Ainsdale Dunes

Ainsdale Dunes
The Ainsdale Dunes and foreshore cover around 7 square miles of the Sefton Coast dune system, the finest dune system on England’s Northwest coast.

The dunes have long been recognised as an outstanding area of wildlife interest and a series of important designations have been attached to the site, including Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserve (NNR), Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Over 450 plant species can be found within the dunes, including 33 that are locally or regionally rare, such as Petalwort, Seaside Centaury and Dune Helleborine.

Sand Lizards, Great Crested Newts, Natterjack Toads and Red Squirrels are just some of the interesting and rare species that can be found here.