Nearest town: Formby
Grid reference: SD298081, Landranger 108

35ha; mixture of lowland dune heath, acidic grassland, woodland and scrub. The single largest lowland heath site in 'Lancashire'.

History: Agricultural land in the 19th century; became a golf course in 1908 then requisitioned to create RAF Woodvale in 1941 and subsequently used for army training. Purchased from the MoD by the Wildlife Trust in 2004.

Habitats: Freshfield's 17ha of dune heath comprise 9% of the national total of this very rare habitat. Heather, Sand Sedge, Wavy Hair-grass and Sheep's Fescue are the dominant vegetation but a number of other specialist plants occur, including Heath Grass, Heath Rush, Bird's-foot, Heath Bedstraw and Narrow Buckler-fern. 250 plant species recorded. Gorse forms an integral part of the heathland landscape; willow scrub is scattered throughout. Woodland predominantly birch and pine. The ancient Wham Dyke drains the site, flowing inland into Downholland Brook.

Insects and other invertebrates: Almost 1000 species recorded, including 300 types of moth. Notable species include Northern Dune Tiger Beetle and Goat Moth. The spectacular Emperor Moth can be seen flying during the day in late May and early June.

Reptiles: Common Lizards are frequent; the rare Sand Lizard has been recorded close by and almost certainly occurs on the site.

Birds: 75 species recorded. Typical heathland breeding birds include good numbers of Whitethroats and Linnets; woodland breeding species include Woodcock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Kestrels and Buzzards hunt the heath. Rarities recorded include Sardinian Warbler, Barred Warbler and Firecrest.

Mammals: Large numbers of Short-tailed Field Voles occur, along with shrews, Stoats, Weasels and Foxes. Red Squirrels are frequently sighted in the woodland and a small colony of Water Voles lives in the Wham Dyke.

Management
Since 2005 large areas of scrub have been removed in order to restore and extend the dune heath and acidic grassland, and the site is grazed with Hebridean Sheep during summer in order to maintain and improve these habitats. Woodland has been thinned to allow regeneration of the ground flora, and a seven-year cycle of willow coppicing has begun to provide habitat for birds and other plants and animals.

For further information contact:

Steve White
Conservation Officer for North Merseyside

tel: 0151 9203769
email: swhite@lancswt.org.uk

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.

Cycle Route

Access
Pedestrian access only from Freshfield Railway Station along Montagu Road. Entrance opposite level crossing access to Fisherman's Path. Special arrangements can be made for group vehicles (contact details above). Waymarked circular route on site. Dogs should be kept under control at all times, especially when sheep are present.

Status
Site of Special Scientific Interest; Special Area of Conservation.