Ainsdale: seasonal highlights
There is always something to see at Ainsdale Sand Dunes.
April – best time to see and hear natterjack toads making their way down from the dunes to the breeding pools.
May – look out for visiting wheatear and crossbills, and enjoy the singing of the skylarks on a sunny spring day.
June – spot a sand lizard basking in the early morning sun, or the flight of a northern dune tiger beetle as it keeps one step ahead of you on the sandy tracks.
July – the dunes come alive with orchids such as northern marsh orchid and dune helleborine, along with the vibrant pinks of seaside centaury and bog pimpernel.
August – the beautiful white flowers of Grass of Parnassus carpet many of the damp dune slacks.
September – red squirrels can be seen scampering around collecting their autumn harvest in time for the winter.
October – the reserve is bursting with fungi - in fact, around 800 species recorded here!
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Contents
- Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR
- What makes it special?
- History
- Managing the reserve
- Seasonal highlights
- How to get there
- Want to get involved?
Resources
- Information leaflet
- Site map (Nature on the Map)
Events
Events on NNRs in the North West
Other NNRs in the area