Formby historians to feature on BBC Radio 4's Open Country on 7th December

The BBC Radio 4's Open Country show visited our Bubble last week to record a feature about Formby.

The programme is BBC Radio 4 ‘Open Country’ and is due to be aired at 3pm on Thursday 7th December, also remaining on the BBC iPlayer for another month.

Presenter, Helen Mark visited Formby to record the show and interview some locals. This is a part of the country that is regarded as a haven for the native red squirrel. She discovers what it is about the landscape and the practices conservationists have adopted, which some find controversial, that's allowing the native reds to thrive in this part of the country.

Continuing along the Sefton coastline, Helen meets a local resident turned poet; she discovers what makes Formby's sand dunes so special and finds out about the claim that Formby had the first known life boat in existence.

Interviews recorded on the day were done with Ryan, a Ranger, about the woodlands, Rachel Cripps to talk about the red squirrels. Local historian and author Joan Rimmer to talk about Formby people in times past. Interviews were also done with Formby Civic Society's John Phillips about the story of the Formby Lifeboat and also National Trusts Kate Martin about the coastline and sand dunes.

Not to be missed! BBC Radio 4 ‘Open Country’ is due to be aired at 3pm on Thursday 7th December 2017

Presenter Helen Mark with Formby historian Joan Rimmer

Presenter Helen Mark and Red Squirrel Officer -Rachel Cripps

Presenter Helen Mark and Red Squirrel Officer -Rachel Cripps with Formby Civic Society Chairman John Phillips