Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR - 1st June

Today I visited Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR which is part of the Sefton Coast SSSI situated between Formby and Southport. The Dunes are a rare example of an extensive series of dune slacks that border a pine forest on the North West coast of England. In view of the variety of different wildlife present at Ainsdale I planned to make several return trips during the summer. Several species of Orchid occur here and on this occasion the Early Marsh Orchids were in full flower and magnificent colour. Pyramidal Orchids were just beginning to show and the Dune Helleborines, which would flower much later in the summer, can be recognised by their characteristic leaves and shape. There is also a very healthy colony of Common Blue butterflies here as well as a large number of White Ermine moths at the entrance and a wide variety of less common plants.

Early Marsh Orchid

Early Marsh Orchid

Early Marsh Orchid

Dune Helleborine

male Common Blue

male Common Blue

Sea Spurge

White Ermine moth