RSPB Southport Local Group

31/05/2026

The Mersey Barrage proposal has been delayed for two years - this is a critical moment. Without independent scrutiny, this development could devastate vital habitats and put hundreds of species at risk. We must act now to protect them and ensure the impacts of tidal technology on this thriving ecosystem are fully understood.

📸Ben Hall/2020VISION

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-need-an-independent-commission-to-scrutinise-tidal-energy-generation-in-the-mersey-estuary?source=direct_link&

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

Species of the Week!

Warden Nick was thrilled to share the news of the first Hairy Dragonfly to be spotted on the reserve.

The Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) is the UK's smallest and yes, hairiest Hawker dragonfly which emerges in May usually before other Hawkers.
The male is dark with blue and green markings, whilst the female is dark with yellow markings.
Hairy Dragonflies are found in wetland areas in south-east and central England, some in south-west Scotland, but not in Lancashire... until now!


Photo: Nick Godden

31/05/2026

RSPB Southport Field Trip June 7

The next Field trip is on Sunday June 7 to Foulshaw Moss. Meet 10am at Cumbria Wildlife Trust Foulshaw Moss, LA11 8SL. Car sharing as limited parking. Osprey, Tree Pipet, butterflies and other raptors. Take precautions and cover up for ticks. No facilities on site. Possible toilet stop at Burton services. Take RSPB card for a probable visit to Leighton Moss in the afternoon.

Please book in advance with Frank Whitney by texting 07811 056624 or emailing [email protected] and make sure you leave a contact phone number. If you need a lift to attend the trip please let Frank know when you book.

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

⚠️RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY 6TH OF JUNE⚠️

Come along to Botanic Gardens on Saturday 6th of June to check out all the fascinating moths caught during the night at our wonderful heritage park 🌙

Please note this event is 🌧️WEATHER DEPENDENT!☀️Rescheduling may be necessary if rough conditions are expected.

We'll be meeting at the aviary at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, Southport, PR9 7NB. What3Words: ///trades.global.bounty
On Saturday the 6th of June 2026
Meeting at 9am and finishing around 11am

To book your place at the event, email [email protected]

Sefton Council

13/05/2026

During a recent sand lizard survey, we were delighted to spot four females basking in the sun. The latest surveys have mainly seen males with their bright green side flashes logged, so it was great to see some of the females out and about too.

Even better, they’d chosen warm patches of bare sand that we could see had been created by the gentle work of cattle hooves from the herd of English longhorn cattle, which grazed the dunes at Formby over the winter.

It’s great to see how this conservation grazing is already making a difference, helping to create healthier, more suitable habitats where rare wildlife can thrive.

13/05/2026

Here's this week's highlights!

13/05/2026

CANCELLED Southport RSPB Meeting on Friday May 15

Unfortunately this Friday’s speaker Nick Martin is unable to come because of family reasons and we cannot find another speaker in time. Therefore we are canceling the speaker meeting.

Our next meeting will be on September 18th after the summer break when Mike Roberts will give a talk on Birding in the Mid Mersey Area.

We hope to see you then.