Cabin Hill NNR
The NNR exhibits a classic coastal succession, with intertidal sand flats and embryo dunes grading into mobile yellow dunes, then fixed vegetated dunes with wet dune slacks. As well as these habitats the reserve also includes areas of flower-rich grassland, dune pasture and mixed woodland.
County: Merseyside
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 28 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Cabin Hill NNR forms part of the Sefton Coast, the finest dune system on the north-west coast of England.
The reserve is within the Mersey Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) the Ribble and Alt Ramsar site, and is also within the Sefton Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
To view a map of this reserve, click here: (123kb)
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In 1970 a flood bank was created by the water authority to protect low-lying land behind the dunes from tidal surges. This left wet slack areas on either side which have since become important for wildlife including natterjack toads.
The shore provide feeding and roosting grounds for many migrating and over-wintering birds including knot, grey plover and bar-tailed godwit. Also seen on the site are song thrush, reed bunting, linnet and skylark.
The site supports a number of rare and notable invertebrates such as the northern dune tiger beetle, butterflies such as the dark-green fritillary and grayling, and moths like the sandhill rustic.
Common lizard and the scarce sand lizard are also found on the site.
Parts of the reserve are grazed to maintain the flower rich grassland and preserve the dune slacks for the benefit of natterjack toads.
Location and access
Cabin Hill is on the outskirts of Formby. By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A565. The nearest car park is on the beach-front 1.5 km to the north.
The nearest train station is in Formby, served by Merseyrail.
A trail, the Sefton Coastal Footpath passes along the eastern boundary of the reserve.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Formby.
Leaflets and signs are available for visitor information.
