Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the council stop managing the beach at Hoylake?

It is not true to say the council has stopped managing the beach altogether, as a range of maintenance tasks are still carried out. The Council can only manage the beach in a way that is approved by Natural England. The previous Beach Management Plan, which was approved by Natural England in 2016 expired in 2021 and we have been working with partners, residents and other stakeholders on a complex and sensitive process to agree a new strategy, taking into account Hoylake’s status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an area of international importance for wildlife and foreshore habitats.

Why is it only Hoylake that needs beach management, what about beaches such as West Kirby and New Brighton?

Hoylake is different to those beaches because it is the only Wirral location where management has included the removal of vegetation by spraying. Management of other beaches is to remove litter. All Wirral beaches have different identities and characteristics. Hoylake is special due its intertidal sands, vegetated upper beach and mudflats, and as a feeding and roosting site for waders and wildfowl. Hoylake is a designated Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar site. Unlike West Kirby and New Brighton, Hoylake is not a designated bathing beach.

Will the lifeboat still be able to launch if there is a green beach and dunes?

The life-saving operations of the RNLI – their ability to continue to launch and operate from the Hoylake foreshore – is a fundamental consideration in the development of the new Hoylake Beach Management Plan

Why can’t we just have golden sands like we used to?

Hoylake Beach is home to a range of rare or nationally important species and habitats and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Because Hoylake Beach is legally protected through several statutory designations this means it is protected under law from anything that puts those elements at risk. We know that the beach is changing naturally, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for it to be effectively managed in a way that would gain assent from Natural England. Additionally, the Council, as landowner, has a statutory duty to further the conservation and enhancement of the SSSI. In developing a new Beach Management Plan, we are looking for find the most effective solution for managing Hoylake beach in the long-term.

Why do we have to do what Natural England says – the Council owns the beach?

Hoylake Beach is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is protected under law from actions or behaviours that could damage the special interest of the site, including anything that could cause harm or disruption to the range of rare or nationally important species and habitats. Hoylake is special for its intertidal sands and mudflats, and as a feeding and roosting site for waders and wildfowl. It is also a Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar site.

Natural England is the Government’s statutory nature conservation adviser and is responsible for enforcing laws that protect wildlife and the natural environment. In order to act legally the Council must obtain permission, known as assent, from Natural England for any management activities they wish to undertake on Hoylake Beach. Additionally, both Wirral Council and Natural England have statutory duties to protect biodiversity whilst conserving and enhancing the landscape and to further the conservation and enhancement of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The beach at Hoylake has been a SSSI for years and the grass has been removed before, why has it changed now?

The Council previously had permission, or assent, from Natural England for removal of selectively targeted species of grasses. That assent has now expired and advice received from Natural England sets out that the same type of management would not now receive Natural England assent based on improved knowledge and evidence showing chemical treatment and raking is not effective. The Council has to find a new way of managing the beach.

There is an application to have Hoylake Beach designated as a Town or Village Green, what does that mean for the Beach Management Plan?

This is a separate to the development of the Beach Management Plan. If it is approved, the implications of the new Town or Village Green status will have to be considered in line with the new Beach Management Plan. However, the beach will remain protected by law from any activities or behaviours that could damage the special interest of the site, including anything that could cause harm or disruption to the range of rare or nationally important species and habitats.