Wildlife Trust · Crosby · Free entry
Seaforth Nature Reserve
Wedged between a container terminal and the suburbs of north Liverpool, Seaforth is one of those reserves that makes no sense until you see what's there. Mediterranean Gulls, Little Terns, passage rarities — and almost nobody watching. Serious birders know about it. Most people don't.
Free
Entry — always
L21 1JD
Postcode
May–Jul
Best for Med Gulls
N. Mersey
Coast location
Practical information
| Postcode | L21 1JD (Marine Drive, Crosby) |
| Entry | Free. Open access |
| Managed by | Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside |
| Parking | Limited roadside parking on Marine Drive. Crosby Coastal Park car park is nearby |
| Dogs | On leads throughout. Strict during nesting season April–July |
| Facilities | No on-site facilities. Crosby village is 10–15 minutes walk with cafés and shops |
| Accessibility | Main coastal path is accessible. The reserve interior has rougher terrain |
Key species
What makes Seaforth worth the trip
For its size, Seaforth punches well above its weight. Its position at the mouth of the Mersey, combined with the lagoons and scrub, creates a concentrated funnel for migrants and a stable breeding site for species that are genuinely scarce nationally.
Mediterranean Gull
The headline bird. Mediterranean Gulls breed in the Black-headed Gull colony at Seaforth — one of the most reliable breeding sites in northern England. Adults in summer are unmistakable: full dark hood (darker and more complete than Black-headed), white eye crescents, bright red bill and legs, and white wingtips with no black. They're also noticeably vocal — a distinctive "wee-oo" call that cuts through the gull noise once you know it.
Numbers have grown over recent decades as the species has expanded north-west from its traditional Mediterranean breeding range. Seeing them at Seaforth is watching range expansion in real time.
Little Tern
Little Terns nest at Seaforth — the reserve provides managed nest protection during the breeding season. They're the UK's smallest tern: jittery, fast-moving, with a distinctive hovering style before plunge-diving into shallow water. Yellow bill with a black tip in summer. Listen for their high-pitched, scratchy calls at the lagoon edge.
Passage migrants and rarities
Seaforth's coastal position makes it a decent migrant trap in spring and autumn. Common migrants like Wheatear, Whinchat and Redstart pass through in good numbers. The reserve has a history of attracting scarcer species — Yellow-browed Warbler in October is now almost annual, and American waders occasionally appear on the lagoons after westerly weather.
Check local birding reports (BirdGuides, RBA) before visiting in October — if conditions are right for a fall, Seaforth can be very productive.
Winter wildfowl
The lagoons hold good numbers of diving ducks in winter — Tufted Duck, Pochard and occasional Goldeneye and Scaup. The Mersey itself can be viewed from the coastal path and is worth scanning for divers and grebes in cold weather.
Seasonal highlights
When to visit
| Month | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Apr–May | Mediterranean Gulls return. Little Terns arrive. Spring migrants in the scrub |
| Jun–Jul | Peak breeding season for Med Gulls and Little Terns. Keep your distance from nest areas |
| Aug–Sep | Terns depart. Autumn wader passage. Common migrants and early rarities |
| Oct | Best month for rarities — Yellow-browed Warbler near-annual. American waders possible after westerlies |
| Nov–Mar | Diving ducks on the lagoons. Mersey divers and grebes. Quiet but reliable |
What to bring
- ▸Binoculars — 8×42 is the standard. For scanning the Mersey or picking out waders at distance, a scope is useful.
- ▸Gull identification guide — Mediterranean Gull is distinctive in summer but first and second year birds need care. Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America (Olsen & Larsson) is the definitive reference.
- ▸Waterproofs — The Mersey coast gets weather. Even on a calm day the coastal path can be wet underfoot.
- ▸Phone with BirdGuides or BTO app — Check local sightings before you go — local patch birders report regularly and will have noted anything unusual.
Getting there
How to find it
The reserve is on the north Mersey coast adjacent to the Seaforth container terminal — postcode L21 1JD. Head for Marine Drive, Crosby. The reserve entrance and lagoons are accessible from the coastal path heading south from Crosby beach.
Crosby is also home to Anthony Gormley's Another Place — 100 cast iron figures on the beach. Worth combining into the same trip if you haven't seen them.
By train: Waterloo station (Merseyrail Northern Line) is about 1.5 miles south. Blundellsands & Crosby station is slightly closer. Both walkable in 20–25 minutes along the coast path.
Common questions
FAQs
Is Seaforth Nature Reserve free to enter?
Yes. Seaforth Nature Reserve is free to enter and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. Access is from the coastal path near Crosby.
What is Seaforth Nature Reserve known for?
Mediterranean Gulls — Seaforth holds one of the most reliable colonies in northern England. It's also nationally important for Little Terns and is a significant site for passage waders and migrants given its position on the north Mersey coast.
When is the best time to visit Seaforth?
Late April through July for Mediterranean Gulls breeding and Little Terns nesting. Spring and autumn for passage migrants — the reserve's position on the coast makes it a good trap for tired migrants. Winter is good for wildfowl on the lagoons.
How do I get to Seaforth Nature Reserve?
The reserve is on the north Mersey coast near Crosby and Seaforth. Waterloo station on the Merseyrail Northern Line is about 1.5 miles south. By car, head for Marine Drive, Crosby — the reserve is adjacent to the Seaforth container terminal.
Are dogs allowed at Seaforth?
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leads throughout. The reserve is compact and any disturbance to nesting gulls and terns needs to be minimised between April and July.
Can I see the Mediterranean Gulls easily?
In the breeding season (May–July) yes — they nest in the Black-headed Gull colony and are findable by their distinctive call (a distinctive 'wee-oo' rather than the harsh cry of a Black-headed). Adults in summer have a full dark hood, white eye crescents, and a deep red bill. You'll hear them before you see them.
Seaforth is on the southern edge of the Sefton Coast — a good starting or end point for a longer coastal day. For the full coast north to Formby and Southport, FormbyGuide covers Formby beach, pinewoods and red squirrels and SouthportGuide covers things to do and eat in Southport.