Formby Pinewoods
Ancient coastal woodland with red squirrels in the canopy, brilliant walks, and light through the pines that's genuinely special. Walk from the road to the sea.
The Formby pinewoods aren't natural — they were planted in the 19th century to stabilise sand dunes — but they feel ancient. What started as a practical project has become one of the most important habitats on the north-west coast. Mature Scots and Corsican pine, red squirrels in the canopy, and paths that walk you straight through to the beach.
What Makes the Pinewoods Worth Visiting
Red Squirrels
Primary habitat for Formby's red squirrel colony. They live in the canopy and come down to forage. Trails through denser pine sections have the most reliable sightings.
The Trees Themselves
Mature Scots pine and Corsican pine, some over 100 years old. Light through the canopy on a morning walk is genuinely beautiful. Photographers rate this highly.
Access to the Beach
Follow main paths west and you emerge onto dunes and Formby Beach. Takes ~15 minutes. The transition from woodland to open sea is genuinely dramatic.
Birdlife
Crossbills, goldcrests, coal tits, woodpeckers, waders and sea birds depending on season. Birders rate Formby highly for the woodland/coastal combination.
Wildflowers & Plants
Spring brings wood anemones, bluebells and woodland plants in sheltered sections. Dune slacks have their own distinct plant communities.
Sunsets
The path through the pines to the beach in late afternoon with light filtering through the trees. The kind of walk people come back to repeatedly.
Walks & Trails
Squirrel Trail (short)
30–45 minutes • Easy
The dedicated red squirrel trail looping through the densest section. Flat throughout. Starts from main car park. Best for families or anyone wanting a manageable walk without committing to the beach.
💡 Go early morning for best squirrel sightings.
Pinewoods to Beach
1.5–2 hours return • Easy
Walk from car park through pinewoods, emerging via dunes onto Formby Beach. Walk along sand, return through pines. Full experience of the site in one go. Flat all the way.
💡 Trainers fine on dry days. Wellies better after rain.
Full Sefton Coastal Path
2.5–3.5 hours • Easy–Moderate
Walk north through pines to Ainsdale or south toward Hightown. Flat, exposed in places, excellent for serious walkers. Can be done as linear walk with train back from Ainsdale.
💡 Check Sefton Coast landscape website for current path conditions.
Wildlife & Habitat
🐿️ Red Squirrels
The pinewoods are the primary habitat for Formby's red squirrel colony. They suit this woodland precisely and the National Trust actively manages the reserve to keep the population stable.
One of the most significant red squirrel populations on the North West coast.
🦅 Birdlife
Crossbills, goldcrests, coal tits, woodpeckers, various waders and sea birds depending on season. The woodland-to-coast transition makes Formby particularly good for birders.
Check season guides for best birdwatching times.
A Bit of History
The pinewoods were planted in the late 19th century by the Formby family and later the Weld-Blundell estate to stabilise coastal dunes and provide timber. By the 20th century they had matured into the dense, atmospheric woodland you walk through today.
Red squirrels have lived in the pinewoods for as long as anyone can remember — they suit the habitat precisely. The decline of grey squirrel populations in managed reserves like this one has helped stabilise the red population. The National Trust acquired the site in the 1960s and has been managing it for conservation ever since.
Plan Your Visit
Address
Victoria Road, Formby, L37 1YH
Opening
Year-round, dawn to dusk
Parking
NT car park. Book via app before leaving. £6 non-members.
Dogs
Welcome throughout. Leads required in squirrel reserve (signed).
Pushchairs
Main paths manageable on dry days. Sandy sections near dunes are difficult.
Café & Toilets
NT café at visitor point. Toilets & baby changing available.