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  1. Formby Point

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Average reviews rating is 3.5

(Based on 4 reviews)

Ranked 1 of 1 facilties in ranked in Merseyside

Wow factor

rating is 3

Accessibility

rating is 4

Photo potential

rating is 4

Review

Formby Point

Directions: The reserve is 15 miles north of Liverpool and two miles west of Formby. From the A565 take the B5424 continuing onto Liverpool Road. On entering Formby, take the first exit onto Duke Street and bear right into Three Tuns Lane. At the roundabout take the second exit onto Halsall Lane and continue onto Gores Lane. Turn left into Victoria Road. Car parks are available (fees apply). Cumfy Coaches provide a bus service (160/1/4). Freshfield rail station is about one mile away.
Accessibility: Open daily, except 25 December. Last entry 30-mins before dusk. The beach is accessed via steep sand dunes and the terrain is undulating.
Costs: Free
Best time to visit: All year
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Venue information

Formby Point is formed of a large area of beach, sand dunes and expansive pine woods, which are part of the National Trust-owned nature reserve – home to one of Britain’s last thriving colonies of Red Squirrels. Red squirrels can be seen frequently in the pine trees, while the shoreline attracts waders such as oystercatchers and sanderlings. As well as the beautiful beach there are miles of walks across the sand dunes and through the woods – all with huge photographic potential. A range of lenses, from wide-angle to long telephoto will help to get the best of the photographic opportunities.

Venue verdict: A favourite spot for photographing red squirrels; the landscape is stunning too.

Ratings (out of five): 3

Users' Overall Rating rating is 3.5(4 reviews)

  • my finest hour

    Simon Barker

    preston

    User's Overall Rating rating is 4

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    Wow factorrating is 4
    Accessibilityrating is 4
    Photo potentialrating is 5

    being not a far drive from our house, my first and only visit was special. i decided to go one afternoon after looking at the plain dull sky all day i took a chance and a coat, during the 20 minute drive the cloud slowly cleared and i pleasantly wondered toward the beach through the woods. i headed off left from the car and was disappointed. i fired a few off at the dunes and pickers in the sea. However i found the real magic within the trees and pines over the far side. I wasnt there quite aslong as id hoped as i wished to take the sunset at the near by southport prom/pier which is also worth a look. Also the statues at crosby beach are very interesting heading the other way.

    (Written by: simonbarker)

    11 September 2011 01:30

  • Poor Squirrels

    Liners

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 3

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    Wow factorrating is 2
    Accessibilityrating is 4
    Photo potentialrating is 3

    Went there on Saturday and it looks like they are having problems with Sqirrel flu. Aparently about 80 have been been caught and are being given vacinations. Apart from the lack of the little fellas its a nice place with different things to see. A good mix of light and darks so gets you thinking how to do this shot

    (Written by: Liners)

    12 July 2009 12:49

  • If the squirrels aren't about, photogprah the fox!

    beckiscott

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4

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    Wow factorrating is 4
    Accessibilityrating is 4
    Photo potentialrating is 5

    I never fail to see red squirrels when i go to formby. But you have to wander away from the noisy kids and dog walkers. Sit and wait and they will come. Not quite tame enough to eat out of your hand every time, but they do come close. There is a tame fox lurking around the estate, who happily munches peanuts; and always worth a photo. Shame the lighting makes photos tricky... need a high iso and low f stop to freeze frame the cute little critters. Go at the right time of year and you might see waders out on the beach.

    (Written by: beckiscott)

    14 May 2008 20:46

  • Might need a bit of luck as well

    Stephen Taylor

    chesterfield

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 3

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    Wow factorrating is 3
    Accessibilityrating is 4
    Photo potentialrating is 3

    A round trip of 180 miles and almost 5 hours of driving to get from my home in north Derbsyhire to Formby. It was almost a waste of time as I didn't see a squirrel till the last few minutes I was there, although there was plenty of evidence of their existance with empty nut shells everywhere. Quite a strange landscape with enormous sand dunes right next to Pine and Oak woodland, and extensive beaches with the sea quite far out at low tide. I guess I was just unlucky with the sightings.

    (Written by: KingKobra74)

    21 December 2007 13:28

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