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The first clearance of vegetation from Hoylake beach in seven years has begun.
It comes after permission was granted by environmental body Natural England for the removal of some grass to support the RNLI's operations from their station on the seafront.
Earlier this week, a licence for the work was issued by the Marine Maritime Organisation (MMO).
The council said: "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."
Almost four acres of saltmarsh vegetation will be removed between King’s Gap and the RNLI station, 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 local authority says 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, with three raking operations per week, and is being overseen by an independent ecological and environmental advisor.
Photo credit: Wirral Council
