Formby Nature Reserve

About this activity

Formby Nature Reserve is a designated National Trust site and is a coastal nature haven for wildlife and people. It has some of Europe's best sand dunes, habitats and where many rase species comes to thrive. 

The reserve get's really busy during school holidays and sunny days so make sure you get there early to secure a parking spot! The site is home to the rare nutterjack toad and can be found in the dune pools on warm nights from April to July. The males come to the pools first and their calls can be heard up to a mile away!

There's also sand lizards! They can be hard to spot but they like areas with sand and grass and can be spotted in the morning. There's also lots of rare species too hiding here! They are heavily protected so make sure you create the area special so they have the environment they need to thrive. 

If you head one kilometre from the coast, you'll be able to see two shipwrecks at low tide. The Ionic Star and the Bradda all have remains here and they're best viewed with an experienced guide. 

The footprints of humans who lived here from 8000BC have been preserved in the sun, sand and mud too! See if you can spot them for an insight into the prehistoric life of the area. 

Horses are always welcome too on the beach or through the woodlands, and of course, dogs are always welcome to have a run about as there's acres of lands to explore.