PHIL MAXWELL

I’m  reposting this blog from June 2018 as the issues raised in it are as important today as they were two years ago.

The Oglet Shore (Anglo Saxon: “oak by the water”), is a magnificent designated green belt area in Liverpool. It is now under threat because of plans to cover much of it with concrete in order to extend the runway at the loss making John Lennon airport. If the plans go ahead it will destroy the habitats of wildlife including bats, barn owls and many ‘red list’, endangered, farmland birds. Peel holdings, who own the land are keen to develop the  runway. Liverpool City Council have pledged to protect our parks and green spaces and also have a duty to protect and preserve this important coastal habitat, so why threaten it in the vain hope the airport will become profitable?

Last Monday evening I was invited to join a group of locals and bat expert Charlie Liggett to explore this magnificent threatened habit of wildlife. Charlie, the Chair of Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group, was able to confirm the presence of bats.

The Radar Tower near Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

Farmland and the fading sun on Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

A view towards the rive Mersey from Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

Long grass and sunset on Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

Looking towrds the airport perimeter fence from Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

The moon through the long grass on Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

One of the many trees that will be destroyed on Oglet Shore if the runway is extended. Liverpool June 2018.

Exploring Oglet Shore shortly before midnight. Liverpool June 2018.

The control Tower viewed from Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

Bat expert Charlie Liggett confirms the presence of bats on Oglet Shore. Liverpool June 2018.

You may also be interested in:

On The Waterfront In Liverpool

The Magnificent Fading Light Of Shropshire

Wonderful Liverpool Parks

Beautiful Bangladesh

Snowdonia

Lake Windermere & The River Thames