Vegetation clearance begins at Hoylake beach

Work to remove vegetation from Hoylake beach to support RNLI operations has started this week now that all approvals and licences are in place.

Having already obtained assent from Natural England, the granting of a licence from the Marine Maritime Organisation (MMO) this week meant that contractors are now able to begin clearing specified sections of the beach.

The amount of vegetation being removed is enough to allow for the safe and ongoing operation of the RNLI lifeboats and craft but is limited to prevent unnecessary damage to this environmentally-protected area.

The work is being carried out in line with Natural England’s assent to minimise impact on local habitats, including natterjack toads. Some slipways and beach access points will also be cleared as part of the operation.  

Around 1.55ha of saltmarsh vegetation will be removed between King’s Gap and the RNLI station, as required by the RNLI. This includes from an area around the Hoylake RNLI station itself, extending 75m west and 100m to the east, and out towards the sea.

It also includes the clearance of a 7.5m wide strip from the Hoylake RNLI Station – which includes the 75m described above - to King’s Gap, a 26m wide strip from King’s Gap extending seawards and a 7.5m strip connecting the Alderley and Trinity Road slipways.

The location of the vegetation free strip has been planned to avoid embryonic dune habitat and protected plant life. 

The work is being carried out using mechanical means initially. Between April and September there will be a maximum of three raking operations per week taking place in the cleared areas. It is also being overseen by an independent ecological/environmental advisor.