The impact of sand extraction at Formby Point ... - Sefton Council

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grazing of Creeping Willow by mowing patches of the plant adjacent to warrens and
already grazed areas. Additional warrens might be created by forming sand mounds in
places that are too wet for them at present.
It is also proposed to remove all scrub over 1.5m high in the grazing enclosure and
stump-treat, apart from the rare hybrids. As described earlier, in 2005 this was done in
slack 2, with beneficial results for biodiversity.
Two small Natterjack scrapes (27 and 29) are proposed to be reprofiled and two new ones
excavated in the mobile dunes. One each of these was completed in 2005 but their use by
the toads has been poor. A particular problem at Cabin Hill may be that the dunes are
now so stable and heavily vegetated that the terrestrial habitat is becoming unsuitable for
adult Natterjacks which are known to require a very open vegetation structure for
successful foraging.
The Ravenmeols and Lifeboat Road Management Plan proposes various actions to
control succession and enhance nature conservation interest, including in areas of former
sand quarrying. For example, the feasibility of livestock grazing at Ravenmeols is to be
examined. Also, Rabbit-grazing could be encouraged by mowing areas beyond the paths
and main warrens. Turf-stripping should be considered, especially in slacks, to remove
nutrients and encourage early successional communities. The presence of several patches
of Sea Buckthorn is mentioned; these are said to be attractive to birds and should be
maintained at their present extent but prevented from invading slacks. The wider value
of dune-scrub to birds is acknowledged and the fact that this could be improved by
rotational coppicing to create glades and open patches. Overall, it is recommended that
scrub cover should be reduced to less than 5% of the area, with removal especially in and
around slacks and Sand Lizard colonies. Three introduction sites for captive-bred Sand
Lizards are mentioned. Six releases, totalling 189 individuals, took place between 1983
and 1989 but it is stated that the success of this operation is unknown. This area is to be
intensively studied by the North Merseyside Amphibian & Reptile Group in 2008 (D.
Hardaker pers. com.). The problem of gradual infilling of Natterjack Toad breeding sites