Formby Red Squirrel Reserve

About

The Formby Red Squirrel Reserve, part of the National Trust’s Formby Countryside Office, offers a breathtaking coastal nature haven renowned for its extensive sand dunes, as well as thriving wildlife including the iconic red squirrel. Situated just north of Liverpool, the reserve features mile‑long beach coastlines, rolling dunes, and idyllic woodland walks that connect visitors to some of Europe’s most important sand dune habitats. Visitors can explore accessible paths that link the beach, dune areas, and the wooded asparagus fields that once dotted the landscape. A free‑entry experience means visitors can spend as much time as they wish exploring the dunes, spotting rare toads, pre‑historic footprints, and shipwrecked remnants along the shoreline. The reserve also supports a range of family‑friendly activities such as cycling, horse riding, and dog‑walking, with designated beach lanes and litter collection points. Marine and land ecosystems thrive here, providing a living laboratory for conservation work and educational programs. During warmer months the dunes host a variety of bird species and possum shelters, while early spring brings a surge of wildflowers that add colourful contrast to the golden sands.

Highlights

• Sand Dune Habitat
• Red Squirrel Habitat
• Historic Shipwrecks
• Accessible Paths

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours

Tickets & pricing