View source for Formby

{{Short description|Town in Merseyside, England}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country = England
| type = Town
| coordinates = {{coord|53.5586|-3.0666|display=inline,title}}
| official_name = Formby
| label_position = left
| metropolitan_county = [[Merseyside]]
| population = 22,886
| population_ref = (2021)
| metropolitan_borough = [[Metropolitan Borough of Sefton|Sefton]]
| civil_parish = Formby  <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.formby-pc.gov.uk/|title=Formby Parish Council, Sefton, Merseyside, Official Website|website=Formby Parish Council}}</ref>
| region = North West England
| constituency_westminster = [[Sefton Central (UK Parliament constituency)|Sefton Central]]
| post_town = LIVERPOOL
| postcode_district = L37
| postcode_area = L
| dial_code = 01704
| os_grid_reference = SD293074
| static_image_name = Formby town centre (1).JPG
| static_image_caption = Formby Town Centre
 |parts_type = Districts of the town
 |p1 = [[Freshfield]]
 |p2 = [[Great Altcar]] (Village)
 |p3 = [[Little Altcar]] (Village) 
}}
[[File:Our Lady of Compassion, Formby - geograph.org.uk - 2356640.jpg|thumb|Our Lady of Compassion Church, Formby]]

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'''Formby''' is a town and [[Civil parishes in England|civil parish]] in the [[Metropolitan Borough of Sefton]], [[Merseyside]], [[England]].

[[Historic counties of England|Historically]] in [[Lancashire]], three manors are recorded in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 under "Fornebei", Halsall, Walton and Poynton.<ref name=Formby/> [[Cockle (bivalve)|Cockle]] raking and shrimp fishing lasted into the 19th century.<ref name=Formby/> By 1872, the township and sub-district was made up of two chapelries ([[St Peter's Church, Formby|St Peter's]] and [[St Luke's Church, Formby|St Luke's]]), Birkdale township, the hamlets of Ainsdale and Raven-Meols and Altcar parish.<ref name=Formby>{{cite book |author1=Farrer, William  |author2=Brownbill, J  | title=A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 3 | publisher=Victoria County History | year=1907 |pages=45–52 }} The Section dedicated to Formby.</ref><ref name=Wilson>{{cite book | author=Wilson, John Marius | title=Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales (1870–1872) | publisher=A. Fullarton & Co | year=1874 }}</ref> Formby was built on the plain adjoining the [[Irish Sea]] coast a few miles north of the [[Crosby, Merseyside|Crosby channel]].<ref name=Formby/>

