Sefton Council seek approval to transfer Formby Point to the National Trust

18th May 2017
formby-point

Sefton Council is seeking formal approval to transfer land at Formby Point to the National Trust.

In March 2017, Sefton Council announced discussions had taken place regarding the potential transfer of land at Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols from Sefton’s ownership to The National Trust.

A public notice to dispose of the land was then issued which asked for comments regarding this.

From the correspondence received, there was over-whelming support for the transfer of land to the National Trust. A petition was received with 69 names in favour of the transfer along with 7 separate written responses – 3 supportive and 4 not in favour.

Following further discussions with National Trust, a report is now going to Cabinet on May 25 recommending approval to transfer land at Formby Point to the National Trust.

It would see more than 204 hectares become part of the National Trust Formby portfolio which is home to one of the very best mobile sand dune habitats in the UK.

Sarah Kemp, Executive Director at Sefton Council, said: “The feedback received over the potential transfer of land in Formby to the National Trust was very supportive and gives extra support for this proposal.

“We are now in a position to recommend the transfer of the land to the National Trust for them to develop a richer visitor experience with local communities and secure the future of this extraordinary coastline.

“We have said all along that we believe the land transfer will enable the National Trust to make a significant contribution to the outcomes of the Sefton 2030 Vision. It will also enable a positive impact in terms of managing the broader landscape for the benefit of people, the local economy, natural wildlife and the environment.”

The dunes themselves are home to rare wildlife including sand lizards, Northern Dune Tiger Beetles and the rare Natterjack toad. The pine woodlands that fringe the coast provide a wonderful habitat to rare and much loved red squirrels.

The significance of the land at Lifeboat Road recreation area and Ravenmeols has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area.

Rebecca Burton, National Trust Assistant Director of Operations, said: “Our discussions with Sefton have been progressing very well and we are really encouraged by the positive feedback received to the public notice about the potential land transfer.

“We appreciate just how important the Formby Coast is to the people who love it and use it and for the rare wildlife that makes its home here. We look forward to the Cabinet decision and the opportunity that the transfer would offer for the Trust to invest in better visitor facilities and access for the benefit of people who enjoy this special place.

“Our aim is to continue to ensure that Formby Point can continue to be used and enjoyed by future generations. We want to continue caring for and protecting this special piece of coastline, working closely with our neighbours, key stakeholders and partners to shape our plans.”

The land transfer would coincide with 2017 being the Year of Sefton’s Coast and also the 50 year anniversary of the National Trust in Formby.