The Hearth Network CIC is inviting men across Southport to take part in Men on the Tide, a free, three-week conservation programme clearing invasive Sea Buckthorn from the Ainsdale dunes — one of the most important stretches of protected habitat in the country.
The sessions run on three Tuesdays: 3, 10 and 17 November 2026, 10am to 2pm, meeting at Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Shore Road, Ainsdale, PR8 2QB. Twenty places are available each day — sixty in total across the three Tuesdays — and men are welcome to come to one session or all three.
No experience is needed: Green Sefton’s ranger team provides tools, training and supervision on the day.
Read More: Southport postie plays first class role in delivering Jolly Postman Trail in Southport
Men on the Tide is delivered by The Hearth Network CIC with Green Sefton, and Andy’s Man Club will be present at all three sessions. The programme is free to attend, funded by the Mark McQueen Foundation through the Community Foundation for Merseyside.
John Dempsey, Green Sefton’s Principal Engagement Officer, said:
“The Sefton Coast is one of the most important stretches of protected habitat in the country, and removing Sea Buckthorn as an invasive species over the winter months is a continuing challenge for Green Sefton. The Men on the Tide project lending a hand with this gives local men the chance to do something genuinely useful for their environment while being part of a brilliant group. Green Sefton is really pleased to be working with The Hearth Network to make it happen.”
Antony Valori, Area Lead for Merseyside and North West at Andy’s Man Club, said:
“Men don’t always want to talk about how they’re doing. They want something to do. Give them a job, a bit of weather and someone working next to them, and the talking tends to look after itself. That’s why we’re backing this one.”
Rebecca Armstrong, Co-founder & Director of The Hearth Network CIC, said:
“Men on the Tide is about giving men in Southport the opportunity to connect with our local nature, learn more about conservation on our coast, and be in good company with other guys who enjoy being outdoors and helping the local wildlife. It’s designed to bring guys together to do something physical and outdoors that benefits the local environment — we provide lunch, a brew and a welcoming space to make new friends.”
Men wishing to take part can book free tickets for any of the three sessions via Eventbrite:
Tuesday 3 November: Men on the Tide — Session 1 · Tuesday 3 November · Ainsdale dunes Tickets, Tuesday, November 3 • 10 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite
Tuesday 10 November: Men on the Tide — Session 2 · Tuesday 10 November · Ainsdale dunes Tickets, Tuesday, November 10 • 10 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite
Tuesday 17 November: Men on the Tide — Session 3 · Tuesday 17 November · Ainsdale dunes Tickets, Tuesday, November 17 • 10 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite
Participants should bring gardening gloves, sturdy footwear and clothing with arms and legs covered; a hot drink and light lunch are provided on the day, with the final Tuesday finishing at a fire site with baked potatoes.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
