- A large-scale conservation project to remove tonnes of rubble and restore rare sand dune habitats is well under way at National Trust Formby.
- Major disruption expected – visitors are advised not to travel to National Trust Formby by car on sunny days this summer.
- The National Trust beach and woodland car park at Victoria Road in Formby are closed throughout the summer until the completion of the project in the spring of 2026.
- For everyone’s safety there will be no access to toilets, bins or the beach through the work site area.
- This work will restore natural processes and reconnect the dunes – creating bigger and healthier habitats for wildlife and a safer more natural space for people to enjoy.
- 27 rare sand lizards have been safely relocated away from the damaged rubble dunes through a vital phase of the project.
- Approximately 48,000 tonnes of rubble has been cleared from the dunes and old beach car park so far.
- The majority of the rubble is being repurposed on-site to create the sub-base for a similar sized, more sustainable car park, further inland.
The National Trust’s major conservation project to restore natural sand dune habitats at Victoria Road, in Formby is well under way. This project is part of the conservation charity’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. The project is expected to last until spring 2026 and during this time the Victoria Road car park and toilets are closed with no bins or facilities available.
To keep everyone safe the large work site area is fenced off starting at the junction of Victoria Road and Badgers Rake, continuing along out on to the beach. This also means there is no pedestrian access to the beach through the work site area at Victoria Road. Some noise is expected from the heavy machinery working on site.
The National Trust Lifeboat Road car park and toilets in Formby will remain open, but parking is extremely limited. To avoid being turned away, people are advised against driving to National Trust Formby on sunny days this summer. Visitors should consider travelling by train to Formby station or choosing alternative beaches and car parks along the Sefton and Wirral Coast.
Chris Hunter, Area Ranger for the National Trust Formby said: “Once the rubble is removed, we’ll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result – a dynamic, connected and healthy sand dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We’ll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed.”
This project aims to solve the long-standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that was spilling out on to the beach. The rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the Second World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the old beach car park. 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.
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 vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.
Amy Peacock, General Manager for the National Trust’s Formby and Central Lancashire properties said “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.”
National Trust is continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring over the summer holidays. 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 feature frequent reminders about the car park closure and urge people not to visit by car on sunny days.
The conservation charity is also working with a specialist traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative, nearby beaches using a postcard with QR code.
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 said: “As the summer holidays approach, we will continue 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.”
Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said “It is 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: www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches”
“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.’’
Cheetham Hill Construction (CHC) [1] bring a wealth of experience as the main contractors working on the successful delivery of the project. We’re also working closely with professional experts from Civic Engineers [2] and Stace LLP [3]. Ecologists, Tyrer [4] and Simply Ecology [5] have a key role in helping us to protect Formby’s precious wildlife whilst the work is happening.
The dune restoration element of this project is part of a wider programme of conservation work happening at National Trust Formby through the UK-wide Dynamic Dunescapes [6] 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 funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors.
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 website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby.
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