Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve.
Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR forms part of the Sefton Coast - the finest dune system on the north-west coast of England. The area is part of a Ramsar site and part of the Sefton Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The dunes are home to over 450 plant species including 33 that are locally or regionally rare like petalwort, seaside centaury, yellow bartsia, round-leaved wintergreen, dune helleborine and pendulous flowered helleborine.
Highlights: Sand lizards and great-crested newts are found here together with a large population of natterjack toads. Inland, areas of pine woodland are home to red squirrels.
Location: The reserve is between the towns of Ainsdale, 2 km to the north, and Freshfield (near Formby) 2 km to the south. All three towns are on the A565. By car, access to the reserve is via minor roads from the A565. The nearest train stations are in Ainsdale, Freshfield, Southport (5 km to the north) and Formby. All are served by Merseyrail and Southport is also served by Northern Rail.
Three major trails pass through or near the reserve: the TransPennine Trail, the Cheshire Lines Path, the Sefton Coastal Footpath. There is also a local trail from Freshfield called Fisherman's Path that marks much of the reserve's southern boundary.
Also nearby is the Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve
The reserve is also on Route 62 (TransPennine Trail) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Grid reference: SD313118.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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