A [[commuter town]] for [[Liverpool]],<ref name="theworkfoundation.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.theworkfoundation.com/Assets/Docs/Liverpool%20City%20Region.pdf|title=City Relationships: Economic Linkages in Northern city regions. Liverpool City Region|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407025056/http://www.theworkfoundation.com/Assets/Docs/Liverpool%20City%20Region.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sefton.gov.uk/pdf/2%20Profile%20of%20SeftonFORPRINT.pdf|title=Sefton Council Core Strategy Options Paper May 2011. Profile of Sefton|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402140633/http://www.sefton.gov.uk/pdf/2%20Profile%20of%20SeftonFORPRINT.pdf|archive-date=2 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Formby is also a tourist destination with [[Day-tripper|day trippers]] attracted to its beaches, [[sand dune]]s and wildlife, particularly the endangered [[red squirrel]] and [[natterjack toad]].<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/spring/sandy_coast/formby/formby_walk.shtml|title=Formby coastal walk|author=Carolyn Garlick|publisher=BBC.co.uk}}</ref> The area is conserved by the [[National Trust]], and designated a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref name=police>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyside.police.uk/index.aspx?articleid=431|title=Formby, Ainsdale & Birkdale – Inspector Jim Atherton profile|publisher=Merseyside Police|access-date=3 October 2011|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520123837/https://www.merseyside.police.uk/index.aspx?articleid=431|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-formby-2|title=Formby|publisher=The National Trust|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002152630/http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-formby-2|archive-date=2 October 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== History ==
Erosion of sand on the beach at Formby is revealing layers of mud and sediment, laid down in the late Mesolithic to the late Neolithic, approximately 8,000 – 5,000 years ago, and covered in the early Bronze Age.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Roberts|first=Gordon|title=Ephemeral, sub-fossil mammalian, avian and Hominid Footprints within Flandrian Sediment Exposures at Formby Point, Sefton Coast, North West England. Taylor and Francis Group|journal=Ichnos|volume=16|issue=1–2|pages=33–48|year=2009|doi=10.1080/10420940802470730}}</ref> These sediments often contain the footprints of humans and animals (red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolf, [[aurochs]]) and birds (oystercatcher, crane and other waders) from that period.<ref>
{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Philip H. |title=The Sands of Time: an introduction to the Sand Dunes of the Sefton Coast |year=1999 |publisher=National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside |isbn=1-902700-03-1 }}</ref> In June 2016, over 50 human footprints from 7,000 years ago were uncovered  on the beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/thousands-prehistoric-footprints-7000-years-8229171|title=Thousands of prehistoric footprints from 7,000 years ago found on UK beach|first=Rachel|last=Bishop|date=19 June 2016}}</ref>

The common place-name suffix ''-by'' is from the Scandinavian ''byr'' meaning "homestead", "settlement" or "village". The village of Formby was originally spelt ''Fornebei'' and means "the old settlement" or "village belonging to Forni".<ref name=Formby/> At that time ''Fornibiyum'' was also a well-known [[Norsemen|Norse]] family name. He could have been the leader of the invading expedition which took possession of this coast.{{Original research inline|date=March 2023}} Until its closure in 1998, [[Oslo Airport, Fornebu|Oslo Airport]] in Norway was situated in a town called [[Fornebu]].{{Cn|date=March 2023}}

It was from Ireland in about 960 AD that these [[Norsemen]] or [[Vikings]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Viking Mersey: Scandinavian Wirral, West Lancashire and Chester|publisher=Countyvise|year=2002|first=Stephen|last=Harding|isbn=1-901231-34-8}}</ref> first came to the west coast of [[Lancashire]], initially trading or raiding and then settling. Tradition{{Whose|date=March 2023}} says that the Viking invaders failed to defeat the native [[Anglo-Saxons]] on the coast of Formby, so they sailed inland, up the [[River Alt]], and attacked from the rear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southport.tv/page.php?id=flash-vikinglife-2000|title=Viking Life|work=Southport.tv|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> Dangus Lane, on the east side of the village, is sometimes called Danesgate Land, being connected by local traditions with this incursion.{{Cn|date=March 2023}}

[[Formby Hall]] is a [[Grade II listed building]] dating back to 1223. It has traditionally been the home of the [[Lord of the manor|lords of the manor]]. Much of the land around it is now a golf course.

Formby Beach is the location of the first [[Lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] station in the UK. It is believed to have been established as early as 1776 by [[William Hutchinson (privateer)|William Hutchinson]], the Dock Master for the Liverpool Common Council. Although no exact record has been found, the boat used is believed to have been a 'Mersey Gig'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.formbycivicsociety.org.uk/2003%2003%20originsbritainsfirstlifeboatstation.html|title=Origins of Britains first lifeboat station 2003|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423020044/http://www.formbycivicsociety.org.uk/2003%2003%20originsbritainsfirstlifeboatstation.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The last launch from the station took place in 1916. Remarkably, a film of this event survived.<ref>{{cite book|last=Yorke|first=Barbara & Reginald|title=Britain's First Lifeboat Station, Formby, 1776 – 1918|publisher=Alt Press|isbn=0-9508155-0-0}}</ref> The foundations of the last of the lifeboat station buildings remain on the beach to this day.<ref>[http://www.liv.ac.uk/facilities/pdfs/travelplan/walkabout_sefton.pdf PDF file] Handout issued by Sefton MBC and Mersey Travel</ref> In 2016, the newly opened [[Wetherspoons]] pub in the town was named 'The Lifeboat' in honour of the original lifeboat station.

Formby is home to [[RAF Woodvale]], a small RAF station to the north of the town.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force 1918–1988|first=James J.|last=Halley|publisher=Air Britain (Historians) Ltd.|location=Tonbridge|year=1988|isbn=0-85130-164-9}}</ref> The airfield opened in 1941 and is a former [[Second World War]] fighter station with three active runways, the main runway being a mile in length.<ref name=MR-Woodvale>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyreporter.com/history/historic/woodvale/index.shtml|title=Merseyside Regional History Section – RAF Woodvale|work=Mersey Reporter|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> Today it is used by [[RAF]] for light aircraft and fighter training, as well as a few civilian aircraft. The station was also home to [[Merseyside Police]]'s helicopter,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyside.police.uk/html/aboutus/departments/air-support/whereabouts/index.htm|title=About US: Departments|work=Merseyside Police|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016192849/http://www.merseyside.police.uk/html/aboutus/departments/air-support/whereabouts/index.htm|archive-date=16 October 2008}}</ref> known as 'Mike One'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/uk/police/ukaf-police-home.htm#mersey|title=Merseyside Police Authority|work=Aeroflight|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> The RAF station was also home to the last operational service of WWII fighter plane the [[Supermarine Spitfire]]. In 1957 the last Spitfire to fly operationally with British military markings took off from RAF Woodvale.<ref name=MR-Woodvale /> Woodvale is also home to the Woodvale Rally, one of the biggest shows on an active MOD station in the [[North West England|North West]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.woodvale-rally.org.uk/01b_general_information_page.htm |title=A Fantastic Weekend For ALL The Family! |publisher=Woodvale Rally |access-date=13 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915125907/http://www.woodvale-rally.org.uk/01b_general_information_page.htm |archive-date=15 September 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Governance==
Until 1974, Formby was an [[Urban district (Great Britain and Ireland)|urban district]] (Formby Urban District) within the [[Administrative counties of England|administrative county]] of [[Lancashire]]. Since 1 April 1974, it has formed part of the [[Metropolitan Borough of Sefton]], in [[Merseyside]].

Prior to 1983 Formby was in the parliamentary constituency of [[Ormskirk (UK Parliament constituency)|Ormskirk]] and after Ormskirk's abolition was made part of the [[Crosby (UK Parliament constituency)|Crosby]] constituency. The [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for Crosby from 1997 until 2010 was [[Claire Curtis-Thomas]], a member of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], prior to her election the seat was generally considered to be a safe [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] stronghold with Tory MPs elected at every election barring the [[1981 Crosby by-election]] when [[Shirley Williams]] of the [[Social Democratic Party (UK)|Social Democratic Party]] was elected to represent the constituency.

As a result of the Crosby constituency being abolished for the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]], Formby is part of the newly created [[Sefton Central (UK Parliament constituency)|Sefton Central constituency]], represented by [[Bill Esterson]], a member of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]]. Sefton Central is now considered a safe Labour seat.<ref>{{cite web |author=Stuart Wilks-Hegg |date=2019 |title=Safe Labour Suburbia? The Changing Politics of the Merseyside Suburbs |url=https://core.ac.uk/display/159082162 |journal=The Political Quarterly |volume=90 |issue= 1 |doi=10.1111/1467-923X.12528 |access-date=30 August 2021}}</ref>

For elections to [[Sefton Council]], Formby is divided between two electoral wards with three [[councillors]] each. As of May 2023, [[Harington (ward)|Harington]] ward, whose councillors are Peter Harvey (Labour), Carol Richards (Labour) and Joe Riley (Conservative); and [[Ravenmeols (ward)|Ravenmeols]] ward, whose councillors are Catie Page (Labour), Christopher Page (Labour) and Nina Killen (Labour). Locally Formby is governed by Formby Parish Council.

