Skip to content
Project

Projects at Formby

Visitors explore the sand dunes and the woodland at Formby, Merseyside
Visitors explore the sand dunes and the woodland at Formby, Merseyside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Formby is a much-loved coastal nature haven for wildlife and people. This special, protected space is recognised as one of the most important sand dune habitats in North-West Europe. Caring for such a unique and changing coastline creates some interesting challenges and many exciting opportunities.

Together we can shape future plans to protect this precious landscape and the rare species that call it home, while ensuring this special place can be enjoyed by everyone who loves to visit, for ever.

Our commitments to people and nature 

We know any plans for Formby must delicately balance coastal conservation work with the needs of the community who live here, as well as the needs of those who love to visit. We’re committed to:

  • Working with nature to restore and create important coastal habitats, so that rare species can thrive.
  • Improving access and the experience people have when they visit. 
  • Listening to and involving National Trust volunteers and members, local people, and visitors in our plans to care for Formby.

What's happening at Victoria Road?

For many years we’ve been exploring how to adapt to the natural changes happening at Victoria Road and respond to the issues caused by Formby’s rapidly shifting coastline.

Our planning application to restore rare sand dune habitats and remove the huge amounts of rubble at Victoria Road was submitted to Sefton Council in November 2022 and refused in July 2023. We’re pleased to share that our planning appeal for this project has been allowed. The positive appeal decision will allow us to create healthier, more connected habitats for rare dune wildlife and give everyone who loves to visit a safer space to explore.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their views on this project so far. Your feedback is important to us and has helped shape this conservation work and will continue to do so.

Our vision for Victoria Road

Our purpose as a conservation charity is to enhance the landscape for nature and people. This project is part of the National Trust’s long-term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast. In the Victoria Road area, we’re planning to create healthier habitats for rare dune wildlife and a safer, more natural space for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

Restoring rare sand dune habitats

The plan is to restore the natural sand dune habitats at Victoria Road by removing the existing beach car park and associated construction rubble. The majority of the rubble materials will be re-used to create a replacement, similar sized car park further inland.

Mobile sand dunes create the habitats rare wildlife like natterjack toads and sand lizards need to thrive. Removing the rubble will reconnect the sand dunes and kick start natural processes that allow sand to shift and shape. In time, as marram grass starts to grow we should see new rolling sand dunes form creating a more natural and connected dune habitat in this area.

We’ll closely monitor the changes and will give nature a helping hand to embrace the space if we need to.

We've been working closely with conservation experts and architects to find the right solution for Victoria Road. The illustrative map image below shows where dune restoration will happen and the location of the replacement car park.

Map showing the sand dune restoration area and location of replacement car park at Victoria Road Formby
Map showing the sand dune restoration area and location of replacement car park at Victoria Road Formby | © National Trust Formby

"Formby is part of one of the fastest-moving coastlines in the UK. Areas of naturally shifting sand create special habitats for rare dune wildlife. Mobile sand dunes can also offer protection for coastal communities, acting as a natural sea defence, if they have space to shift and change over time. The old construction rubble is creating a barrier and stopping natural sand movement - the appeal decision feels like a huge step forward for this special place.

A quote by Kate MartinFormby and Central Lancashire Lead Ranger

Benefits for wildlife and people

This conservation work will provide long lasting benefits for people and wildlife; we will restore Formby's sand dunes to their natural state and by making them more dynamic, re-invigoriate the natural processes needed to protect and bring new life to the dunes.

Removing the rubble from the beach will create a safer, more natural space for everyone to enjoy. Healthy, mobile dunes also act as a natural sea defence.

What's the latest?

The project will be phased, and work is expected to start on site in January 2025. We are expecting minimal disruption initially for everyone who loves to visit.

As the work ramps up on site, including excavation of the rubble and construction of the replacement car park, the Victoria Road car park and toilets will be closed from May 2025 until around spring 2026. For safety reasons during this time the entire work area will be fenced off with no access to the beach through the car park.

The car park and toilets at Lifeboat Road will remain open for the duration of the project. However, with the car park at Victoria Road being closed the number of car parking spaces across the site will be significantly reduced.

Whilst the main phase of the work is happening, we recommend travelling by train to avoid disappointment or using alternative Sefton Coast car parks nearby instead.

Here’s just a few of the plans we are currently working on:

  • Managing traffic on busy days
  • Raising awareness of major disruption to and significant reduction in parking
  • Promoting car free travel options
  • Working with partners along the Sefton Coast including Sefton Council
  • Mapping out access points and diversion routes for pedestrians
  • Signs to help you find your way on foot and show the project phases
  • Options for people with limited mobility and a blue parking badge
  • Information for cyclists and secure bike storage options at Lifeboat Road
  • Protecting wildlife whilst the work is happening

There will be lots of opportunities for you to find out more about the operational plans that may impact your visit and to have your say. Regular updates will be shared on our website and social media, including dates for community drop-in events. You can also sign up to receive regular project news bulletins by email click here

Your questions answered

Rubble spilling out on to beach at Formby
Rubble spilling out on to beach at Formby | © National Trust / Harriet Wilkinson

What's happening at Lifeboat Road?

In 2017, the National Trust began caring for an additional 204 hectares of land at Lifeboat Road. Ongoing conversations with visitors, members and the local community highlighted the need to explore ways to improve facilities in this area of the site. The most popular suggestions were toilets, access to food and drink, as well as a place for people to meet.

The proposals for Lifeboat Road were put on hold due to the pandemic. However, at the end of 2021 the team were able to start revisiting the plans for this area.

What are the next steps?

We’re committed to making on-going improvements to the facilities and infrastructure at Lifeboat Road. The team are working hard behind the scenes to find sustainable solutions that will enhance this area for people who love to visit.

Our priorities are to provide better toilet facilities, useful signage and more accessible paths, where we can. We also want to offer a selection of refreshments, whether that be an ice cream in summer or a warming cup of coffee in winter.

We'll continue to share updates as plans develop on this website page, through social media and out in the local community.

The future of Formby project timeline

8 July 2024

Planning appeal for Victoria Road project allowed

The planning appeal to remove the huge amount of rubble at Victoria Road and restore rare sand dune habitats, allowed. This project will create healthier, more connected habitats for rare dune wildlife and give everyone who loves to visit a safer, more natural space to explore.

Get in touch

Your feedback matters. Questions and comments from those who love to visit Formby have really helped shaped our thinking so far.

Get in touch to share your views, or ask us anything about the work we do:

Together we can shape future plans to protect this precious landscape and the rare species that call it home, while ensuring this special place can be enjoyed by everyone who loves to visit, for ever.

Three children and an adult making sandcastles at Formby, Liverpool

Donate

Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.

Our partners

Dynamic Dunescapes partner

Restoring sand dunes across England and Wales for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Visitors explore the sand dunes at Formby, Merseyside
Article
Article

Conservation work at Formby 

Formby is one of the fastest changing stretches of coastline under the National Trust’s care. Discover how the team are working with nature to protect rare habitats and wildlife.

Ionic Star shipwreck at Formby
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Formby 

Formby’s coastline is home to many rare species, two shipwrecks and prehistoric footprints. Can you spot a red squirrel in the trees or footprints on the shoreline?

Aparagus beds in the sand dunes at Formby, Merseyside
Article
Article

Discover the history of Formby 

Formby is steeped in history if you know where to look. Discover the history of Formby’s asparagus fields, prehistoric footprints and shipwrecks.

Dogs play on the beach at Formby, Merseyside
Article
Article

Visiting Formby with your dog 

Dogs are welcome at Formby, which is a one pawprint rated place. Find out all you need to know about exercising your pups on the sandy beaches and acres of woodland.

Two women riding their horses on the beach with sea and waves in the background
Activity
Activity

Horse riding at Formby 

Horses are welcome at Formby. Find out all your need to know about riding your horse on the beach or through the woodlands.

An autumnal scene of high rolling hills in Seathwaite valley in Borrowdale, Cumbria

Our cause 

We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.

Birds eye view of the kitchen garden project at Florence Court, County Fermanagh
Article
Article

Grants and funding 

Find out more about the funding the National Trust receives from grants, and the projects it has helped support.