The dunes are home to over 450 plant species including 33 that
are locally or regionally rare like petalwort, seaside centaury,
yellow bartsia, round-leaved wintergreen, dune helleborine and
pendulous flowered helleborine. Where: Merseyside, Sefton Coast
Main habitat: Coastal sand dunes Why visit: the reserve is one
of the most important wildlife sites in England, and a place
where visitors can get close to nature. The landscape is perfect
for a leisurely stroll through the magnificent scenery of dunes,
pinewoods and golden sands, while children can enjoy the wide
open spaces of the huge sandy beaches. Star species: this is one
of the best remaining strongholds of the rare natterjack toad,
Europe’s loudest amphibian. Red squirrels can occasionally be
seen in amongst the reserve’s pine forests too, while sand
lizards, great-crested newts and a fantastic variety of orchids
and other wildflowers can also be found here. Access: The
reserve has a network of around eight miles of footpaths marked
with coloured topp