Formby Beach Car Park

Formby Beach is one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal areas, and the National Trust works hard to protect its unique sand dune system.

Recently, EcoGrid has teamed up with the National Trust to help create a new eco-friendly car park as part of a wider conservation project, with EcoGrid E50 being chosen as the solution for this development.

The old car park had to be moved inland because it was built on wartime rubble from the demolished Harington Barracks. Over time, shifting dunes exposed this rubble, which was blocking natural sand movement and damaging the delicate dune ecosystem. By relocating the car park further away from the coast, the dunes can recover naturally, allowing sand to move as it should and supporting the habitats of local wildlife.

What’s really great is how sustainability is being built into the project itself. The rubble from the old car park isn’t being wasted, it’s being processed and reused on site as a sub-base for the new car park. This reduces waste, limits transport, and keeps the project environmentally conscious.

For the surface, the National Trust has chosen EcoGrid E50, also known as the “Indestructible” grid. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it’s a fully permeable surface that lets rainwater drain naturally. This helps prevent puddles and flooding, while also offering a durable alternative to concrete or tarmac. Using EcoGrid ensures the new car park is strong enough for visitors’ vehicles while also supporting the National Trust’s long-term conservation goals.

This project is a perfect example of how EcoGrid can be used to work with nature rather than against it. By combining sustainable materials, smart design, and careful planning, both EcoGrid and the National Trust are helping Formby Beach stay beautiful and healthy for generations to come.