==Geography==
[[File:Foredunes at Formby - geograph.org.uk - 205138.jpg|thumb|Formby Beach looking toward Liverpool]]

Formby is a coastal town, with an area of roughly 7 sq miles (17&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), located in the borough of [[Metropolitan Borough of Sefton|Sefton]]. The town is built upon the west of a large flat area of land called the [[West Lancashire Coastal Plain]]. Formby's highest point is within the [[Dune|sand dunes]] that separate the [[Irish Sea]] from Formby. However, these sand dunes are ever-changing in shape and formation, so there is no fixed point.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Sands of Times, an introduction to the Sand Dunes of the Sefton Coast Line|first=Philip H.|last=Smith|year=1999|publisher= National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside|location=Liverpool|isbn=1-902700-03-1}}</ref> 

The land between Formby and the areas of [[Southport]], [[Ormskirk]] and [[Liverpool]] is [[green belt]] land and is mostly used for [[agronomy|arable]] agricultural purposes. The areas around the urban fringe are drained by [[irrigation]] [[ditches]] and open areas get [[boggy]] in the winter months. Earth in urban areas is well drained, very loose and sandy.
[[File:Formby Sand Dunes.jpg|thumb|Formby Sand Dunes]]
The section of land between Formby and the coast is varied in vegetation, wildlife and [[terrain]]. This area includes [[pine]] forests (both natural and [[Artificial flower|man-made]]), sand dunes, [[marram grass]], [[deciduous]] woodland, seasonal [[pond]]s and lakes. Large areas of this land are protected by the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]. The southern boundary of the town partially  follows the course of the [[River Alt]] which enters the [[Irish Sea]] just south of Formby at [[Hightown, Sefton|Hightown]].
[[File:River_Alt_south_of_Formby_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4007465.jpg|thumb]]


Formby is in a [[temperate climate]] zone, with mild winters and warm summers. Formby's coastline faces an ongoing threat from water-based erosion, with high tides washing away yards of sand dunes. In an attempt to stem this, in some years discarded Christmas trees are collected and planted by rangers and volunteers to help slow this effect.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-news/christmas-tree-recycling-southport--8341894|title=Christmas tree recycling in Southport & Formby – Sefton Council offers free collection service|work=Southport Visiter|date=26 December 2014|first=Andrew|last=Brown|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref>

==Economy==
The main [[shopping]] area is known locally as 'The village', in which the town upholds an array of shops including a [[Boots Group|Boots]], [[Card Factory]] and [[Savers]], alongside some independent outlets. The majority of these shops are located along the streets of Chapel Lane and Brows Lane, which also contains a number of coffee houses, including [[Costa Coffee]] and [[Cafe Nero]], banks, travel agents, estate agents and charity shops. This tree-lined [[avenue (landscape)|Avenue]] runs for about a third of a mile, with shops either side of it. 'The village' further branches out onto Elbow Lane, Three Tuns Lane, Halsall Lane and School Lane, where more shops are located.

There are several other smaller shopping areas around Formby and Freshfield, mostly [[convenience store]]s and specialist outlets, such as an optician and a model shop. Formby also has a main post office and two smaller post offices.
[[File:Formby point.jpg|thumb|National Trust – Formby|alt=]]
The town has several supermarkets including a [[Tesco]], [[Marks & Spencer]]'s SimplyFood, [[Waitrose]] and [[Iceland]]. Formby has no major industries; however, there is a small [[industrial estate]] on the outskirts of the town, on which a McDonald's is located. A recent study of the town showed that between 10%–30% of its residents commute to either Liverpool or Southport <ref name="theworkfoundation.com"/>

===Tourism===
[[File:Formby Beach.jpg|thumb|left|Formby Beach]]
Formby has a significant tourist industry, most notably between the warmer months of May and September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/hub/A5210056|title=Sefton Coastal Footpath|work=BBC Online|date=19 August 2005|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> In particular, it is popular with day trippers from across the [[North West England|North West]]. There are two main spots along the Formby Coast which are particularly popular with the public.

