Sefton Coast Conservation Grazing – Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve
Overview
Birkdale Sandhills, part of the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, is one of Britain’s largest remaining dune systems and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Covering 64 hectares, it features diverse habitats including fixed dunes, dune grassland, slacks, and scrub, supporting rare species such as Natterjack toads and Dune Helleborine orchids
Why Conservation Grazing?
Scrub encroachment threatens the open dune habitats essential for biodiversity. Conservation grazing with English Longhorn cattle helps maintain these habitats by:
- Controlling scrub and preventing further encroachment
- Maintaining open sand areas for specialist species
- Reducing vegetation biomass to allow light for dune flora
- Lowering soil nutrients, promoting plant diversity
How It Works
Grazing occurs between October and April under a partnership between Sefton Council and Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Grazing Service. This service provides risk-assessed cattle, full husbandry, emergency response, and innovative Nofence GPS technology to manage livestock safely while maintaining public access.
Benefits of a Partnership Approach
Developing a dedicated conservation grazing herd has delivered significant benefits for both Lancashire Wildlife Trust and partners across the Sefton Coast. A shared grazing service ensures:
- Reliable, well-adapted cattle – Animals accustomed to public access and dogs, available when needed
- Improved habitat management – Cattle consume a wider range of vegetation, creating diverse structures
- Cost efficiency – Shared resources reduce overall costs
- Enhanced biosecurity – One herd across multiple sites minimizes disease risk
- Low chemical use – Sympathetic husbandry reduces reliance on treatments
- Precision grazing – Nofence GPS enables targeted, secure grazing
Future Priorities
To strengthen and sustain the partnership, key areas of focus include:
- Infrastructure – Invest in a mobile Longhorn cattle crush for safe handling and expand grazing to new sites
- Sustainability – Develop a breeding programme and establish a farm base for logistics, emergency care, and herd continuity
- Capacity Building – Grow the herd to meet increasing conservation needs, including trials at new sites such as Ravenmeols Nature Reserve
A dedicated grazing sub-group within the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership is proposed to coordinate resources and enhance collaboration.