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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the condition and management of the SSSI sites between Formby pinewoods and Seaforth Docks. [116609] Mr. Morley: Formby Pinewoods to Seaforth Docks is part of the Sefton Coast SSSI, which extends for over 20 km between Southport and Crosby covering a total area of 4605.32 ha. 3834.81 ha of the SSSI is recorded as being in favourable or recovering condition and 770.51 ha is recorded as being in unfavourable condition.Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is the largest single owner/manager with English Nature, The National Trust, MoD and five golf courses are responsible for other substantial areas. These partners are guided by "The Sefton Coast Management Strategy 1999" and "The Sefton Coast Management Plan 1997-2006",which have been agreed in consultation with English Nature. Seaforth Docks is located within the 117.84 ha of Mersey Narrows SSSI which covers both sides of the mouth of the Mersey Estuary. Seaforth Docks is recorded as being in favourable condition with the last condition assessment completed in May 2000, prior to notification. The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company is the owner of the SSSI area within the Seaforth Docks. This site is currently under positive management for nature conservation by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust as agreed and consented by English Nature.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

116609; 406 c418-9W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Coastal areas Environment protection Sites of special scientific interest Nature reserves Sefton Formby Seaforth Docks

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk