been sought.”
• No alternative funding options (such as sponsorship, community ownership or crowdfunding) have been explored.
• No financial impact assessment was undertaken on local businesses that benefit from visitors drawn to the aviary.
Sefton Council has today (8th August 2026) updated its information about its decision to close the Aviary early next year, saying “The decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary was and is mainly due to concerns about animal welfare.
“As has been repeatedly acknowledged the closure also had a financial implication on the 2026/2027 budget and therefore was subject to the Council’s financial budget setting process.”
In terms of guidance sought, they say: “We have received advice and support from expert organisations, who between them have over 150 years experience in high level animal welfare.
“These include the Born Free Foundation, PETA, the International Animal Protection Organisation In Defence of Animals and Freedom for Animals.”
The decision will be scrutinised and debated at the Botanic Gardens Aviary Public Meeting at St Cuthbert’s Church, Churchtown, from 5pm on Wednesday (12th August 2026). All are welcome. The meeting has again been organised by Southport MP Patrick Hurley.
The aviary has long provided important positive support for mental health and wellbeing in the local community, offering a peaceful and uplifting space for residents and visitors.
It has also delivered valuable work placement opportunities in partnership with Southport College, giving students on animal management courses practical experience and skills.
David Johnson of the Save Our Aviary campaign said:
“This FOI response confirms what the community has long suspected.
“The decision to close a much loved, nearly 90-year-old community asset was based on pure opinion rather than any expert advice, evidence or proper process.
“There was no consultation with the public, no engagement with animal welfare specialists, and no serious attempt to find a way to keep the aviary open.
“That is simply not good enough. The Save Our Aviary campaign is a major community-led movement in Southport, working alongside and supporting the generous and tireless work of the Botanic Gardens Community Association Volunteers.
“The campaign is dedicated to preventing the closure of the Botanic Gardens Aviary.
“A petition calling for the aviary to be saved is heading towards 15,000 signatures of support.
“Southport MP, Patrick Hurley is working alongside the Botanic Gardens Community Association Volunteers to find a way forward and has arranged a second public meeting to be held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Churchtown, PR9 7NN on Wednesday 12th August at 5pm.”
The Botanic Gardens Aviary in Churchtown, Southport, opened in 1939 and has been a popular free attraction for families and visitors for generations.
Speaking about the Aviary in July, 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.”
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, has announced a public meeting to be held on Wednesday 12th August 2026 at 5pm to discuss the future of the aviary in the Botanic Gardens, in collaboration with the Botanic Gardens Community Association (BCGA). The meeting will be held at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown Village and follows the overwhelming response in support of the aviary at a meeting in July.
This further meeting follows discussions between the MP and volunteers, the local authority, and experts and consultants on community projects from Southport and the North West.
It will allow members of the public to share their ideas and experience for how to maintain the aviary, and to work to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Botanic Gardens.
In July, Sefton Council announced that it would close the Botanic Gardens Aviary in March 2027, a decision that the MP said was “deeply disappointing” and that they would work to find a clear way forward to keep the aviary open.
Since then, constituents have sent in hundreds of responses to a survey asking what the aviary meant to them, which has now been shared in a letter to the council’s Chief Executive, alongside the hundreds who have signed the BCGA’s petition at the gates of the park.
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, said:
“The aviary is one of Southport’s most cherished local treasures, and the support to keep it open has been overwhelming.
“I’ve been working to ensure that we took on board your ideas, feedback and offers for support to develop a clear plan alongside our excellent volunteers, and we now feel in a position to ask for your support to help make the Botanic Gardens the best it can be, and work to keep the aviary open.
“If you can’t attend Wednesday’s meeting, we’ll be sharing details soon about how you can get involved with supporting the park, as well as showing your support for our aviary.”
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