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News
News From English NatureAinsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve is 40 this year. It has long been recognised that the Sefton Coast is one of the best wildlife sites in Britain. The dunes at Ainsdale were first recognised as being of outstanding nature conservation value when in 1915 the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves published their survey of areas worthy of protection but that protection didn't come until 10 August 1965. As the first reserve declared on the Sefton Coast, Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve has been protecting rare and endangered dune plants for 40 years. The National Trust purchased Formby Point in 1968, the Local Nature Reserves were established in the 1980's and Cabin Hill National nature reserve was declared in 1990. Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR was the 112th National Nature Reserve to be declared by the forerunner of English Nature the Nature Conservency. The reasons for its declaration were the wealth of sand dune habitats and to enable research into new ways of managing these fragile habitats. When the reserve was first established the only access to the reserve was along the public right of way Fishermans path. Away from this right of way access was through a rigorous permit system where only scientists and naturalists could have one. Today things are very different, a series of colour coded permissive routes around the reserve offer walks of different lengths and difficulties. Permits are now available to everyone (but we don't allow dogs away from the waymarked routes). The wealth of wildlife which inhabits the reserve still manages to fascinate people and our guided walks are very popular. In spring natterjack toads can be heard at night calling during the breeding season and in the summer flowers abound. Proactive management has seen the Lesser Centaury plant reappear after an absence of 70 years. Pine clearance has led to an increase in the number of natterjacks on site and created new sand lizard habitat. If you would like to learn more about the reserve why not come along to one of our guided walks or attend the Wildlife extravaganza in August.
Wildlife Extravaganza A family event where there will be something for everyone, including sheepdog demonstrations, landrover rides, crafts, story telling wildflower and butterfly walks, minibeast hunts, pond dipping, live captive sand lizards and natterjack toads. Food available on site. Join us for fun in the out of doors. All activities are free of charge. For further information call Ainsdale NNR on: 01704 578 774 Please note: there are no car parking facilities on site, please make your way by public transport. A shuttle bus service will be available from Ainsdale Station and secure bike parking will be provided (just bring locks). New staff member Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR welcomed its new Assistant Site Manager, Mike Downey, to the team at the end of February. Mike grew up in Formby, and it was the local dunes and woodlands which inspired him at an early age to follow a career in conservation. University research projects brought him back to the Sefton coast to study Natterjack Toads and Red Squirrel populations, before he left the local area to travel in South America. Mike, who has since worked for 5 years as a reserves warden in Dorset, said, 'It's a real thrill for me to be back home and working on such a wonderful and important national nature reserve. I hope that I can help to conserve our unique local environment so that other people can be inspired to do the same in the future.' How can you help? If you would like to help make a difference and conserve one of Britain's most important natural stretches of coastline, then why not join in with English Nature's volunteer group? We have regular practical work days throughout the year. No previous experience is necessary, and there are plenty of training opportunities for those who might want to improve their skills or are looking for a career in conservation. We are also looking for volunteers to help out with other aspects of our work, such as site patrolling, survey work or administration and office help. If you would like to lend a hand or want further information, please call the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve office on 01704 578774.
Below is an article taken from the 13th August 1965 Formby Times
1,216 ACRES On Tuesday, the area was statutorily declared as the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve. It is Great Britain's 112th national nature reserve and the first to be established under the new Nature Conservancy Seal used on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council, of which the conservancy became part when the Council was set up on June 1 last. The new reserve includes foreshore, dunes and moist slacks, and a stretch of planted pinewood extending northwards. It is crossed by Fisherman's Path,' a pubic footpath across the dunes from the railway lines to the sea just north of Freshfield. The range of conditions in the dunes favours an unusually interesting and varied flora and fauna, providing excellent opportunities for research which the Conservancy will develop. Unfortunately the former scientific interest has been much reduced in recent years, for example, the breeding colonies of sea birds have been driven away by disturbance. Studies in conservation will be of particular importance and will help the Conservancy in their primary duty of conserving and rehabilitating the reserve. This research will also provide valuable information on the requirements for managing fragile dune habitats which are so susceptible to erosion. The reserve will form a national base for studies and it is intended to establish a centre to take advantage of opportunities in environmental education discussed at the conference on education held at Keele University in March, 1965. Locally, the reserve will provide educational facilities for field studies by Lancashire schools, a need for which has already been shown by the enthusiastic participation of teachers from Lancashire at meetings on field studies sponsored by the Conservancy. There has also been an impressive response to an experimental nature trail organised during the last three summers by courtesy of the previous owners. The experience and information gained by these activities at Ainsdale will be used in studies being undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and for the Council of Europe. The establishment of this reserve will also contribute to the current campaign for the protection of a valuable part of Britain's dwindling stretches of undeveloped coastline and will protect a key section of the Lancashire green belt. The Conservancy are working here, as elsewhere, with the National Trust's "Enterprise Neptune." Protection from fire and other damage is obviously vital to the reserve. The Conservancy will continue the previous policy of controlling, access away from the shore and public footpath by means of a permit system in order to preserve the habitat and to safeguard scientific research. If anyone would like more information please contact English Nature on 01942 820342 for an information leaflet. Text taken from Coastlines Summer 2005
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