GLOBE SCULPTURE WILL HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF CLEETHORPES TO MIGRATING SHOREBIRDS

Sponsors at today's unveiling of the shorebird migration globe 

THE rain held off just long enough for today's unveiling  of a handsome new steel sculpture of a globe on North Promenade in Cleethorpes.

The purpose of the project is largely  to highlight the worldwide migration of thousands of shorebirds that use the beach and the Humber Estuary as a stop-off habitat for feeding.

Its other purpose is to promote recycling, and the sculpture also serves  as a repository for discarded plastic bottles.

Alongside it, an interpretive panel has been attached to the promenade railings.

Before cutting a ceremonial ribbon, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for leisure, Cllr Callum Procter, spoke of the importance of safeguarding the feeding grounds  of shorebirds such as curlew, redshank and knot.                                    

Cleethorpes is of global importance to curlew 

These species are mostly in rapid global decline because habitat has been lost to industrial and other development.

He also emphasised the importance of recycling before thanking Blackrow Engineering, makers of the globe, and sponsors for making the £18,000 project possible.  

Migrating birds feature prominently on surface of the sculpture

Newshounds reporting on today's ceremony

Callum Procter highlights the flightpath of shorebirds 

Jenny Follan of Tesco whose staff chipped in £1,000 towards sponsorship

Shorebirds-eye view of the globe

Jordan Mussell and Gareth Evans of  sponsors Alturn Scaffolding - determined to do their bit for the community

The globe - minus the ribbon

The interpretive panel on railings next to the globe

Grey plover pause on Cleethorpes Beach  during migration 
                     

Flocks of shorebirds sometimes run into thousands

The Grimsby News says: Hats off to all involved with this project. Many (perhaps most) people in the borough believe nature is confined to the likes of wildlife reserves or TV documentaries made by David Attenborough and others. In fact, it is all around us, sometimes (particularly in autumn and winter) to spectacular effect along the length of Cleethorpes Beach. It is to the credit of North East Lincolnshire Council that it is so determined to raise awareness among residents and visitors alike. 

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