Mersey Gateway Project Talk - Wildlife

11 November 2009
The Mersey Gateway Project: more than just a Bridge.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Halton and Warrington Local Group will be presenting a talk about the potential effect of the Mersey Gateway Project on local wildlife.

Paul Oldfield, the nature officer for the Mersey Gateway team, will look at the nature implications of the project, and its effect on other nature conservation initiatives in the area.

“The Mersey Gateway Project aims to build a second bridge across the River Mersey, between Widnes and Runcorn, crossing over St Helens Canal, Widnes Warth Saltmarsh, Astmoor Saltmarsh, Wigg Island and the Manchester Ship Canal as well as the Mersey Estuary itself,” he said.

“The construction could see a major impact on the creatures and plants that live in the mudflats, salt marshes and riverbanks, including birds such as dunlin, plovers and lapwings. Protected species that could be affected include orchids, water voles, bats and rare reptiles and insects.”

The Mersey Gateway Project has completed its Public Inquiry stage during the summer, and is awaiting the decision from the Secretary of State to proceed. As well as providing a new crossing, the bridge will include ecological mitigation on the Mersey Estuary.

The meeting, on 11 November, starts at 7.30 pm in Runcorn Town Hall, Heath Road, Runcorn. Non-members are welcome.

Venue: Runcorn Town Hall, Heath Road, Runcorn
www.cheshirewildlifetrust.co.uk