Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE National Trust has started a major conservation project to restore natural sand dune habitats at:- Victoria Road, Freshfeild.

We are told that this project is part of the Trust’s long term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast and promises significant benefits for both people and wildlife.

The work involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble. Most of the unsightly rubble is being processed on site and repurposed to create the sub.base for a replacement, similar sized and more sustainable car park further inland.

A spokesperson for the National Trust in Formby told us that:- "Inorder to keep everyone safe large metal fencing will go up around the work site area, which starts at the junction of:- Victoria Road and Badgers Rake, continuing along the car park out on to the beach ar Freshfeild. Some noise is expected from the heavy machinery working on site. There will be NO PARTAKING, toilets, bins or visitor access to the beach through the work site area at:- Victoria Road, from:- 1 May 2025 until spring 2026."

As this work is carried out, residents around the Formby Point Sand Dunes carpark are increasingly concerned that tourist traffic and a repeat of the dangerous parking the area has seen since the Lockdowns will only get worse. As a result, traffic and parking enforcement efforts will be strictly followed within the area.

The National Trust added:- "The National Trust Lifeboat Road Car Park and Toilets will remain open, but parking is extremely limited. To avoid being turned away, people are advised against driving to National Trust Formby, especially on busy, sunny days this summer, like Bank Holidays. Visitors should consider travelling by train to:- Formby Station ( Northern Line on Merserail) but we strongly suggest choosing alternative beaches and car parks along both the Sefton and Wirral Coast. For public travel on the railways please visit:- https://www.MerseyRail.Org/ to get the latest information and to buy tickets online."

Justin Matthews, Lead Ranger for the National Trust's Formby and Central Lancashire properties said:- "Formby is part of 1 of the fastest.moving coastlines in the UK. Areas of naturally shifting sand create special habitats for rare sand dune wildlife, including:- natterjack toads and sand lizards. Sand dunes can also act as a natural sea defence if they're given the space to shift and change over time. The old construction rubble is creating a barrier and stopping natural sand movement."

This project aims to solve the long standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that is spilling out on to the beach.

Justin continued:- "This conservation project at the Freshfeild end of the reserve will help us restore Formby's Sand Dunes to their natural state and re-connect important habitats, creating space for wildlife to thrive"

If you are unaware, it is sadly quite poinient this work is being carried out this year as the rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the 2nd World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the current Beach Car Park.

Around 80 years on natural processes that create Formby's fast shifting shoreline mean that each year more rubble is being exposed. The rubble is disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting visitor access to the beach.

The National Trust added that relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come.

The Trudt has a very ambitious vision to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can continue to thrive and a safer, more natural space for visitors to enjoy.

Rachel Thomas, General Manager for the National Trust's Formby and Central Lancashire properties explained:- "We understand people will be disappointed to miss out on a trip to Formby this summer, but everyone's support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to enhance this special space for wildlife and people."

We are informed that the National Trust is continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring during the project this summer. A visitor management plan has been agreed, including:- diversion route signs for cars and people walking to the beach.

The National Trust Formby website and social media will be regularly updated with frequent reminders about the car park closure and impact on people's plans to visit.

Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said:- "We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life-threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all. Additionally, we ask visitors to please take your rubbish home, including:- cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling:- 999, giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support."

Inspector Graham Fisher, Sefton Local Policing added:- "As the warmer weather approaches, we will be working closely with partner agencies to encourage people to enjoy the coastline and National Trust areas safely. We would ask that you plan your journeys, taking into account the planned car park closure at Formby beach and look for alternative destinations. We want visitors to enjoy all that Sefton has to offer."

Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Mhairi Doyle, has also commented to us saying:- "It's more important than ever for visitors to plan their journey in advance of heading to our coastline this summer. Ainsdale beach is a popular destination with fantastic facilities including:- a beach car park, toilets, and a food and drink outlet. However, beach car parking is limited and can be closed due to high tides or poor sand conditions. Before setting off by car, always check the Council website for the latest information."

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, continues:- "We strongly encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. Not only are there many wonderful health benefits to active travel, but it is also small changes like this that help our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We understand that local residents may have concerns regarding parking and traffic during this period, that's why the Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and National Trust to minimise disruption as much as possible."

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said:- "With regular services every 15 minutes, travelling by train is the most convenient way to visit beaches along the Sefton Coast this summer. We recommend getting off at Formby Station, which is in walking distance from the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park. Join us in supporting this important conservation project whilst enjoying a hassle free journey.’"

The National Trust added that they are also please to confirm that throughout the project Cheetham Hill Construction (CHC) will be providing a wealth of experience as the main contractors working on the successful delivery of the project. The also added:- "We're also working closely with professional experts from:- Civic Engineers and Stace LLP. Ecologists, Tyrer, and Simply Ecology, have all had key roles in helping the National Trust to protect Formby's precious wildlife whilst the work is happening."

A spokesperson for the charity added:- "We are told that this Dune Restoration element of this project is part of a wider programme of conservation work happening at National Trust Formby through the UK wide."

Some questions have already been sent to us about who is funding the scheme. When asked spokesperson for the Trust ssid that the Dynamic Dunescapes, project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE Programme, which is based on the pioneering idea that dunes which move and change shape are better for nature than those which are stable.

The National Trust is also funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors.

We are told that the conservation charity will continue to keep local residents up to date on the project and people can register for email updates via the website.

More information on this project and ways to support the National Trust's work can be found on the National Trust Formby's website.

You can read more about the project in an archived news report on our Southport Reporter website.
What are your thoughts and views on this project? Please do let us know by adding your comment below...