The Lifeboat Road site is about 1½ miles from the town centre; there are three linked unpaved car parks with several routes cascading out into the sand dunes and woods. The car parks are about 900 yards from the beach and there is a charge to park there.

Victoria Road is north of Lifeboat Road and is busier due to the red squirrel reserve being located here, as well as it being the starting point for the asparagus trail. The reserve begins at the junction of Larkhill Lane and Victoria Road. Like Lifeboat Road, there is a charge to park from this point onwards. Parking is available adjacent to the reserve and at the end of the road, there is a large unpaved car park for easier beach access. The beach is located approximately 100 yards from the car park.

There is a privately run [[caravan park]] called Formby Point Caravan Park on Lifeboat Road, open between March and October. There are around 300 caravans on the park and 20 plots for touring caravans. There is a phone box, public toilet and a play area on site and, until 1995, there was a small convenience store. Additionally, there is a smaller caravan site called Freshfield Caravan Park.

==Transport==
Formby [[Bypass (road)|Bypass]] ([[A565 road|A565]]) was built during 1936-37 to take the major [[Liverpool]] to [[Southport]] route out of Formby and cut alongside the fringe of the town. The [[Bypass (road)|bypass]] is a [[dual carriageway]] with two [[roundabout]]s and three sets of [[traffic lights]]. It has been the scene of many accidents, some fatal and there are calls from some for the scrapping of a proposed motorway link as a result.<ref>Formby Times</ref> The [[B5195 road|B5195]] links Formby with [[Ormskirk]] and [[Maghull]]. Motorways are easily accessible, the [[M58 motorway|M58]] and [[M57 motorway|M57]] are both 6 miles from Formby..

There are two railway stations: [[Formby railway station]] and, less than a mile north, [[Freshfield railway station]]. Both are on the [[Northern Line (Merseyrail)|Northern Line]] of the [[Merseyrail]] network, which has traditionally run from [[Hunts Cross]] to Southport. However, from August 25, 2024 this service now terminates at [[Liverpool Central]], with the Hunt's Cross service now running to [[Ormskirk]].<ref>https://growthplatform.org/news/2024/08/temporary-changes-to-services-as-eight-car-trains-launch-on-southport-line/</ref>
Trains are frequent (typically every 15 minutes) and are a popular way of [[commuting]], especially to the city centre of Liverpool.

Bus services in the town are provided by [[Arriva North West]], [[Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire]] from Preston Depot and [[Merseytravel]]. These include services to Southport, [[Ince Blundell]], Liverpool, Southport and Formby District General Hospital and Merseytravel's Formby circular routes.

The nearest commercial airport is in [[Liverpool John Lennon Airport|Liverpool]] which is 17 miles away. [[Manchester Airport]] is 36 miles away. Liverpool Airport is reachable using Liverpool's suburban railway network, Merseyrail, via [[Liverpool South Parkway railway station|Liverpool South Parkway]].

London is under two hours away via train from [[Runcorn railway station]] which is 25 miles / 45 minutes drive from Formby, or from [[Liverpool Lime Street railway station]] which is 11 miles / 30 minutes drive.

In addition to motorised transport, Formby is served by excellent cycle routes, mainly centring on the pinewoods along the coast leading to both Southport and Liverpool. There are also many cycle lanes on the roads leading to the larger conurbations to the north and south.

