We've received the award for the third year after our marinas in Liverpool received top marks for high standards of environmental information, management, safety, and boating services.
The highest standard
The water quality within the docks is of the highest standard and is home to an array of wildlife including thousands of blue mussels, hundreds of eels and, during the summer months, thousands of moon jellyfish.
During the summer we are hosting family-friendly events where people can take part in dock dipping to discover some of the smaller marine life ‘beneath the surface'. The events will be held on Wednesday 31 May, Monday 3 July and Thursday 31 August.
We have benefited from our team of local volunteers who have helped to keep the docks well looked after and clear of litter. So far, over 100 tonnes of litter has been removed with 90% recyclable.
No better place to escape to
Kate Gordon, our enterprise manager, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious international Blue Flag award for the third year running and to be the first marina owners in England to receive it.
“As a charity, we are very proud of our colleagues, volunteers and partners, who look after Liverpool's South Docks to the very highest standard.
“Research has shown that being by water makes all of us feel happier and healthier, and this award really highlights how a water space can make a place come alive through water-based activities, daily exercise or spending time looking at the array of wildlife. There's no better place to escape to and visit than the iconic docks.”
Keep Britain Tidy
Keep Britain Tidy's Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “The Blue Flag is the world's most recognised award for beaches and marinas and, to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.
“We'd therefore like to recognise and applaud all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular beaches. The collective efforts of beach managers, volunteers, residents and businesses all contribute to the success of these sites in achieving the incredibly high standards demanded.”
Going from strength to strength
Sean Morrison, Estate Manager for Royal Albert Dock adds "We're delighted that for the third year the Blue Flag has been awarded, our partnership with Canal & River Trust continues to go from strength to strength. The docks sit within the boundary of Royal Albert Dock, owned by RADL, partnership and collaboration is key in the approach to cleanliness around the estate and the sustainable maintenance of the historic dock walls."
Both marinas consist of finger and linear pontoons, with up to 60 vessels accommodated in Albert Dock and 46 visitor canal boat moorings and 20 long term moorings in Salthouse Dock.
