Pupils: protect our coast

WITH the summer heat comes the summer crowds but the message to visitors is still simple – “Respect, protect and enjoy the Sefton Coast”.

Once again the agencies that make up the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership are making a joint plea and will be sharing important messages covering many of the issues faced on the Sefton coast throughout the school summer holidays.

Members of the partnership include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and other key partners including Merseyrail.

Already this year the hot weather has seen a huge influx of visitors to local beaches, and with more “staycations” on the cards we expect even more visitors as the season progresses.

It is vital for the threatened species that call this protected coastline home that folk follow directions and respect the coastline.

At the risk of sounding like an environmentally fixated parrot this means: No barbecues

No fires

No camping

Do not disturb wildlife or habitats Take your litter home

Follow on-site signage and direction. Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, explained this week: “First and foremost, the Sefton Coast is an internationally protected nature reserve and we need your help to keep it that way. So, when people are planning their day trips this summer, we need them to be well prepared and to play their own vital role in ensuring that the coast remains a great place to enjoy spending time.

“Please listen to what we are collectively saying with our partners, be that important water safety information, fire risk concerns, travel advice or environmental issues around litter and wildlife.”

And if you’re planning a trip to the coast, don’t forget you won’t be the only one with that idea – why not leave the car at home and come by public transport, on foot or on a pushbike.

Less hassle, no queues and better for the environment.

Leading by example are pupils from St John’s School in Ainsdale who have created artwork to illustrate flag banners at Ainsdale beach.

Their clear messages support the work of the Green Sefton team in protecting this incredible coastline.

With the younger generation on board Green Sefton and its partners are encouraging other beach goers to act with the same level of responsibility.

Mark Shaw, Green Sefton’s service manager, said: “There are so many measures as part of our Visitor Action Plan that we already have in place in support of a safe summer at our beaches. But one issue that we face time and time again is littering.

“Our Rangers are prioritising litter clearance and bin emptying - they are constantly doing this throughout their shifts and providing visitors with free bags for their rubbish - but more visitors means more rubbish. People should think ahead and be prepared to take it home with them.

“We have brought in large skips that we would ask people to dispose of their rubbish in when small bins reach capacity. Leaving bags next to smaller bins might seem like the right thing to do, but unfortunately it can attract gulls and crows and result in the mess being spread around again.

“Our message remains simple – if you brought it to the beach with you, then you can take it home with you.”