Seaforth - PHONE FIRST!!

[Jon]

Just a note to perhaps avoid disappointment. I went to Seaforth Reserve (Crosby - Liverpool), the main reason being it was mentioned in BBC Wildlife Magazine.
To cut a long story short do not go unless you are already in possession of a permit or you have telephoned and they are expecting you.
Security is till tight and unless you have a pass you will almost certainly be politely turned away.

Jon

[matt_xyz]

am I missing something, why is there security there Jon?

Matt

[Jon]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

am I missing something, why is there security there Jon?

Matt

Matt

It is nothing new, for the last three years there has been a significant tightening on security on all docks due to terrorism threats and to combat illegal immigration. When I saw the article in BBC Wildlife I thought the security had been down graded so I went along today. If I had not got my Police ID card with me I would not have been allowed in.

Apparently the article in the magazine had been written without consulting the warden at the reserve

Jon

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by Jon

Matt

It is nothing new, for the last three years there has been a significant tightening on security on all docks due to terrorism threats and to combat illegal immigration. When I saw the article in BBC Wildlife I thought the security had been down graded so I went along today. If I had not got my Police ID card with me I would not have been allowed in.

Apparently the article in the magazine had been written without consulting the warden at the reserve

Jon

ah, I didn't realise it was a dock.

That Police ID card must come in handy

Matt

[John]

They closed that reserve down a few years ago and any pager messages regarding that reserve state that you must view through the fence on the Crosby side.

It's a shame as it was a cracking reserve. An unusual one with rubble all over the place and not looking at all like a bird rich environment but it certainly pulls in the birds.

It is obviously watched on a regular basis by the privelaged few, as birds are still being reported, but I can't see things changing on the security front until terrorism is defeated, if ever that happens.

The world will probably have been blown to bits before that is likely to happen.

John

[muckshifter]

Just an update, 'cos I got my pass today, that this cracking little place is once again open for business ... and I had a fantastic afternoon there.

Yes, you still need to get a Port of Liverpool Access Pass, you'll also need to be a member of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust to get the Port Pass ... Fortunately, I am a member.

More details can be had from ...

Seaforth Reserve : Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester & North Merseyside

Oh, there is a Spoonbill there, not to mention a Grey Heron ... I seen my first real-life Meadow Pipit, or was it a Tree Pipit , and my first ever Wheatear. Loads of wagtails, White, Pied & Grey ...

Did I say I had a jolly good time ...


PS, I wonder if we can "acquire" a few of them wrabbits for the pot.


pps;
yes, it looks a bit like a tip in places and looks a little rundown ... but boy, the birds make up for anything.


regards
mucks

[muckshifter]

I just found this ...

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is holding discussions with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and the Port of Liverpool Police with a view to increasing the number of birdwatchers allowed access to Seaforth Nature Reserve.

Entry to the Port of Liverpool is tightly controlled under international regulations regarding port security and anyone entering the docks is required to hold a personal pass and vehicle pass issued by the Port Police.

The Port Police and MDHC have indicated their willingness to increase the number of these passes issued to birdwatchers.

The existing system whereby groups or individuals can gain access provided they give 7 days notice will not be affected.

In order to gauge the likely demand for passes LWT is asking birders to indicate whether they would be likely to apply if they do become available. At the moment we have no clear idea of how many passes are likely to be issued. The likely cost will be in the region of £5 per annum to cover the Port Police’s admin costs.

In order to qualify, birders must be or become members of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Pass-holders will be expected to visit the reserve on a fairly regular basis – people just looking for an insurance policy against the next (long overdue) North American passerine need not apply!

Please note that every visitor needs a pass, a vehicle pass does not give entitlement to bring non-passholders into the docks.

Please let me know if you think you are likely to apply for a pass, by email to swhite@lancswt.org.uk or by writing to Seaforth Nature Reserve, Port of Liverpool, L21 1JD.

Please let me know everyone’s names and email and postal addresses.

I’ll keep everyone in touch with progress on negotiations but am very optimistic of their success.

Steve White, 27 July 2007.

Cantact Steve for full details ...