Amazing Westwind Sandcastles On Formby Beach

Sometimes when the west wind blows, the dunes can make their own sandcastles without a bucket and spade!

Here are some wonderful formations, carved by the westerlies of recent days while helping out with a podcast at National Trust Formby today. Temporary, if brilliant shapes.

Sand movement is crucial for the frontal dunes - if the sand doesn't blow, then dunes quickly stabilise and start getting covered with vegetation, shading out vital habitat for Sand Lizards, Natterjack Toads and Northern Dune Tiger Beetles.

This wonderful story and photos by Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership