Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy
The Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy is a collaborative approach to nature recovery led by Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership to protect, enhance, and manage the unique coastal habitats of the Sefton Coast. This website provides information on the strategy’s vision, objectives, and actions, alongside maps, data, projects and evidence used to support nature conservation and environmental management across the Sefton coastline.
Our Shared Vision
To work together to manage the coast in a way that protects, conserves, and enhances one of Europe’s most wildlife-rich coastal areas, while delivering wider benefits for the local community and economy
Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy
The Sefton Coast is one of the UK’s most important natural landscapes, supporting rare coastal habitats and internationally significant wildlife.
The Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy (NCS), first developed in 2007, set out a shared vision for protecting, managing, and enhancing this unique coastline.
The Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy is now undergoing a major refresh to respond to current challenges and opportunities, including climate change, invasive species, litter and pollution and increasing visitor pressures.
Work on the updated strategy began in mid-2024, supported by Natural England, Sefton Council, and the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, alongside the wider Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership.
About The Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy
The Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy sets out a long-term approach to conserving and enhancing one of the most important coastal landscapes in the UK.
The strategy focuses on:
- Protecting dune systems, saltmarsh, and coastal habitats
- Supporting biodiversity and priority species
- Managing pressures such as climate change, recreation, and development
- Working in partnership with local organisations, landowners, and communities
By bringing together data, monitoring, and practical management, the strategy helps guide decision-making and ensures the long-term resilience of the Sefton Coast.
Protect and Restore the Sefton Coast’s Natural Heritage
Explore the key strategies working together to protect wildlife, manage recreation, and keep the Sefton Coast a special place for everyone to enjoy.
Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership
The Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership (SCLP) has been working for over 40 years to care for our coastline. It brings together landowners and local partners to protect, manage, and enhance all 22 miles of the Sefton Coast, ensuring this special place can be enjoyed by wildlife and people for generations to come.
Sefton Coast Plan
The Sefton Coast Plan, adopted in 2017 by the Council and the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership, sets out a shared vision for caring for our coastline. A Visioning Position Statement followed in 2021, and the Nature Conservation Strategy is one of the key plans helping to turn that vision into action.
Recreational Mitigation Strategy
The Recreation Mitigation Strategy (RMS) works alongside the Nature Conservation Strategy to help deliver the Sefton Coast Plan. Led by MEAS, it brings together seven local authorities to manage recreation in a way that protects wildlife while ensuring people can enjoy the coast responsibly.
The Sefton Coast dunes are #RarerthanRainforest — one of the UK’s most threatened and biodiverse habitats.