Penfold Cockle Fishery Update

Following receipt of the Habitats Regulation Assessment from Natural England and approval from the NWIFCA TSB committee the Penfold Cockle Fishery will open on Monday 24th of October 2022.

The date of opening is subject to the completion of environmental classification by the proposed opening day. If it is not in place the opening of the fishery will be delayed.

Flexible Permit Conditions & Code of Conduct

A draft copy of the flexible permit conditions is available below. The opening time and date stated in the draft flexible is subject to the completion of the environmental classification. If the classification is not in place the opening of the fishery will be delayed. A final copy of the flexible permit conditions will be published when the environmental classification is complete.

Penfold Cockle Fishery Byelaw 3 Flexible Permit Conditions 2022 (pdf)

Gatherers are advised to follow the Code of Conduct for Intertidal Shellfisheries.

Vehicle Access Permits

Byelaw 3 permit holders must obtain access permits from Sefton Council.

Apply Online

If you wish to apply online you can do so by contacting [email protected].

You will need to provide the following documents to Sefton Council:

  • Fully completed contact form
  • Signed Terms and Conditions
  • Vehicle Insurance documents
  • PLUS ONE OF – IFCA Byelaw 3 Permit OR GLAA Gangmaster Licence

Apply in Person

If you prefer to apply in person you can drop in at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, The Promenade, Off Shore Road, Ainsdale-on-Sea, Nr Southport, PR8 2QB on the dates listed below:

Monday 17th October
Tuesday 18th October
Thursday 20th October
Friday 21st October

When you arrive at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre ask for Gill who will handle your application.

Please ensure that you bring ALL of the following documentation with you:

  • Fully completed contact form
  • Signed Terms and Conditions
  • Vehicle Insurance documents
  • PLUS ONE OF – IFCA Byelaw 3 Permit OR GLAA Gangmaster Licence

Sefton Council are unable to issue access permits without all the required documentation.

Byelaw 3 Permit Renewal Advice

To ensure that you have your permit in time for opening on Monday 24th October 2022, you must submit your renewal form and pay by 16:00 on Thursday 13th October. Please note, a postal strike is scheduled on Thursday 13th October so we will be unable to receive post on this date. If you are submitting close to the deadline we advise you to send a scanned copy of the application form to [email protected].