National Trust advises people not to drive to Formby Beach this Summer as major conservation project takes place

The National Trust’s major conservation project to restore natural sand dune habitats at Victoria Road, in Formby is well under way.

This project is part of the conservation charity’s long-term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast and promises significant benefits for both people and wildlife at Formby Beach.

The work involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble. Most of the unsightly rubble is being processed on-site and repurposed to create the sub-base for a replacement, similar sized and more sustainable car park further inland. The project is expected to last until spring 2026 and during this time the Victoria Road car park and toilets are closed with no bins or facilities available.

To keep everyone safe the large work site area is fenced off starting at the junction of Victoria Road and Badgers Rake, continuing along out on to the beach. This also means there is no pedestrian access to the beach through the work site area at Victoria Road. Some noise is expected from the heavy machinery working on site. 

The National Trust Lifeboat Road car park and toilets in Formby will remain open, but parking is extremely limited. To avoid being turned away, people are advised against driving to National Trust Formby on sunny days this summer. Visitors should consider travelling by train to Formby station or choosing alternative beaches and car parks along the Sefton and Wirral Coast. 

Chris Hunter, Area Ranger for the National Trust Formby said:

“Once the rubble is removed, we’ll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result – a dynamic, connected and healthy sand dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We’ll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed.”

This project aims to solve the long-standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that was spilling out on to the beach. 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 old 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.  

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. The vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.

National Trust is continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring over the summer holidays. A visitor management plan has been agreed including diversion route signs for cars and people walking to the beach. The National Trust Formby website and social media will feature frequent reminders about the car park closure and urge people not to visit by car on sunny days.

The conservation charity is also working with a specialist traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative, nearby beaches using a postcard with QR code.

Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life-threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all. Additionally, we ask visitors to please take your rubbish home, including cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling 999, giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support.”

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

“It is more important than ever for visitors to plan their journey in advance of heading to our coastline this summer. 

“Ainsdale beach is a popular destination with fantastic facilities including a beach car park, toilets, and a food and drink outlet. However, beach car parking is limited and can be closed due to high tides or poor sand conditions. Before setting off by car, always check the Council website for the latest information: www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches”

“We strongly encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. Not only are there many wonderful health benefits to active travel, but it is also small changes like this that help our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“We understand that local residents may have concerns regarding parking and traffic during this period, that’s why the Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and National Trust to minimise disruption as much as possible.”

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said:

“With regular services every 15-minutes, travelling by train is the most convenient way to visit beaches along the Sefton Coast this summer. We recommend getting off at Formby station, which is in walking distance from the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park. Join us in supporting this important conservation project whilst enjoying a hassle-free journey.’’

The conservation charity will continue to keep local residents up to date on the project and people can register for email updates via the website.

More information on this project at Formby Beach can be found on the National Trust website here.

Find out the latest in Sefton here.

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