Volunteers Brave the Elements to Support Formby’s Dune Restoration

A huge thank you and shout-out to the Merseyside National Trust volunteers who braved some truly challenging weather on Sunday to support vital conservation work at National Trust Formby.

Despite torrential rain and strong winds, four dedicated volunteers joined the ranger team in the Victoria Road dune restoration area during the morning, working hard to construct U- and V-shaped brushwood fencing behind the dunes. These barriers play an important role in slowing sand movement and helping to protect and restore this fragile landscape.

By lunchtime, reinforcements arrived, bringing the team up to five for the afternoon session. Together, they continued the hard work by clearing invasive sea buckthorn and grey poplar from the dunes. Although the weather meant there was sadly no bonfire to finish the day, spirits remained high — and thankfully the rain finally eased.

The National Trust team have praised the volunteers’ commitment, saying their support throughout the year makes a huge difference to the special National Trust sites across the Merseyside area.

Wet, windy, and muddy — but an incredibly productive day for nature and for Formby’s precious dunes.