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

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by blown sand is mentioned; these will require occasional reprofiling. The Plan also
recommends the maintenance of “key pools” for Natterjacks at strategic points along the
coast.
The present study shows that the excavation of scrapes which breach the seasonal watertable
can provide marked biodiversity improvements, particularly in respect of the humid
dune-slack habitat and associated notable plant species. Where terrestrial habitat is
suitable, such scrapes have also been shown to provide vital spawning sites for the
Natterjack Toad in landscape where this species would otherwise be unable to breed.
4.2. Larger-scale
The Ravenmeols and Lifeboat Road Management Plan advocates a feasibility study into
reprofiling the sand-winning area in the southern part of Ravenmeols (i.e. at the western
end of Range Lane) to improve the habitat for Natterjacks and Sand Lizards through the
provision of mobile-dune and slacks. It makes no mention of the potential for similar
works at Lifeboat Road.
5. Potential for positive habitat management for BAP habitats and species
The following North Merseyside BAP habitats and species are well represented in the
sand-winning areas:
HAPs: Sand Dunes.
SAPs: Natterjack Toad, Sand Lizard, Dune Helleborine; Common Lizard, Northern
Dune Tiger Beetle, Vernal Colletes Bee, Grayling, Dragonflies, Stoneworts, Sefton Coast
Rare and Scarce Plants (hybrid willows).
Burkmar (2006) has summarised North Merseyside BAP progress during the first five
years of the Plan. As regards sand-dunes, the report emphasis the findings of Gateley &
Michell (2004) and others that the Sefton Coast dune system continues to be overstabilised
with neutral grassland expanding in areas where fixed-dune or dry-slack
vegetation might be expected. An important factor may well be aerial deposition of