National Trust Southport and Formby Association

22/10/2026

You may spot some excavation work taking place in some of the dune slacks over the coming weeks as we give a helping hand to one of Formby’s rarest residents, the natterjack toad.
 
Natterjacks need shallow freshwater pools, known as slacks, to breed successfully, but these habitats can gradually become overgrown or less suitable over time.

Now that the toads are beginning their winter hibernation, our Ranger team is carefully re-grading some of the existing breeding slacks and creating a couple of new ones.

This will help provide a wider range of options, including different water levels and conditions.
 
By creating a stronger and more resilient network of different breeding pools across the dunes, we’re helping give natterjack toads the best possible chance of thriving, whatever the weather brings in the years ahead.
 
This is all part of our work to care for Formby’s ever-changing dune landscape and the wildlife that depends on it.

20/10/2026

With National Trust Formby – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

14/10/2026

Today we welcomed back eight English longhorn cattle, who will be helping to restore Formby’s dune grasslands this winter.

A total of 18 cattle will be joining our dune restoration efforts, with the rest arriving in a couple of weeks.

The grazing area is south of Lifeboat Road and you’re welcome to wander.

Look out for the information signs with top tips for a safe and enjoyable walk, as well as a QR code to scan and find the live location of the herd.

We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust after a successful trial last winter.

Find out more by clicking on the link in our bio on Instagram and in the comments on Facebook.

07/10/2026

With National Trust Formby – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

07/10/2026

01/10/2026

Recently the Ranger team completed our annual Tree Safety Management inspections. This involves risk assessing trees for potential defects that could impact their stability.

The woodlands across the site are split into zones from high (e.g. near popular paths and seating areas) to low usage.

Each zone is inspected at different frequencies dependent upon how well used it is. Tree safety inspections are also done after every storm.

Essential kit includes binoculars, a probe and a clipboard for making notes. The inspections include;

🌲 Looking up and down trees for signs of disease or death.

🌲 Checking for damage to the trunk or branches that may make the tree unstable or branches likely to fall.

🌲Looking for any root lifting, a sign that the tree has the potential to topple.

Trees that need to have branches taken off or to be felled for safety reasons have a mark put on the trunk with spray paint.

Then over winter work is undertaken to make these trees safe either by our Ranger team or with specialist tree surgeons for larger more complicated work.

Thank you for keeping a safe distance if you see the team at work and dogs under close control.

24/09/2026

12/09/2026

🦌If you're exploring one of the quieter corners of Formby, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a roe deer trotting through the landscape.

These graceful animals are one of the UK's most common deer species and can often be recognised by the distinctive white patch on their rump.

Roe deer are naturally shy and tend to keep away from busy areas, so sightings are always a special moment.

They're most active at dawn and dusk, when they emerge to browse on leaves, shoots, grasses and wildflowers.

Despite their delicate appearance, roe deer are impressive jumpers and can leap over obstacles more than a metre high with ease.

If you're lucky enough to spot a roe deer during your visit, please admire it from a distance so as not to disturb their wild adventures.

👀Have you ever seen a roe deer at Formby? We'd love to hear about and see photos of your wildlife encounters in the comments.

📸 NT Images Rob Coleman

23/07/2026

Formby is a much-loved, coastal nature haven for wildlife and people. Discover some of Europe’s best sand dune habitats, where many rare species thrive, including natterjack toads and sand lizards. Together we can protect this special place so that it’s here for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

If you have any questions or comments please email us [email protected]


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