Keep up to date and inspired with the latest wildlife notes, news and nature stories from across our region. Content is largely provided by volunteers and local naturalists sharing their own discoveries and interests. If you have something you would like to share, no matter how long or short! Then we would love to hear from you.

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Control of Sea Buckthorn by volunteers at Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, north Merseyside: Annual Report, 2024/25 

Introduction  The Sefton Coast sand-dune system is the largest expanse of this rare habitat in England and one of the richest for flora and fauna in Northwest Europe. Much of this diversity is threatened by Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), an invasive spiny shrub that was introduced here in the 1890s. For decades, it was kept…

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Dr Phil Smith – Wildlife Notes February 2025

In complete contrast to last year’s deluge, February 2025 was dry. The Met Office tells us that northern England had about half the normal rainfall due to a persistent Scandinavian high-pressure system. Rachael Parks kindly sent me confirmation with her rainfall data for Formby, which shows we had about 50% of the expected amount. Maybe…

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Dr Phil Smith – Wildlife Notes January 2025

According to the Met Office, January was one of the sunniest on record for the UK but was a little colder and drier than normal. The month’s rainfall in Formby, measured by Rachael Parks, totalled 75.5 mm, a little below average. On 24th, named storm Éowyn was the UK’s most powerful wind storm for over…

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