Situated at the north end of the Liverpool/Bootle docks system this reserve consists of two pools one freshwater and the other saltwater and enclosed by an area consisting of overgrown rubble and debris.  The reserve which is contained within the docks system, is owned by the Mersey Docks And Harbour Company and managed by  Lancashire Wildlife Trust    email : swhite at lancswt.org.uk

The unlikely setting of the reserve is not reflected in its wildlife,  the location of the reserve at the mouth of the River Mersey, acts as a magnet for many migrants with wind blown 'yanks' regularly making an appearance at the reserve. 
Large numbers of redshank and Turnstone roost on the reserve along with the largest coastal roost of Cormorants in the UK .  A breeding colony of 150+ pairs of  Common Terns is one of the largest in the north of  England, for the gull enthusiasts this site is one not to miss,  with most if not all of the gulls on the British list having occurred here.  The spring migration of the Little Gull brings several hundreds to Seaforth,  making it the hotspot for these birds at this period.  With several species of raptor resident in the area , regular sightings of passage migrants and with winter visitors to the estuary the roosting birds are often put to flight  by a hawk or falcon, hunting or passing over the site. 

As part of recent changes at the reserve a reed bed has been established alongside the main path which should encourage more species to take up residence.
It's not all birds,  with good numbers of butterflies and dragonflies to be seen through the summer period. The Sefton Coast sand dune system begins just to the north of the reserve and this influences the flora of the reserve, with  many of the species to be found amongst the dunes, growing here.

Due to the reserves location within a working docks complex the best car parking available is at the large car park at Crosby Marine Park just to the north of the reserve, making your way on foot via the main entrance of the port to the reserve.  

Access: new government regulations on national port security, which came into force on 1 July 2004, mean that access is now severely restricted. Only organised groups who book in advance can now visit the reserve. Casual visitors will be unable to gain access to the reserve, which is situated within the Port of Liverpool. Groups wishing to book a visit should contact the reserve during office hours at least seven days in advance. Arrangements will then be made with the Port of Liverpool police for them to be granted access, together with their vehicles.

Please ring the North Merseyside Office on: 0151 920 3769 to check the status of this reserve before visiting to avoid disappointment.

 ANTONY GORMLEY ARTWORK

Crosby Coastal Park extends from Waterloo to the mouth of The River Alt and includes The Marine Park area

The Crosby coastline is famous for its passage seabirds such as Leach's Petrel and Little gull. This site has easy access for everyone, with superb views of the Irish Sea Coastline, from North Wales to Cumbria.

Seasons at Crosby. Winter you can see thousands of Pink footed geese, waders and snow bunting; gulls may include Mediterranean, Ring-billed, Glaucous and Iceland. Spring migration may bring Little Gulls.  In summer, various birds breed on the shore and dunes. In autumn Leaches petrel's are closely seen.

Sites 

1. Crosby Marine Park with the dunes actively growing along this stretch of coast. Ducks, Waders - Oystercatcher, Redshank and Gulls - Herring and Black headed. Raptors also possible.

The marsh and scrub at the south end of the park are good for rarities

2. Crosby foreshore is good for gulls and waders and seabird passage.

3. The River Alt flows into the Irish Sea at Hightown where the estuary forms part of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries  Special Protection Area, which recognise the importance of the Alt Estuary as a home to wading and shore birds. The Alt Estuary is a Ramsar site because of its international importance for shore birds such as Curlew, Redshank, Shelduck, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Sanderling. Also excellent for viewing  birds of prey  and the Pink footed geese. which arrive in the area from  Iceland during the autumn  regularly roost on the estuary overnight. 

4  Hightown Dunes and Meadows stretch from Hall Road Coastguard Station to the mouth of the River Alt. The 150 acre (60ha) site incorporate sand dunes, a small saltmarsh, freshwater ponds, willow and poplar scrub and wildflower meadows. The  wonderful meadows are full of flowers and insects, and are mown annually to keep back tall grasses and encourage wildflowers. In summer you can find Warblers, Skylarks, Reed buntings and Stonechat. In winter Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Harriers and Owls. 

Distance of Crosby Coastal Park Walk marked on map above: 4.5 miles.

Toilets  at Waterloo, on the park at the end  of South Road and Hall Road car park.