Formby Point

Question 1

Where and general facts ?

Answer 1

Sefton coast, North of Liverpool.
Largest dune area in England (over 17km, 200m-4km in width).
Around 4m of erosion per year.

Question 2

Causes of erosion ?

Answer 2

Periodic storms combined with high tides.
Human access.
Off-road vehicles.
Afforestation.
Spoil dumping to the north.
Developments of ports in Liverpool.
Hard sea defences in north/south.
Dredging of beach for local foundry trade and glass industry.

Question 3

What attracts tourists ?

Answer 3

Rare red squirrels and natterjack toads.
Beaches, sand dunes, pine forests.

Question 4

Sefton Coast Management Scheme

Answer 4

Developed in 1980’s
Planing used xmas trees on seaward edge of dunes.
Fencing off areas of sand funded to restrict pedestrian access.
Wooden posts to encourage dune regeneration.
Building boardwalks.
Signs to direct people to beach via routes avoiding dunes.
Banning off-road vehicles.
Controlling extraction of sand for commercial purposes.
Educational serviced to kids.

Question 5

What’s the debate ?

Answer 5

the impact pine plantation has had on the natural dune landscape and whether removing the plantation and scrub cover would help to re-establish and maintain a broader spectrum of habitats.

Question 6

Aim of scheme ?

Answer 6

To protect the area for future use, to be sustainable.