What to See on the Sefton Coast in Late May 2026

17 May 2026

Marsh Orchids in the Dune Slacks

The dune slacks behind the main beach ridge are producing marsh orchids right now. Southern marsh orchid is the primary species: tall purple-pink flower spikes standing above the sedge and rush vegetation. In the wetter slacks, look also for early marsh orchid, which is slightly smaller and earlier to flower.

The best concentrations are in the National Nature Reserve sections at Ainsdale and Birkdale. The slacks behind the third dune ridge from the beach typically hold the densest populations. Access from the boardwalk paths at Ainsdale NNR keeps you off the vegetation while giving clear views across the slack.

These orchid populations are genuinely significant nationally. The Sefton dune slacks support one of the largest marsh orchid populations in the North West. Photograph from the path rather than entering the slack vegetation.

Little Terns at Ainsdale

The little tern colony at Ainsdale is now established on the beach. The fenced exclosure will be in place and wardens are present on most weekend mornings. The colony size varies year to year. Watch for the characteristic rapid hovering flight over the nearshore water as birds hunt for sandeels.

Viewing is from outside the exclosure. Binoculars or a scope are the right equipment. The birds are small and fast. The adults are unmistakable in summer plumage: yellow bill with a black tip, white forehead patch, and that flickering fast wingbeat that distinguishes them instantly from common terns.

Do not fly drones anywhere near the colony. Any aerial disturbance during the nesting period can cause nest abandonment. The colony is not large and every successful nesting pair matters.

Natterjack Toads

The natterjack toad chorus continues through late May and into early June. Calling starts after dark from the shallow slack pools. The call is a loud, sustained churring sound, quite unlike any other British amphibian. On a warm still night it carries several hundred metres.

The slack pools at Ainsdale NNR and the managed pools on the southern dunes are the best locations. Evening visits from around 9.30pm on warm nights (above about 12C) produce the best calling activity. Check the forecast: cold nights silence them entirely.

The Sefton Coast holds one of the largest natterjack toad populations in Britain. The combination of warm, shallow breeding pools and sandy dune habitat is exactly what the species needs and is increasingly rare nationally.

Swifts and Late Migrants

Swifts are now present in good numbers over the coast, screaming in groups around rooftop sites and over the dune slack areas at dusk. They are insectivores and the dune system in May produces the invertebrate abundance they need.

Late spring migration is winding down but the coast still produces scarce migrants into late May. Check the Foulshaw Moss and Marshside area for late warblers. Sedge warbler and reed warbler are both singing in the reedbeds at Marshside RSPB. Any unusual warbler along the coast path at this time of year is worth checking carefully.

Sand martins continue to prospect the soft sand banks behind the dunes for nest sites. Swallows and house martins are moving through or breeding in nearby settlements.

The Dune Flora Transition

Late May is the transition point in the dune flora calendar. The spring species, including sand violet and early forget-me-not, are going over. The early summer species are coming in. Rest harrow is starting on the fixed dunes. Stork's-bill is in bloom on the short dune turf. The sea holly on the foredune is still in leaf but not yet flowering.

The most interesting area for dune flora at this time of year is the fixed dune grassland between the foredune and the slack zone, where the species diversity is highest. A slow walk along any of the main dune path systems will produce twenty or more flowering species without any specialist knowledge.