Residents share aspirations for future of Formby coast

Residents joined National Trust staff and volunteers at the Gild Hall in Formby on Monday 17 July to share their thoughts and aspirations for the future of the Formby Coast.

The Open Day explored ideas for how this special place can best be cared for and benefit both the people who love it and the wildlife that makes its homes here. The event came as the National Trust continues positive conversations with Sefton Council about the potential transfer of 204 hectares of land at Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols into its care.

Over 150 people joined in conversations with Trust staff and volunteers during the Open Day and the preceding Formby Festival. Workshops also ran on a range of topics. Views were sought on everything from what people would like Formby Point to look like in 50 years time and the threat posed by coastal erosion, to how to tackle the challenges of parking on busy days and improve nature conservation for rare wildlife including Natterjack Toads and Red Squirrels. Many suggestions were made for solutions to these challenges and areas for the Trust to consider as it moves forward with developing future plans.

Joanne Hudson, General Manager for the National Trust, commented: “We were really pleased by the number of people who attended to share their thoughts, aspirations and concerns about how we manage this special place for the benefit of future generations. We are committed to continuing to work closely with the community to enhance Formby Point and to tackle the challenges facing this dynamic and constantly evolving landscape. We have also held separate stakeholder meetings to talk to individuals and groups representing all aspects of the local community and businesses. The insight gathered at these events will help shape our thinking at Formby and we will be holding similar events in coming months as our plans shape up.”

In addition to the Open Day and stakeholder meetings, the National Trust has also established a Community Involvement Panel. This working group includes a cross-section of local people whose role is to represent the local community. The Panel will play an important role in ensuring that the voice of the community is heard throughout the development of any future plans for the Coast.

Future public opportunities for residents to get involved in shaping plans for Formby will be announced via the media, on the National Trust’s social media sites and online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby

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The National Trust at Formby

The National Trust has cared for 210 hectares of land at Formby since 1967, when it was safeguarded by the Neptune Fund, set up specifically to purchase and protect coast around the UK. 2017 marks the Trust’s 50th anniversary at Formby. The stretch of coast at Formby is an area of great importance for its mobile sand dunes – some of the best in the entire UK - and the wildlife that lives here, including rare Natterjack Toads, sand lizards and red squirrels in the pine woods. It is also much loved by locals and visitors with its stunning views that stretch out towards Wales, the Irish Sea and the Lake District.

For more information about the National Trust at Formby please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby