Is the current stalemate with nature sustainable? Or is it a costly approach, ultimately damaging the environment, as well as the local economy and community cohesion?

We believe it is critical that we look at which, if any, of the recommendations made in the Jemmett report from 2000, are still relevant and could be undertaken, as well as any new activities that would prove helpful now. We certainly need more data and evidence to support any decision making about the future of Hoylake beach.

We hope this project will be supported by the wider public as well as by our ward councillors and officers of the council.

Do you agree with us that we all need more information? Do you agree that we need a longer term vision? Do you agree that the ongoing, seemingly endless battle with Spartina is only a small and increasingly irrelevant part of the story, while the bigger picture of long term coastal processes is “hidden in plain sight”?

Have you got other ideas?

One thing is clear: it’s time for a conversation; time for ideas and, importantly, it’s time for the facts.

We have consulted with specialists in coastal management, design and planning with a view to inviting them to join in the conversations and help us to better understand our beach and what we can do with it in a more sustainable and positive way forward. Will you join in the conversation? Email us at info@sustainablebeach.org.uk.

This is not an academic research document; rather a proposal for a more joined-up approach to beach management that is informed by evidence and data rather than political or public opinion.