Seaforth has long been one of the Trust’s most vital coastal sites, a haven for migrating and breeding birds on the busy Merseyside coast. Back in 1997, the focus was on the management of the site's freshwater lagoon — the only substantial body of freshwater on that stretch of coastline. However, maintaining its delicate balance was no easy task.

Changes in salinity levels, triggered by flooding and fluctuating seawater incursions, had led to major impacts on the site's ecology. Chironomid midges, a key food source for birds like the little gull, had dramatically declined. Algal blooms dominated the freshwater pool, creating knock-on effects for the wider ecosystem. Staff and volunteers worked hard to reverse these trends, carefully monitoring water quality and biodiversity in hopes of restoring the reserve's natural rhythms.

The 1997 article captures the sense of cautious optimism at the time: early signs of improvement, a return of the vital invertebrates, and a growing hope that little gull numbers would bounce back. It was a reminder that patient, careful management could make all the difference — even in the face of unpredictable coastal conditions.

Fast forward to today, and Seaforth Nature Reserve remains one of Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s crown jewels for coastal conservation. Thanks to decades of dedicated work, the site continues to support a rich mosaic of habitats, from its freshwater lagoon to important saltmarsh and coastal grassland areas.

Seaforth is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and provides critical refuge for internationally significant numbers of birds. The reserve is also part of a much broader, carefully managed network of coastal sites supporting migrating and breeding species.

The reserve is particularly important for its thriving colonies of common terns, which return each spring to nest on specially constructed tern rafts floating in the lagoon. Watching these agile birds feed and raise their young has become one of Seaforth’s seasonal highlights.

In addition to terns, Seaforth welcomes an impressive variety of wetland and coastal species throughout the year. Visitors can often spot flocks of black-tailed godwits probing in the shallows, snipes sheltering among the reed edges, cormorants drying their wings in the sun, and groups of greylag and Canada geese gathering on the open water.

Birds of prey like the sparrowhawk also make regular appearances, a testament to the reserve’s healthy and well-balanced ecosystem.

Access to Seaforth is carefully managed to minimise disturbance, ensuring that its fragile ecosystems remain a sanctuary for the species that need them most. Conservation staff continue to monitor salinity levels, habitat quality, and bird populations, adapting their management as coastal pressures evolve over time. Even now, the challenge of balancing freshwater and saltwater influences remains — a natural tension that makes Seaforth such a dynamic and valuable place for both wildlife and scientific understanding.

Seaforth’s story shows how determined conservation efforts can protect vital habitats even in the face of changing coastal pressures. By carefully managing its unique lagoon and surrounding habitats, the reserve remains a safe haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife. Thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and supporters, Seaforth continues to thrive — ensuring that future generations will also be able to experience the wonder of this special place.