Wildlife emerges as people go into coronavirus lockdown

Have you noticed local wildlife taking over now we have all gone into lockdown? 

Since the coronavirus outbreak arrived in Southport with a vengeance last month, thousands of people have retreated into their homes and locked their doors. Schools, shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses have shut. Public transport has decreased. And cars stay mostly on people’s drives. 

Southport is a much quieter, safer and cleaner place. And it seems animals in our area have noticed! 

Many readers in Stand Up For Southport have enjoyed noticing some inquisitive visitors who previously may have stayed better hidden. 

Thank you for all your excellent photos of ducks waddling across the middle of the road in Churchtown Village; or setting up home in people’s gardens; or squirrels roaming people’s gardens in search of food. Which wildlife have you spotted? 

Parks and other greenspaces are much quieter now, and so our beaches at Southport, Ainsdale, Formby, Birkdale and Marshside. The National Trust has closed its car parks at Ainsdale and Formby, in a bid to deter visitors and stop the spread of coronavirus. Sefton Council has shut its coastal car parks too at Southport, Formby and Crosby, and Southport Pier has closed. 

Ducks enjoy a walk along the road in Churchtown Village in Southport. Photo by Rhythm Time Southport, Preston South and Ormskirk

The changes mean that wildlife is getting bolder. 

Rhythm Time Southport, Preston South and Ormskirk posted some great pictures of ducks waddling free along Botanic Road in Churchtown. 

They said: “We took a late evening walk through Churchtown Village and a quick run through the Botanic Gardens. It’s a 10 minute walk for us but the furthest we have really ventured for weeks.

“It was really strange to see how deserted it was but really highlighted just how beautiful the village is. Even the ducks were out in force on Botanic Road. Not a soul in sight!” 

A squirrel visitor in Southport. Photo by Steve Mitchell

Steve Mitchell posted pictures of an inquisitive squirrel in his garden. 

He said: “Embrace the moment, clean air and the birds singing beautiful songs. Yesterday morning this little fella popped by.”

Other people have noticed the impact these quieter days are having. 

Gillian Birch said: “Loving these quiet mornings… you can actually hear the birds.”

Verity Holland said: “I’m liking the quietness,the birds sound so loud.”

It’s been a busy time for staff at the Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust, which manages nature reserves across our region. 

Head of Conservation Tim Mitcham said: “The Covid-19 virus outbreak is placing severe restrictions on our working lives, but the Wildlife Trust will continue to work, under strict controls, to ensure our nature reserves remain perfect and safe habitats for wildlife.

“As wildlife wakes up from winter, there is plenty of new Spring activity. Birds are building nests, Spring flowers are blooming in all their glory and bumble bees and butterflies are taking advantage of the early nectar sources.

“Our meadow management team – the goats, sheep and cattle – are hard at work already. “We’ve had a number of early arrivals in the form of new kids and lambing will start soon.”

Green Sefton is urging people to follow Government guidelines on restricting their exercise

Green Sefton, the Sefton Council department which manages our coastline and green spaces in the Southport area, is warning however that “as wildlife becomes more confident, it also becomes more vulnerable” as they urged people to keep their distance.

Green Sefton officer John Dempsey said: “Please remember not to disturb wildlife, as most species are breeding now.

“Keep dogs on leads on the coast and in our parks and green spaces.

“As wildlife becomes more confident, it also becomes more vulnerable.

“We are lucky to have many rare species here, please help us protect them. Enjoy from a distance.”

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