I know that a lot of you have, and will, enter in to ‘discussions’ with others about the beach. This post is to remind you of some important points that you can use in such discussions. These are indisputable facts and can not be argued against.
All the numbers have been generated using government data where available or derived from mapping data where appropriate.
Firstly, remember that the area of beach (Kings Gap (KG)) to the new RNLI station (NRNLI) that we want to preserve as amenity beach is only a small part of Hoylake beach (Red Rocks (RR)) to the new RNLI (NRNLI)station. So when people talk about ‘Hoylake beach’ have them define exactly what they mean, the minor prom area only, or the whole beach from Red Rocks to NRNLI.
Secondly, the part of the beach we want to preserve as amenity, is not an SSSI, SAC or RAMSAR on its own, it is an insignificant part of much greater SSSI, SAC, and RAMSAR areas covering most of the North Wirral coastline, and beyond.
So, some figures:
The proportion of Hoylake beach (by length) for preservation as an amenity beach (KG to NRNLI) in relation to the whole beach length (RR to NRNLI).
1.93 Km Whole beach length (RR to NRNLI)
0.77 Km Amenity beach length (KG to NRNLI)
40% Proportion of whole beach preserved for amenity use
60% Proportion of whole beach for ‘green’ beach development.
The area of beach to be preserved for amenity usage, based on the length of the prom, and reaching out 100m (as in previous management plans)
0.77 Km Prom length
0.1 Km Distance from prom to edge of amenity preservation.
7.7 Hectares Area of amenity preservation.
Now let’s look at the relative area taken by the preserved amenity area of Hoylake beach in relation to the areas of specific designations:
RAMSAR area 2078 Hectares.
Hoylake amenity area percent 0.37%
SSSI area 1962 Hectares.
Hoylake amenity area percent 0.39%
SAC area 8282 Hectares.
Hoylake amenity area percent 0.09%
As you can see, the conserved amenity area between Kings Gap and the new RNLI station takes up a minuscule amount of the protected areas, and negotiations for this small area to be preserved for amenity use should be relatively simple, as long as there is political will, and an attitude of compromise between WBC and NE. Indeed NE have stated that they would not countenance the raking of large areas, but would consider smaller areas.
The area proposed for a raked amenity beach is small (much less than 1%) compared to the large areas of the protected regions, and should easily fall within NE’s definition of a small area, so this amenity area should be considered favourably for ascent by NE for raking.
Also, I am sure that any ‘rare’ vegetation seen in our preservation area would be replicated in other places in the protected regions in general, and between KG and RR in particular, if only people looked hard enough.
If indeed these rare plants are only present between Kings gap and the lifeboat station, they could be transplanted into the 60% of the beach left to green up. This is a common practice.
Thanks for your time………….enjoy the healthy debate!
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: Hoylake Beach Community, is a voluntary group who have been asking WBC for a compromise that will suit all. Our hope is for a section* of the beach to be restored to sand so that residents from across Wirral and beyond can utilise it for recreation and health and well-being purposes. We are asking for a common sense approach for ALL; wildlife, nature & people. The half mile stretch* of amenity beach we would like equates to less than 1% compared to the Wirral shoreline conservation area. There really has to be a balance of human and environmental needs. Hoylake Beach Community are not affiliated with any other group. HBC only use two forms of online communication. This website and a Facebook group which anyone is welcome to request to join. Search Hoylake Beach Community. HBC do not use any other social media. *We are not asking for the whole beach, our compromise is just for the section that runs alongside North Parade from Kings Gap to the RNLI station, with the rest being left to the grasses. We do not support chemicals, only raking. SIGN the petition Click Here DONATE Justgiving account which allows us to continue Click Here SHARE help our cause by sharing on social media - links below. WRITE email / write to non- supporting councillors, Lib Dem, Green and Independent Councillors. Councillor contact details on the below link: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx... Thank you! Remember, genuine supporters of a compromise for Hoylake Beach to be restored to sand should join our Facebook group. Search: Hoylake Beach Community.