There exists a commonly held, but unproven view that if Spartina were no longer controlled in Hoylake, the foreshore would “go like Parkgate”. Whilst it is true that Spartina was originally introduced near Parkgate, the environments and contexts are entirely different. Spartina is only one of a number of species here, and is far outnumbered by the dune pioneer species Puccinellia maritima.

Evidence suggests that a dune system with slacks, more akin to that between Red Rocks and West Kirby, or at Birkdale, would be more likely to develop. Where windblown sand gathers around obstacles, it accretes. Where there is a lot of wind, the sand accretes quickly, eventually forming dunes. Slacks also form, a haven for wildlife.

Would this impact positively or negatively on habitat for invertebrates and feeding grounds for the birds? Could there be limited and reversible field trials to find out what that might look like over a period of time?

Perhaps this research could be funded in part by the Burbo Bank Windfarm Community Benefit Fund? Could a managed dune and slacks system along part of Hoylake’s main beach evolve into an attractive, enjoyable area for both local people and visitors whilst simultaneously retaining areas of cleaner amenity beach?

Could we begin to return the beach to a more natural form and develop a more profiled beach which would gradually ‘move’ seawards as the current siltation of the Dee Estuary area continues.

A profiled and less flat beach would certainly help reduce wind blown sand reaching the promenade, the road and drainage systems, which in 2000 was reported to cost circa £70,000 to clear