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• Managing Organisation:

  Sefton Council

• Contact:

  Rachel Northover

• Telephone:

  01519342967 
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Information about this open space

Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills LNR is arguably the jewel in the crown of Sefton’s coastal sites. Situated next to the North West’s best beach (Ainsdale Beach is one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities and is the only beach in the North West to be awarded the international Blue Flag) it is renowned for its biodiversity and wild landscape, covered by National and International designations.  The Ainsdale Discovery Centre provides local information, a classroom facility and free cycle hire. A small visitor centre is located here and is open during the summer. Dog walkers can pick up free poop scoop bags here as well.  There is good access by public transport, toilets at the beach entrance and ample parking for cars.  The 20 mile long Sefton Coastal Path passes through the site as does the Trans Pennine Trail. The Sands Lake Nature Trail provides all ability access around the Lake whilst The Velvet Trail, starting from the beach car park at Weld Road, provides a circular route through the Birkdale Dunes and the Green Beach.  The variety of different habitats from strand-line to dune to dune slack and scrub woodland make the site an ideal place for school visits and for older students to study plant succession and geomorphology.  The Coast and Countryside Service manage the site, with the help of many committed volunteers, providing a programme of events throughout the year including Natterjack Nights, Wildflower Walks and other family activities.