Project Pipeline
This section summarises key projects delivering the Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy, showing progress against objectives and partner delivery.
| Project | Lead | Summary | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formby Point dune restoration and car park retreat | National Trust |
Car park relocation completed and monitoring underway.
Read moreCompleted March 2026. Car park now operational, supporting dune restoration and long-term monitoring. | Complete |
| Dune scrub management (Ainsdale & Birkdale) | Sefton Council |
Winter scrub clearance and habitat restoration.
Read moreOngoing programme through Countryside Stewardship and Dynamic Dunescapes, addressing scrub encroachment and improving habitat condition. | Ongoing |
| Sefton Coast Woodlands Forest Plan | Mersey Forest |
Plan implementation balancing woodland and dune conservation.
Read moreReviewed 2022; implementation ongoing. Recognises tension between woodland and SAC dune objectives. Focus on red squirrel habitat, connectivity, and alternative woodland creation (e.g., Lunt Meadows Forest Park). | Ongoing |
| Marshside habitat creation | RSPB | Proposed wetland habitat and access improvements. | Future Goal |
| Hightown Meadows Local Nature Reserve | Sefton Council |
Grassland management reintroduced.
Read moreManagement established autumn 2025; includes pond clearance and biodiversity improvements. | Ongoing |
| Dune heath and grassland conservation | Natural England |
Multi-partner habitat conservation initiative.
Read moreIncludes relaxed mowing, SSSI management, and partnerships with golf courses, RAF Woodvale, and landowners. Two SSSI units recently improved to favourable condition. | Ongoing |
| Coastwide scrub and grazing management | Lancashire Wildlife Trust |
Coordinated grazing and scrub management.
Read moreIncludes Birkdale Hills, Ainsdale NNR, goat grazing trials at Freshfield, and Ravenmeols pilot (2025–26). | Ongoing |
| Biodiversity recording and communication | SCLP |
Improved coordination of biodiversity data.
Read moreDelivered through SCLP governance, including public campaigns such as “Take the Lead” and “Give Birds a Break”. | Ongoing |
| Integration of conservation in management plans | All |
Aligning land management with conservation goals.
Read moreRequires review and updates to fully align with the Nature Conservation Strategy. | Ongoing |