PLANS to turn Wirral's coastline into one of the most protected areas in Europe have been unveiled.

If English Nature's scheme wins backing, the shore way from Red Rocks to Seacombe will all be classified as part of a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Large areas of Wirral are already recognised as internationally important - the Dee Estuary, for example, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the large numbers of over-wintering birds which use the area.

And now Tony Cosgrove, conservation officer for English Nature, says: "We are delighted that Wirral's coastline is being recognised for what it is -an internationally important area for wildlife. English Nature's vision is that it remains an internationally important area which can continue to support employment and recreation.

"We recognize that the success of these areas is dependant on the support of those who live and work there. We are still taking comments from anyone on the proposals and people have until November 15 to get their views to us.

Mr Cosgrove adds: "There is no intention to exclude human activity from these sites, for example the Dee SPA, which has been in existence since 1985, supports a host of activities ranging from commercial fishing and shipping to horse riding and bird watching.

"We want to ensure that the coast continues to be an area where nature conservation exists alongside other uses of our natural environment."