England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Merseyside

Explore these places for wildlife in Merseyside. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Marshside

Near Southport.

Habitat: Coastal wet grassland, shallow pools and saltmarsh beside the Ribble Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Avocet (especially spring and summer), lapwing, pink-footed goose (autumn and winter), wigeon (winter) and golden plover (autumn and winter).

02 / 05

Near Lunt, near Thornton.

Habitat: Wet grassland, reedbeds, pools and ponds beside the River Alt.
Wildlife to look for: Barn owl, marsh harrier, brown hare, reed warbler (spring and summer) and teal (winter).

03 / 05

Near Formby.

Habitat: Coastal heathland mixed with acidic grassland, scrub and birch and pine woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel, goldcrest, common lizard (spring to autumn), emperor dragonfly (summer) and ruddy darter dragonfly (summer and early autumn).

04 / 05

Near Formby.

Habitat: Sandy beach and shifting dunes backed by dune grassland and pinewoods.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel, sand lizard (spring and summer) and natterjack toad (spring and summer, mainly after dark).

05 / 05

Near Bromborough.

Habitat: Ancient woodland along the River Dibbin, with meadows, reedbeds and a pond.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, tawny owl, nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and buzzard.