Overview

Birkdale comprises of beach and sand dunes. Immediately south of the beach entrance at Weld Road is Taggs Island an area of Saltmarsh and scrub. To the inland side of Taggs is a path called the Velvet Trail. You can follow this southwards past a viewing platform that often provides good views of roosting waders and gulls until TaggsIsland eventually turns into 'Green Beach' another area of saltmarsh which eventually comes to an end about a quarter of a mile north of Ainsdale beach entrance at Shore Road. There is also another path on the sea ward side of Taggs Island that affords good views both of Taggs and of the beach itself. This however can become partially flooded so waterproof footwear is essential. South of the beach entrance is an area of coastal dunes between the beach and the coast road. This continues all the way south to the Sands Pub and lake in Ainsdale.

Access

The A565 Marine Drive / Coastal Road allows you to reach Birkdale from either North or South without entering Southport itself. There is a roundabout at Weld Road where there is access to the beach. There is a small area of parking here which is free.

Birds

Snipe and even Jack Snipe can be located in the saltmarsh and scrub of Green Beach and Taggs Island. Wintering flocks of Linnets and occasionally Snow Buntings can be found. On passage wheatear and wagtails are present. Breeding species include Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Skylark. Large roosts of gulls often build up. Including Great Black Backed. Jackdaw are often present around the carpark and roundabout. Oystercatcher and Cormorent often frequent the beach. A Shore Lark was present ( see pic above ) in Autumn 2009.