Sefton Coast, Protected coastal area in Merseyside, England
Sefton Coast is a protected coastal area stretching roughly 12 miles between Southport and Waterloo in Merseyside. The landscape combines sand dunes, evergreen woodlands, and tidal mudflats into a varied natural environment.
The site gained official protection status in 2000 due to its exceptional biological and geological qualities. This designation marked a turning point in ensuring the area's ecological features would be safeguarded for future generations.
The coast serves as a refuge for animals struggling to survive elsewhere, including red squirrels that depend on the pine woodlands for food and shelter. Visitors walking through these woods develop an appreciation for how species adapt to sandy, windswept environments.
The area is accessible via designated walking trails, though certain zones remain restricted to protect sensitive habitats. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is sandy and can be muddy in places, especially near the tidal areas.
Male natterjack toads gather in spring pools among the dunes and produce distinctive calls heard locally as the Birkdale Nightingale. These loud mating calls happen mainly at night and remain a little-known natural event despite their remarkable volume.
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