Formby Point: FAQs and answers
Why is the coast at Formby so significant?
The land at Formby is incredibly special and is loved and visited by many. This rapidly changing environment is amongst the very best mobile sand dune habitat in the entire UK. The dunes themselves are home to some very rare wildlife including sand lizards, Northern Dune Tiger Beetles and the rare Natterjack Toad. The pine woodlands that fringe the coast are also home to rare red squirrels. The land at Lifeboat Road adjoins an area whose significance is reflected by being part of the Sefton Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area for birds.
What is so special about Lifeboat Road/Ravenmeols in particular?
The land that is being considered for transfer includes Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols dunes and woodland, the latter of which is a designated Local Nature Reserve. These sites are of great importance for nature conservation, being home to a wide range of different types of dune habitat. The highest dunes on the coast can be found at Ravenmeols. Rare Natterjack Toads and Sand Lizards make their homes in these dunes, like they do at the other land which the National Trust already cares for at Formby. The dunes are also home to a rare woodlouse. The intertidal area at Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols forms part of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries Special Protection Area due to its importance for migratory and passage birds.
Why is there a proposal to transfer the land?
The National Trust and Sefton Council have a positive partnership relationship borne out of a long and shared interest in caring for and protecting this amazing coastline, and providing access to it. Sefton Council recognise that the National Trust is in a unique position to invest in, protect and to provide access this coastline for future generations.
The Trust would like to care for Ravenmeols/Lifeboat Road because it aligns with our founding and core purpose of protecting and providing access to special places. The fact that we own the adjacent land puts us in a good position to care for Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols and facilitates our investment in the site. The Trust has been a key partner in the long standing Sefton Coast partnership.
The National Trust has cared for and managed part of the coastline at Formby for 50 years. Formby has one of the largest and most important sand dune systems in the UK, as well as being home to a colony of red squirrels and the rare Natterjack toad. Our existing knowledge of this unique coastline, which we have been helping to manage and care for over the past 50 years, places us in a great position to take on caring for the Lifeboat Road site, which borders our current site.
Is this linked to Council budget cuts?
No, this is not linked directly to Council cuts. The Council has set out its commitment to contributing to Vision for Sefton 2030 and enabling growth in the visitor economy is one of core priorities. Sefton Council believes this presents an outstanding example of how value can be created by working in partnership with other organisations.
How much will the National Trust invest in managing the site?
It’s not yet clear exactly how much we will invest because we would like to consult with local people about what they would like us to do before we draw up definitive plans. However, our investment will be considerable both in terms of conservation management, and improvement of visitor facilities and access. We will also of course be taking on the long term conservation management and protection of this coastline for generations to come.
When will the NT take over management?
Sefton Borough Council is required to publish the public notice about the land disposal twice and to seek views for a period of two weeks and to consider these views. Next steps will depend on the outcomes of this period of views being sought. Following this period we will be in a position to develop more detailed plans and a timetable for next steps. We will make further announcements in due course.
What is the Trust planning to do at the site?
The National Trust is committed to the long term conservation and protection of this very special coastline and providing access to it for future generations. We are excited about being able to improve the visitor offer through investing in better visitor facilities and access across this area of the Sefton coast. We will work with local people help shape these plans and will consult with our neighbours, partners and local community about what they would like us to do.
How will the National Trust consult about plans at Lifeboat Road?
If the transfer of Lifeboat Road goes ahead, the National Trust will begin a period of engagement and consultation to inform our plans for the area over the coming months and as the plans are developed.
How do I get involved at Lifeboat Road?
One of our aims at Formby is to ensure that local people have a voice in how we work and manage the site and we have already been collecting views from people who use and visit the area. We will seek volunteers to work alongside staff in conservation and access at Formby.
We will in due course be putting information up on our website about how you can get involved: http:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Formby
How are you involving local people?
You can contact the National Trust with your views on the potential transfer to the National Trust by emailing [email protected]