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.