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News
Green light for sand dune restoration project at Victoria Road
- Published:
- 09 July 2024
- Last updated:
- 09 July 2024
Our planning appeal to restore rare sand dune habitats and remove the huge amounts of rubble at Victoria Road, has been allowed. Most of the rubble will be re-used to create a replacement, similar-sized car park further inland.
Benefits for wildlife and people
Our purpose as a conservation charity is to enhance the landscape for nature and people. The Victoria Road project planning application was originally submitted to Sefton Council in November 2022 and refused in July 2023. This successful appeal decision allows us to address issues caused by Formby’s rapidly shifting coastline. The project will create healthier habitats for rare dune wildlife and provide a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.
Formby is part of one 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 conservation project aims to solve the long-standing problem of the potentially hazardous rubble that is spilling out on to the beach. It will help us restore Formby’s sand dunes to their natural state and re-connect important habitats, creating space for wildlife to thrive – the appeal decision feels like a huge step forward for this special place.”
A quote by Kate MartinFormby and Central Lancashire Lead Ranger
Rubble trouble
Regular visitors to Formby's coastline will be familiar with the sight of rubble on the beach at Victoria Road. 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 current 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.
Sustainable parking solution
The plan also provides a solution for the Victoria Road beach car park, which has seen around a third of its car parking spaces reclaimed by the natural environment since it was built in the 1980s. The car park continues to lose approximately eight car parking spaces each year, compounding the issues felt by the local community on busy days.
Our creative solution will see the rubble processed and reused on site to form the foundations of a replacement car park, further away from the sand dunes. This car park will create a sustainable parking solution for visitors at Victoria Road.
The car park will hold the same number of cars, but spaces will be more defined with an improved turning circle, making parking more efficient and improving traffic flow on and off site.
“The Victoria Road project is part of the National Trust’s long-term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast. 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. Our vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.”
A quote by Vicky BlaneFormby and Lancashire General Manager
Bigger and healthier habitats for wildlife
The appeal decision acknowledged that while the removal of self-seeded sycamore and birch trees will have some initial visual impact, the overall project will create bigger and healthier habitats for wildlife at Formby. Ecological surveys also show that the trees being removed are a poor-quality habitat for red squirrels and other wildlife. Enhancing the tree health, species diversity, and age structure of Formby’s woodlands continues to be one of our conservation priorities at Formby.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project so far, including local residents and visitors for sharing their feedback. We will continue to collaborate with conservation experts, partners along the Sefton Coast, the local community, volunteers, and visitors to successfully deliver this project."
A quote by Vicky BlaneFormby and Lancashire General Manager
Useful visitor information
Work is expected to start on site in winter 2024, lasting until around spring 2026. Whilst the work is carried out there will be no visitor access to the beach, car parks or toilet facilities at Victoria Road and path diversions will be in place to keep people a safe distance away from the work.
The car park at Lifeboat Road will remain open for the duration of the project but the number of car parking spaces across the site will be significantly reduced. We're working on a traffic management plan that will be agreed with Sefton Council.
Visitors wanting to enjoy a beach walk during this time will be encouraged to explore the wider Sefton Coast or arrive to Lifeboat Road on foot, on bike or by public transport.
We'll continue to keep everyone updated on our website and social media so you know what to expect and the potential impact on your plans to visit.
Project funding
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 £10m 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 funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors.
Look out for project updates
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. We are also planning to send out regular project news bulletins by email that people will shortly be able to sign up to receive on our website - please check back here.
Our partners
Restoring sand dunes across England and Wales for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife.
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