Horses on the beach
Horse owners code of conduct
Sefton Coast Safety Guide
Many people come to the Sefton coast
to exercise their horses. The regular riders appreciate the complex
ecosystem that makes up the Sefton coast. They also understand that
although the beach looks safe, there are many hidden natural
hazards. There are also many and varied activities being undertaken
by other users.
The coast of Sefton has a wealth of
habitats all of which are protected, within these habitats there
are species of such rarity or that can be seriously effected by our
activities that they have been awarded their own protection. For
these reasons we are asking horse riders to be aware of other users
and be aware that the ecosystem they are using is protected to
minimise damage to the site and its habitats and species.
The Leisure Services Department Coast and Countryside Service
manage all of Sefton Council's beaches.
Our main aim as managers is to make Sefton's beaches a safer
place for everyone.
The Sefton Coast is recognised as an
important area for recreation and conservation. With this in mind
Sefton has implemented a Beach Management Plan. Some of this
plan is visible on the beach, such as vehicle free zones, a bathing
area for the public, flagpoles with warning signs.
These guidelines, with your help,
should make the beach a safer place for everyone.
- Keep younger riders or less experienced riders under close
supervision
- Never ride your horse at full
gallop
- This is dangerous for you and other beach users, the beach is
not flat and there are many hidden dangers; mud, soft sand and pot
holes are just a few.
- Keep horses out of the Bathing
Areas
- These are marked by two signed flagpoles, one
each side of the area with either red or red and yellow flags
flying. For advice ask our beach staff. Don't allow your horse to
go too far out into the sea. Deep shifting channels can change
overnight, you can soon be out of your depth. Check the time and
height of the tides. If unsure ask our beach staff for advice.
- Never ride through
flocks of wading birds.
- The Sefton Coast is an
internationally important area for feeding birds; they have as much
right as you to use the beach.
- Never ride through the dunes
they are important both as a natural sea defence and home to many
rare plants and animals
- Horses are not allowed in the
dunes. Local Nature Reserve Bylaws and Sandhill Bylaws apply.
- Avoid parking your box or
trailer at the main entrance of the beach
- If you park north (right) of
Ainsdale's main beach entrance. You will keep the main amenity
beach clear, making it safer for all.
- Please clear up your horse
related debris after you.
Please be aware of other beach
activities
Some areas of the beach are used by people for consented
activities, such as parakarting or model aeroplane flying.
Last Updated on 11/24/2009