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Anger as work disrupts wildlife breeding season at Sefton Park

May 13 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
The rebuilt palm house in Sefton Park

WILDLIFE is being threatened by delayed dredging work round Sefton park lake which has coincided with the breeding season, a wildlife group claimed last night.

Nature lovers set up Sefton Park Nature Watch specifically to keep a watchful eye on the renovation work.

They are angry that contractors Birse Civil have won a licence from Natural England “to destroy nests, eggs and chicks of wading birds if they prevent work from occurring.”

Group member Dr Janice Sear, of Croxteth Gate, claims promises made during the consultation phase have been overlooked.

She said: “Given that the islands have been hacked to pieces, with trees felled and shrubs cut back in large quantities, while waterways have been denuded of reeds, the recommendations made during the consultation have not been adhered to.”

She claimed the group had been given assurances that breeding seasons of species would be taken into account to minimise disturbance.

While Dr Sear claims swans have been afforded special consideration due to their status as royal property, other waterfowl have been hit hard at a key time of year.

Liverpool City Council, which has commissioned the work as part of a £6m renovation, defended its progress.

A spokeswoman said: “In accordance with best practice, the main contractor invited Natural England to visit the site and on their recommendation the Secretary of State has granted a temporary licence to relocate nests as a precaution should this prove necessary.”

Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/05/13/anger-as-work-disrupts-wildlife-breeding-season-at-sefton-park-64375-20900466/#ixzz1SDVitdqF