Late spring walks are ideal chances to enjoy nature
John works for Green Sefton, the Sefton Council service that brings together the coast & countryside, parks & green spaces, flooding & coastal erosion, risk management and grounds maintenance teams for a joined-up approach to the vital management, development and oversight of Sefton’s beautiful coastline, parks and green spaces. This column looks at the flora, fauna and history of the coastline, and the work carried out to protect it.
THE gale force winds, high tides, driving rain and hail of the recent storm system were a reminder of the power of nature and the effect it can have on the Sefton Coast. The unpredictability of weather patterns was never more obvious - a changing climate means it is difficult to anticipate what we get next.
Although it’s a safe bet it will involve extremes. In many ways we have been lucky as it has been several years since monster tides and westerly winds coincided to force the waves further up against the coast than is normal.
Ten-metre tide cycles occur on a regular basis in Liverpool Bay, but without a backing westerly the storm surges that closed beach and coastal car parks and carved out low cliffs along dune edges don’t generally occur.
The process of erosion and accretion on the Sefton Coast has been going on for thousands of years, of course, and many of the specialised species that live here are adapted to it.
Natterjack Toads for example, can tolerate salt water - which is as well as some breeding sites along the coast were inundated by the recent high tides. However, a nocturnal visit just a few days after the storm revealed the beasties were still singing.
Westerlies blow sand inland which benefits the dunes system and despite recent tough conditions, spring flora including Rue-Leaved Saxifrage, Heath Dog Violet and Spring Vetch were all flowering at their normal time.
Vernal Mining Bees buzzed about sheltered dune slopes despite the bracing conditions and summer migrants including Swallows and Cuckoo pushed north despite the blocking westerlies.
To enjoy more of the coast’s flora and fauna, why not join me for two late spring walks taking place on Tuesday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 14.
On Tuesday, May 7 we will be exploring Ainsdale Local Nature Reserve on a circular walk starting at Ainsdale Discovery Centre at 10am.
This walk will examine the impact of winter conservation grazing and scrub clearance work on the site and we will be discussing how it benefits the key species here.
On Tuesday, May 14 we will be walking from Hightown Station, setting off at 10am, to Hall Road Station down the coast and beside the Blitz Beach.
On this walk we will be admiring coastal wildlife but also considering the impact high tide episodes have on the coast, and the ongoing consultation on proposed work to north of Burbo Bank.
Booking is essential for both of these free walks as spaces are limited. Warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear are essential.
You may wish to bring binoculars and/or a camera, but these are not essential.
To book a place please email john. dempsey@sefton.gov.uk coastal defences