Sefton Council is deeply saddened by the loss of Chris Tynan, a beloved member of the Council and the community who passed away at the age of 60 at the end of November. 

Council Leader Marion Atkinson was among the many people who paid tribute to the much-loved and highly respected engagement officer.

Pioneering work

After first working with Sefton Council in 2005 on the ‘Aren’t Birds Brilliant’ conservation project with the RSPB, Chris committed two decades to helping the local authority manage Sefton’s protected coastline. 

He was instrumental in setting up the parks ranger service in the Borough, before honing a development improvement and biodiversity action programme that over the years evolved into the successful Natural Alternatives project. 

Natural Alternatives continues to this day, offering development opportunities for those with additional needs. Their work can be felt across Sefton, from assisting the gardening volunteers at Rotten Row in Southport, to supporting urban growing in Bootle. 

Chris was also a proud advocate of Sefton’s Local Offer, the information shared with residents about the support available to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND). 

John Dempsey, senior engagement officer with Green Sefton said: “I considered myself lucky to have known Chris, having worked with him for the past 16 years. 

“I had known him for many years before that of course, as we shared a love of wildlife which took us both far afield. 

“His commitment to the protected landscape of the Sefton Coast and the wildlife that can be found there was obvious to all who met him, as was his “can do” attitude. 

“Ultimately though, he was happiest spending time with his family, enjoying and celebrating wildlife on Merseyside and helping the community however he could.” 

A friend to all

Aside from his work with Green Sefton supporting the protection and maintenance of the coastal habitat, Chris was the Group Leader of Liverpool’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) group from the late 1990s until earlier this year. 

Across three decades of volunteering, Chris was loved and respected for his tireless awareness-raising efforts, taking generations of the region’s residents on educational bird walks. 

Introducing thousands of people to nature, he also launched hugely popular birdwatching and wildlife cruises into Liverpool Bay in conjunction with Mersey Ferries and the RSPB. 

In 2018, Chris received the RSPB Presidents Award. 

The prestigious Presidents Award is only given to five volunteers every year and highlights outstanding volunteering with the RSPB. 

He shared his vast knowledge with the world, regularly featuring on BBC Radio Merseyside as part of its Naturewatch team. 

Chris was passionate about inclusion and fiercely protective of the welfare, not just of those who attend Natural Alternatives, but also of staff and the wider team he worked with. 

A moment’s silence was held for Chris at events celebrating the work of volunteers alongside Green Sefton staff across the Borough. 

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. 

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, paid tribute: “We are profoundly saddened by Chris’ untimely passing. His dedication, expertise and kind spirit are, and will always be, an example to all of us. 

“As a popular contributor to BBC Radio Merseyside over many years, he spread a positive, hopeful message about protecting wildlife, inspiring generations to share some of his love for nature. 

“Our thoughts are with his wife Belinda, his children and his wider family.” 

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Chris was passionate and committed to giving the volunteers on Natural Alternatives a real experience of proper work and a chance to learn skills that they could use in their lives.  

“He believed that everyone could contribute and he led a community of people with love, laughter and joy. I’ll miss him.”