Blue Flag success for Liverpool South Docks

In 2021 our marinas qualified for the world-renowned Blue Flag Award in recognition of the highest standards of environmental information and management, safety and services.

The International Blue Flag is a quality mark which means those visiting can be sure that the water is clean, safe and meets the highest environmental standards.

A great day out

Liverpool South Docks forms part of the World Heritage Site and has the greatest concentration of Grade I Listed architecture anywhere in the UK. There are so many things to do and see with incredible views across the Mersey. Liverpool South Docks plays host to events and activities on and off the waterfront throughout the year. For details of city wide events and attractions visit Culture Liverpool and Visit Liverpool.

Our community

In Liverpool we hold the Quality Badge Award by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. We also have a range of learning opportunities through our Canal & River Trust Explorers area on our website where there are thousands of educational activities for all ages for water space users.

If you would like to get involved in the world-famous location, spend time by water have a look at our range of volunteering opportunities to find a role that suits you.

Our visiting inland boaters

We have two marinas for mooring and our comprehensive Skippers Guide is designed for visiting inland boaters and helps them make the most of their stay in the city. Both of our marinas consist of finger and linear pontoons, offering electricity and water supply and can accommdate vessels up to a maximum beam of 40m. Please see map of Liverpool South Docks for more information on location of facilities we offer. To plan your visit to our marinas please visit the Liverpool Canal Link page or visit our waterside moorings website.

A thriving ecosystem

Liverpool South Docks is surrounded by a number of internationally important wildlife sites, popular for breeding, migrating and over-wintering birds.

Many creatures living in the Docks are rarely seen by the average passer by together but the smaller animals which make their home below the surface are a vital part of the food chain and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

The South Docks host about 30 dominant species including thousands of blue mussels and hundreds of two-metre-long European conger eels, nicknamed by the locals as 'Dock Ness Monsters' due to their scary snake like appearance. During the summer months thousands of moon jellyfish can be found floating in the waters with the occasional larger visitors such as grey seals.

Water Quality

We are very proud of the water quality within the South Docks. Our environmental scientists carry out regular water quality monitoring within the docks, which includes testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, phytoplankton, blue-green algae and other microbiological parameters.

The water is of consistently high quality due to the presence of the filter-feeders mentioned above, alongside our water management and pollution control processes. Together, we work in harmony to continually improve the environment within the docks.

Whilst the South Docks are not a ‘designated site' for the purposes of the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, the water quality in the docks would on the whole be classified as ‘excellent' under the strict requirements of those regulations.

Our Boater's Handbook gives information on good boating behaviour and caring for the environment. This guide addresses the importance of proper behaviour, and the expectation of boaters to respect and support the water environments in which they are visiting/living.

Supporting information can also be found in the Green Guides produced by The Green Blue.

Pollution control

The South Docks are home to a variety of end users/businesses, with different needs and infrastructure relating to their individual activities. Aside from the use of fuels and oils for vessels and vehicles, there can also be storage facilities present for these, and for other potentially contaminating substances.

We have an Oil Spill Response Plan in place, which is regularly updated and has approval from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCGA).