Apr 12, 20172 min read

The National Trust is celebrating 50 years caring for the coast at Formby

The National Trust is celebrating 50 years caring for the coast at Formby. The conservation charity has cared for 210 hectares of this special stretch of coast since 12 April 1967, when it was safeguarded through the Neptune Fund, set up specifically to purchase and protect coast around the UK.

The stretch of coast at Formby is an area of great importance for its mobile sand dunes – some of the best in the entire UK - and the wildlife that lives here, including rare Natterjack Toads, sand lizards and red squirrels in the pine woods. It is also much loved by locals and visitors with its stunning views that stretch out towards Wales, the Irish Sea and the Lake District.

Volunteers and staff marked the occasion by blowing out the candles on a 50th birthday cake created by local Formby-based cake designer Lisa Lill, who runs Cake Amour by Lisa, and featuring sugar models of the iconic dunes, pine woods and wildlife.

Justin Matthews, Ranger for the National Trust at Formby, commented: “50 years is a fantastic achievement and we are so proud to reach this milestone. We couldn’t do it without our dedicated staff and volunteers and the support of our local community who work so hard to help care for the coast, managing it and maintaining it for generations to come. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years and hope that everyone will join in the celebrations by coming along to one of our events happening throughout the year or just taking time out to enjoy this special place.”

2017 is particularly significant because it marks Sefton Council’s Year of the Coast. It was also recently announced that the Trust is in conversations with the Council about the possibility of caring for an additional 204 hectares of land, currently managed by Sefton.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We know how important the coast is and reaching 50 years in Formby is a significant milestone for the National Trust."

"With 2017 being the Year of Sefton’s Coast and the positive discussions taking place between National Trust and Sefton Council over the potential transfer of land in Formby, there is so much to celebrate. Here’s to the next 50 years as well!”

Visit our website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby/whats-on for a list of events at the National Trust Formby -exploring everything from wildlife to asparagus and what is living in the rock pools.