Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve
Freshfield Dune Heath consists of 35 hectares of lowland dune heath, acidic grassland, woodland and scrub and is the largest are of lowland heath in Lancashire.
Freshfield's 17 hectares of dune heath comprise 9% of the national total of this very rare habitat.
Wildllife Highlights: Red Squirrels are frequently sighted in the woodland and a small colony of Water Voles lives in the Wham Dyke and Stoats, Weasels and Foxes are all seen here. 300 species of moth have been recorded including Northern Dune Tiger Beetle and Goat Moth. The spectacular Emperor Moth can be seen flying during the day in late May and early June. Common Lizards are frequent; the rare Sand Lizard has been recorded close by and almost certainly occurs on the site.
Birds: 75 species have been recorded here, including typical heathland breeding birds such as Whitethroats and Linnets; woodland species include Woodcock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Kestrels and Buzzards hunt the heath.
Location: From Freshfield Railway Station walk north along Montagu Road (strictly no vehicle access) towards the Fisherman's Path. The first area of the dune heath encountered, known as the 'Montagu Road Triangle', is in private ownership but enjoys open access. At the northern end of the Triangle the Fisherman's Path heads to the west, across the railway to Formby Golf Course towards the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve. Freshfield Dune Heath lies to the east, surrounding RAF Woodvale.
Dogs must be on leads.
The reserve is owned and managed by The Lancashire Wildlife Trust
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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