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Hesketh Out Marsh - a reserve in the making?

Redshank perched on post

A new RSPB wetland nature reserve at Hesketh Out Marsh, on the southern shores of the Ribble Estuary, has taken a step closer to reality with the announcement of the acquisition of land.

The scheme, which will result in the new reserve, will be one of the largest coastal realignment projects in Europe and will help to counter the effects of sea level rise due to climate change.

The site, at Hesketh Out Marsh, will eventually become one of the RSPB’s Ribble Estuary nature reserves and part of the proposed Ribble Estuary Regional Park.

'The scheme, which will result in the new reserve... will help to counter the effects of sea level rise due to climate change'

The 168 ha of land has been bought thanks to funding from the Environment Agency and the Northwest Regional Development Agency through the Lancashire Rural Recovery Action Plan. Funding was also contributed as a result of Lancaster City Council’s sea defence works.

Work on the £2.5m project is expected to start in March 2007 and will include the excavation of former creeks, construction of a new embankment to Hesketh Out Marsh East, and strengthening the existing sea defences around Hesketh Out Marsh West.

Material, including soil, from the creation of the nature reserve will be used to upgrade the sea defences, therefore eliminating the need for lorries bringing large volumes of material to and from the site.

While ensuring flood protection is maintained, the scheme will result in the creation of saltmarsh, saline lagoons and muddy creeks. This will provide improved habitat for breeding waders and make a major contribution towards national targets for coastal saltmarsh creation.

The proposed new reserve - on a site that has been farmed since it was reclaimed from the sea in the 1980s - will also provide a new, inspiring recreational asset for the local community and visiting walkers.

The scheme will bridge an existing gap in the route of the Lancashire Coastal Footpath in its Preston to Southport section and provide an exciting opportunity to view the wildlife of the estuary.

The works will require the construction of a new embankment, strengthening the existing inner embankment and breaching the existing outer embankments around Hesketh Out Marsh West. Material resulting from the re-creation of the tidal creek system will be used to upgrade the sea defences.

Will flood risk be increased?

No. The scheme will ensure the flood risk in the area is managed by maintaining the size of the embankment and creating 168 hectares of additional saltmarsh, which in itself will provide an effective natural flood defence.

RSPB reserves attract large numbers of people - what are your plans?

Existing RSPB sites at Southport and Lytham St. Anne's will continue to be the main focus for visitors wanting to enjoy the wildlife of the estuary. Hesketh Out Marsh West will become one site within the wider RSPB strategy for the Ribble area. The site will have some low key visitor facilities such as viewing areas and seating.

Will traffic be increased?

No. The construction method eliminates large-scale construction traffic movements and the resulting RSPB reserve will be accessed by foot.

Will jobs be lost from agriculture?

The resulting landscape will still be farmed, with grazing for several months of the year. The future management of the site will provide employment opportunities and provide further opportunities for farmers to diversify.  

How does this site fit into the plans for a regional park?

Hesketh Out Marsh will form a key component of the proposed Ribble Estuary Regional Park and will enhance the wildlife resource of the area. 

Where is the money coming from?

The RSPB will be funding the project through its membership and fundraising activities, with a contribution from the Environment Agency.

Why does a footpath require closure?

As part of the scheme, it is proposed to extend the network of dedicated footpaths in the area and to complete the Lancashire Coastal Path route, providing great wildlife views over the proposed RSPB reserve.

With these improvements in place, an increase in walkers is anticipated, which could be a potential problem for people living nearby. It is therefore proposed to close footpath 25 and to provide suitable alternative access that does not affect the privacy of neighbouring householders.

Last modified: 19 October 2006