News

Formby beach car park closed for major conservation project

Published:: 27 April 2025
Last updated:: 14 July 2025

Bright yellow sign with the text Formby beach car park closed for a major conservation project until spring 2026. Also shows no parking or pedestrian access symbols — Highways sign on Victoria Road in Formby highlighting closure of beach car park | © Harriet Wilkinson

Conservation efforts are well underway at Formby to restore rare sand dune habitats. Expect major disruptions and please avoid travelling to us by car on sunny days.

Formby beach car park closed for conservation work

The Victoria Road car park and toilets are closed until spring 2026, with no access to the beach through the work site area. Visitors are advised not to travel to us by car on sunny days over the summer holidays.

This conservation project is part of our long term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast and promises significant benefits for both people and wildlife. The project involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble. Most of the unsightly rubble is being processed on-site and repurposed to create the sub-base for a replacement, similar sized and more sustainable car park further inland.

Impact on your plans to visit this summer

To keep everyone safe the large work site area is fenced off starting at the junction of Victoria Road and Badgers Rake, continuing along out on to the beach. This means there is no pedestrian access to the beach through the work site area at Victoria Road. Some noise is expected from the heavy machinery working on site.

Our Lifeboat Road car park and toilets will remain open, but parking is extremely limited. To avoid being turned away, people are advised against driving to Formby on busy, sunny days this summer. Visitors should consider travelling by train to Formby station or choosing alternative beaches and car parks along the Sefton and Wirral Coast.

The Formby Victoria Road project work site, sand dune restoration area and location of the replacement car park. | © National Trust Formby GIS

"We understand people will be disappointed to miss out on a trip to Formby this summer, but everyone’s support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to enhance this special space for wildlife and people.”

A quote by Amy PeacockNational Trust General Manager, Formby and Central Lancashire Porfolio

Project vision

The project aims to solve the long-standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that is spilling out on to the beach. The rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the Second World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the current beach car park. Natural processes that create Formby’s fast-shifting shoreline mean that each year more rubble is being exposed. The rubble is disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting visitor access to the beach. 

Relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come. The vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for visitors to enjoy.

Project progress

A vital phase of the project took place in April and May where, with the expert support of ecologists, 27 rare sand lizards were translocated away from the damaged rubble dunes. Since then, work has been progressing at pace on site with around 48,000 tonnes of rubble already removed from the dunes and old beach car park.

Listen to the BBC Radio 4 Open Country "Shifting Sands of Sefton" featuring rangers Bree and Justin talking to Martha Kearney about the Victoria Road conservation project and the exciting moment where they spot a rare sand lizard basking in the dunes.

Huge amounts of rubble spilling out on to the beach at Victoria Road, Formby. | © NT Formby Harriet Wilkinson

Once the rubble is cleared, we'll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result – a dynamic, connected and healthy sand dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We’ll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed.

A quote by Chris HunterNational Trust Formby Area Ranger, Formby

Managing busy days

We're continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast (including Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Merseyrail) to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring over the summer holidays. A visitor management plan has been agreed including diversion route signs for cars and people walking to the beach. Our website and social media will be regularly updated with frequent reminders about the car park closure as well as advising visitors not to travel to us by car on sunny days.

We're also working with a traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road (junction with Bushbys / St Lukes Church Road) every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative nearby beaches using a postcard with QR code.

You can register to get updates on this project sent direct to your email inbox. Sign up here.

How is the project being funded?

The dune restoration element of this project is part of a wider programme of conservation work happening at National Trust Formby through the UK-wide Dynamic Dunescapes project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE Programme, which is based on the pioneering idea that dunes which move and change shape are better for nature than those which are stable. The National Trust is funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors.

Sefton Coast partners - useful information

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said “It is more important than ever for visitors to plan their journey in advance of heading to our coastline this summer.

“Ainsdale beach is a popular destination with fantastic facilities including a beach car park, toilets, and a food and drink outlet. However, beach car parking is limited and can be closed due to high tides or poor sand conditions. Before setting off by car, always check the Council website for the latest information.”

“We strongly encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. Not only are there many wonderful health benefits to active travel, but it is also small changes like this that help our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“We understand that local residents may have concerns regarding parking and traffic during this period, that’s why the Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and National Trust to minimise disruption as much as possible.”
Inspector Graham Fisher, Sefton Local Policing said: “As the summer holidays approach, we will be working closely with partner agencies to encourage people to enjoy the coastline and National Trust areas safely. We would ask that you plan your journeys, taking into account the planned car park closure at Formby beach and look for alternative destinations. We want visitors to enjoy all that Sefton has to offer.”
Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said “We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life-threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all. Additionally, we ask visitors to please take your rubbish home, including cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling 999, giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support.”
Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said: “With regular services every 15-minutes, travelling by train is the most convenient way to visit beaches along the Sefton Coast this summer. We recommend getting off at Formby station, which is in walking distance from the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park. Join us in supporting this important conservation project whilst enjoying a hassle-free journey. Plan your journey here’’