This work will restore natural processes and reconnect the dunes – creating bigger and healthier habitats for wildlife and a safer more natural space for people to enjoy.
27 rare sand lizards have already been safely relocated away from the damaged rubble dunes through a vital phase of the project.
To enable this important conservation work to happen, the car park and toilets at Victoria Road will remain closed until spring 2026, with significant parking disruption expected.
Approximately 48,000 tonnes of rubble has been cleared from the dunes and old beach car park so far and the majority of the rubble is being repurposed on-site to create the sub-base for a similar sized, more sustainable car park, further inland.
Chris Hunter, Area Ranger for the National Trust Formby said: “Once the rubble is removed, we’ll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result – a dynamic, connected and healthy sand dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We’ll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed.”
This project aims to solve the long-standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that was spilling out on to the beach. The rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the Second World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the old beach car park. Natural processes that create Formby’s fast-shifting shoreline mean that each year more rubble is being exposed. The rubble is disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting visitor access to the beach.
Relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come. The vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.