Recreational activity and interactions with birds

The north-west of England has over 1,400 km of coastline between the Welsh and Scottish borders encompassing a wide variety of different coastal habitats and species including the dune system on the Sefton coast, which is the largest continuous system in England, and Morecambe Bay, which has the largest expanse of intertidal mud and sand in the UK. The region has been recognised as an area of international significance, with over 80% of the coastline protected for its habitat and wildlife importance. This includes 12 coastal Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) , seven Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and one potential SPA which offer protection to the diverse coastal habitats and species. In particular, these sites are home to internationally important populations of overwintering and breeding waders, waterfowl and seabirds. The north-west coast also has high economic importance with nationally important ports, whilst Morecambe and Blackpool are two of the oldest and most loved seaside resort towns in the country, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach one of the most visited attractions in the country. A recent report indicates that 10% of all visits to the natural environment had a coastal destination and that coastal visits usually last longer than visits to other places (Natural England, in prep.).