From beach cleans and bat walks to dune wildflowers and sea watching, there’s lots of ways to connect with nature across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Stephen Dunstan writes the first in a trio of articles to help you spend 30 Days Wild this June.
June marks the return of 30 Days Wild, the nationwide challenge organised by The Wildlife Trust, encouraging people to connect with nature every day throughout the month. While the campaign can be as simple as noticing birdsong on your morning walk or spending ten minutes outdoors without your phone, the Fylde Coast also has a calendar of events helping people get closer to the wildlife on their doorstep.
Between our sand dunes, estuaries, saltmarsh, parks, woodland and open sea, the Fylde Coast’s natural landscape supports a huge range of wildlife. Local organisations, volunteers and nature groups will be running events throughout the month including guided walks, beach cleans, wildlife surveys and family-friendly activities designed to help people experience that diversity first-hand.
To launch our 30 Days Wild series, we’ve rounded up ten events happening across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre that are worth getting in the diary now.
Wyre Sea Watch
Join the Bay team in their search for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabirds at the top of Rossall Point Tower with a local expert. You’ll give back to nature by recording any signs of marine life with the Sea Watch Foundation.
4 June, 2pm. Book here.
Guided Walk: Discover the Dunes
Join expert guides to uncover wildlife, history, hidden gems, and the vital conservation work protecting Fylde Coast Sand Dunes.
Expect to spot delicate dune flowers, colourful butterflies, fascinating shells and coastal birds.
7 June, 10am, St Annes North Beach Car Park, FY8 2TR. Book here.
Skippool Legstretcher
Wyre Council leads this two hour, five miles wale alongside the Wyre estuary on coastal paths and returning along country lanes and tracks. No charge and no booking required.
10 June, 10.30am-12.30pm, meet at Skippool picnic area car park, Wyre Road, Thornton, FY5 5LF. No booking required.
Guided Walk: Wildflowers of the Fylde Dunes
Discover the wildflowers of the Fylde sand dunes and learn how they adapt and thrive in this dynamic coastal habitat. Led by a passionate volunteer, the walk will introduce you to the incredible plant life of the dunes – from delicate orchids and vibrant vetches to hardy dune specialists that have adapted to this ever-changing landscape.
12th June, 10am-12pm, St Annes North Beach Car Park, book here.
The Big Green Get Together
A free family day mixing environmental awareness with a festival atmosphere. Featuring outdoor theatre, live music, workshops, interactive activities and family entertainment designed to help people reconnect with the natural world.
Expect eco-themed performances, recycled craft workshops, wildlife activities and community stalls.
13th June, 11am-3pm, Wyre Estuary visitor centre, River Road, Stanah. Free entry. Info here.
Marton Mere Bio-Blitz
Hosted by Friends of Marton Mere, this two day community wildlife survey is packed full of activities where you’ll discover and record the rich variety of life on the reserve.
Events across the weekend include a dawn walk, pond dipping, bird walks, night bat walks, small mammal surveys and spider walks.
13th-14th June, Marton Mere Visitor Centre. Book here.
Wyre Estuary Citizen Science Walk
Join members of Our Future Coast team to collect information on the Wyre Estuary. Along the relaxed walk you’ll capture fixed-point photography images along the saltmarsh and have discussions on the current state of the environment.
16 June, 10am-2pm, meet at the Wyre Estuary Country Park at River Road, Stanah. No booking necessary.
Larkholme beach clean
Help protect our award-winning seas and beaches from the effects of plastic and litter pollution by taking part in this community beach clean. Larkholme grassland and beach boast a fantastic array of wildlife and your help will go a long way to ensure they can remain. Equipment provided.
19 June, 10-11.30am, meet at Rossall Hospital public car park. Book here.
RNLI Wreck Trek
Fleetwood RNLI are once again bringing back their famous Wreck Trek and raising funds to save lives. Last year over 1600 participants took part in the 3.6 miles walk from Marina Hall across the sea to the old Wyre Light Lighthouse.
This family fun event is open to all ages providing they are able to complete the walk unaided.
21 June, 9.30am-12.45pm, meet at the beachfront near the Marine Hall. Book here.
Elswick Village Explorer
Explore one of the Fylde’s most picturesque and historic rural communities. Led by the Fylde Ranger Service, the circular walk will take participants through surrounding countryside, lanes and village spaces while offering a gentler introduction to the landscape and heritage of rural Fylde. Walk costs £2 payable on the day.
24 June, 12.30pm, meet in the village, start point confirmed on booking. For further details and to book email rangers@fylde.gov.uk.
