WE ALL knew that Merseyside is sprinkled with some of the prettiest villages and the most luscious natural spaces around but, according to the National Trust’s Biosurvey Team, it’s also a hive of activity for wildlife.

Marking 30 years of counting minibeasts, the team is currently touring the country, surveying the plants and animals at some of Britain’s most beautiful places.

They’re currently at the Formby nature reserve, assessing the numbers of native wild species making their home on site.

“Formby is one of the most dynamic sections of coastline in England,” says Andrew Brockbank, Property Manager at the Formby reserve.

“Since the first National Trust Biological Survey of Formby in 1985, close to 100 metres of sand dune has been lost due to coastal erosion.

“While the Survey Team may discover that some species are no longer present, there may also be some surprises.

“For example, while blowing sand can smother dune grassland habitats, small exposed areas of sand can create the right conditions for the growth of pioneer plant species like the nationally scarce Sticky Storksbill.”

The total number of species recorded at Formby is 3,023 – and that’s just during biosurveys – but there will be many more which have never been recorded.