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.
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:
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 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.
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.
"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.
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.
The project will be phased, and work is expected to start on site in January 2025, with minimal disruption initially for everyone who loves to visit.
As the work ramps up on site, including excavation and processing of the huge amounts of rubble to construct the subbase for 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 there will be no access to the beach in the Victoria Road area.
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 will be significantly reduced.
During the main phase of the work, we kindly suggest avoiding visits to Formby by car. Instead, consider taking the train or biking to avoid any inconvenience. Alternatively, you can use the nearby Sefton Coast car parks find out more. Thank you for your support and understanding whilst we enhance this special place for people and wildlife.
Find out more about the tasks involved in the project and the sand dune restoration process in this useful illustration.
Here’s just a few of the plans we are currently working on:
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
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.
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.
8 July 2024
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.
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.
Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.
Restoring sand dunes across England and Wales for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife.
Click here for an illustration of the tasks involved in the project and sand dune restoration process.
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.
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?
Formby is steeped in history if you know where to look. Discover the history of Formby’s asparagus fields, prehistoric footprints and shipwrecks.
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.
Horses are welcome at Formby. Find out all your need to know about riding your horse on the beach or through the woodlands.
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.
Find out more about the funding the National Trust receives from grants, and the projects it has helped support.