National Trust beach car park to shut until 2026

The rubble, belonging to a former army barracks, has been spilling out onto Formby beach

A car park at a popular National Trust beach in Merseyside is to close for about a year.

The Formby Beach woodland car park and toilets on Victoria Road, Formby, will be shut with no beach access from Thursday through to spring 2026, the National Trust said.

Conservation work is under way to remove tonnes of rubble from sand dunes and to restore rare habitats, with a new car park to be created further inland.

Visitors to National Trust Formby have been advised not to travel by car over the coming bank holiday or on sunny days over the summer, and there will be no access to toilets, bins or the beach.

Justin Matthews, a National Trust ranger, said the rubble had been on the beach since the 1960s

The conservation project would reconnect the dunes, creating "bigger and healthier habitats for wildlife and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy", a National Trust spokesperson said.

The rubble came from the former Harington Barracks in Formby, which were demolished after the Second World War.

But a large part of the Sefton coastline has been off limits to visitors since the 1960s because of the safety risk that the rubble posed.

The majority of the rubble removed from the beach is to re-used to create a replacement, similar-sized car park, further inland.

A National Trust spokesperson said "major disruption" was expected but the work was "part of the Trust's long-term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast and promises significant benefits for both people and wildlife".

Visitors to the beach are advised that while the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park and toilets would remain open, parking there was extremely limited.

Those still wanting to visit are urged to consider travelling by train to Formby station or choosing alternative beaches and car parks along the Sefton and Wirral Coast.

Rachel Thomas, from the National Trust in Formby and Central Lancashire, said "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."

Diversions in place

Diversion signs will be put in place for cars and people walking to the beach, with updates on the National Trust Formby website.

Mark Sopp, from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, urged anyone using cars to visit the area "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".

He also said people should take rubbish home and to refrain from lighting fires or barbecues, to protect people and wildlife.

Alternative days out

The National Trust has shared some alternatives for those looking for a day out over the coming weeks and months.

These include the National Trust properties in Liverpool and Lancashire and in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Beaches on the Sefton Coast include Ainsdale, Southport and Crosby beaches, the latter of which features the iconic Antony Gormley iron men sculptures.

More details can be found on the Sefton Council website.

Beaches in Wirral include New Brighton, West Kirby, Leasowe Bay, Thursaston and Meols.

More details can be found on the Wirral Council website.