Trust surveys scorched habitats after dunes fire

The National Trust is counting the cost of a gorse fire which scorched vegetation on sand dunes near a beauty spot.

Trust rangers in Formby, Sefton, have been working with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to assess the scale of the damage on land near Albert Road left behind by Wednesday evening's blaze.

The organisation said: "It's still too early to understand the full extent of the fire's impact, but we'll be closely monitoring this ecologically significant habitat and its affected species over the coming months.

"While the fire is now out, the scorched ground will remain hot for several days, so we ask visitors to avoid the area for their own safety."

The area features sweeping pinewoods, rolling sandy habitats, which is home to wildlife like natterjack toads and red squirrels.

A Trust spokesperson said: "We can all help to reduce further fire risk during this period of hot, dry weather by ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished and barbeques and fires are never lit."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.