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| Sefton Coast Partnership | Shoreline Management | Nature and Wildlife | Coastal Heritage | Visiting the Coast | Students and Teachers | Coastlines | |
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Winter 1994A Natural Coast-Highlighting the Work of English Nature on the Sefton CoastInterview with Robbie Bridson, English Nature's Team Manager by John HoustonWhat is English Nature and what are its major duties? English Nature is a government agency within the Department of the Environment. Its origins go back to 1949 when the National Parks and the Nature Conservancy were both established. English Nature is the successor body to the Nature Conservancy and is responsible for wildlife conservation in England. We have specific duties, including selecting and notifying Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), establishing National Nature Reserves (such as Ainsdale Sand Dunes, Cabin Hill and Ribble Marshes), advising Government on wildlife issues, and promoting nature conservation in England. What is an SSSI and how does it protect wildlife? SSSIs are the cornerstone of nature conservation in Britain and are set out in Legislation. Throughout the country the most important areas for wildlife and geology have been mapped and described according to strict scientific guidelines. Having identified these sites we present a detailed scientific case for their designation to our Council who are appointed by the Secretary of State. All the owners and occupiers of SSSIs, include Local Authorities and Agencies are notified of the site’s designation. If any activity is planned that could affect the site then English Nature must be consulted. This gives us an opportunity to assess the impact on the wildlife and advise on the development. We have a range of options available to us including providing financial support to the owner as part of an agreement to protect , or even better, improve the site for wildlife. What does this mean for the Sefton Coast? Most of the Sefton Coast is designated as an SSSI area because of the outstanding wildlife and most of the agencies and authorities in Sefton are in regular contact with English Nature over developments on the coast. Any work proposed in the designated area has to be presented to us for comment. In the early days this was often seen as a negative approach but nowadays we work closely with so many bodies in long term planning that conflicts rarely arise. Over the years English Nature has put a lot of money into developments on the Sefton coastline, such as environmental education, scrub control and protection of rare species. Why is the Sefton Coast so important for wildlife? In a word the answer is “scale”. The sand dune system is one of the largest in the UK which means that rare plants and animals have survived better here than other places. What are the greatest threats to the wildlife of the Sefton Coast? I am both encouraged and yet worried about the coastal wildlife. To be pessimistic first; the threats to coastal wildlife are the continuing change to the natural habitat of the dunes. All natural systems are in a state of change and the Sefton Coast is no exception. Without the influence of man the dunes would erode, move and rebuild continuously. The wildlife is adapted to this and moves with the system . On the Sefton Coast the dunes are predominantly fixed. Few new ones are being formed. Scrub is increasing which leads to the build up of soil and eventually woodland. The Natterjacks and Sand lizards would have nowhere to go. My optimism is based on the commitment and support of so many agencies and individuals on the coast to safeguard its wonderful wildlife. When the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve was established in 1965 it was an “island” of nature conservation. Thirty years on most of the coast is being managed for Nature Conservation , by the Sefton Ranger Service, National Trust, English Nature, RSPB and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Taking a wider view one can consider most of the area between Lytham St. Anne’s and Seaforth as being safeguarded for wildlife. What are your hopes for the future? I would like to think that eventually all of the Sefton Coast will be a nature reserve that not only improves wildlife but gives people a real opportunity to enjoy it and value it. How do you see the Ainsdale Sand Dune National Nature Reserve developing? English Nature wants to provide more opportunities for the public to enjoy the wildlife of the National Nature Reserve. We want to do this without damage to wildlife and also without losing that special ”quiet” quality that so many people value on this site. This is a difficult balance but we welcome peoples’ views on it. I referred earlier to the NNR being an “island” in 1965. We see it now as a part of the Sefton Coast with its role being developed in partnership with the Coast Management Scheme. Do you have any other links with the people on the coast? We have voluntary wardens on the nature reserves and are part-funding a volunteer co-ordinator and Education Officer for the whole coast. We work with those people who record and study our wildlife and we also grant aid community groups and schools for wildlife projects. Where can people get more information? From our Wigan office or the nature reserves at Ainsdale and Ribble English Nature
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