==Education==

There are seven primary schools in Formby, namely Woodlands, Redgate CP, Our Lady of Compassion RC, St Jerome's RC, Trinity St Peters C. of E., Freshfield CP and [[St Luke's C. of E.]] Trinity St Peter's C. of E. in Formby is the amalgamation of two former primary schools – St Peter's and Holy Trinity – the latter of which closed in July 2006. The school was formed as part of a major reorganisation of primary education in Sefton. Raven Meols Primary School also closed as a school and is now used as a Community Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schoolswebdirectory.co.uk/leasearch.php?lea=Sefton&submit=go|title=Schools Web Directory UK – Search Schools by LEA|website=www.schoolswebdirectory.co.uk}}</ref>

Formby has two large high schools, [[Formby High School]] and [[Range High School]] and also had an independent high school focussing on Educational and Behaviour difficulties teaching, Clarence House. The independent school was permanently closed as of 2018 and residential units demolished. Clarence House was owned by Nugent Care, a registered charity, who also governs Clumber Lodge, a children's home in Formby.

==Media==
Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC North West]] and [[ITV Granada]]. Television signals are received from the [[Winter Hill transmitting station|Winter Hill]] TV transmitter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Winter_Hill |title=Full Freeview on the Winter Hill (Bolton, England) transmitter |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=5 November 2023}}</ref>

Local radio stations are [[BBC Radio Merseyside]], [[Heart North West]], [[Hits Radio Liverpool]], [[Smooth North West]], [[Greatest Hits Radio Liverpool & The North West]], and [[Dune Radio]], a community based station. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.duneradio.co.uk/|title=Dune Radio |access-date=5 November 2023}}</ref>

The town is served by these local newspapers:
* [[Southport Visiter]] (formerly Formby Times) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-nw/formsby-times|title=Formby Times|date=1 July 2014|website=British Papers|accessdate=3 November 2023}}</ref>
* [[Southport Reporter]]
* [[Liverpool Echo]]

==Scouting==
Formby has a long tradition of scouting dating back to 1909, just over a year after [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Baden Powell]]'s legendary experimental camp on [[Brownsea Island]] in [[Dorset]] in 1907. The first Scout group in the town, named the 1st Formby, was set up at Holy Trinity Church Hall by Mr Murray Spense. There are currently a handful of active groups out of the nine that were initially set up over the last century, especially since the 1960s housing estates expanded the town.

Scouts can be seen marching through the village every year on [[St George's Day]].

==Wildlife==
{{See also|Red squirrels}}

To the west of the town lie pinewoods and sand dunes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-formby|title=Formby|work=The National Trust|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301012349/http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-formby|archive-date=1 March 2009}}</ref> The whole of the coastline here is managed as a [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseysidebiodiversity.org.uk/v2ActionPlan.asp?ap=Red%20squirrel&name=Red%20Squirrel|title=North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan – Red Squirrel|work=Merseyside Biodiversity Group|access-date=30 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233839/http://www.merseysidebiodiversity.org.uk/v2ActionPlan.asp?ap=Red%20squirrel&name=Red%20Squirrel|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> for its important wildlife reserves by Sefton Coast Partnership. The pine woods at Victoria Road have been established as a [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]] reserve for the [[red squirrel]], listed on the [[endangered species]] list. Formby is one of several sites in Britain where the [[red squirrel]] can still be found although it is now being threatened by the [[eastern gray squirrel|grey squirrel]].<ref>{{cite episode|series=Country File|network=BBC|date=28 August 2008}}</ref>

Formby is also notable for the presence of [[natterjack toad]]s. Formby is only one of a few sites in England where they will breed. Later in the evening the male's distinctive song can be heard and is known locally as the '[[Bootle]] Organ'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seftoncoast.org.uk/articles/97summer_natterjack.html|title=The Natterjack Toad|first=David|last=Simpson|work=Sefton Coast Partnership|date=Summer 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829010328/http://www.seftoncoast.org.uk/articles/97summer_natterjack.html|archive-date=29 August 2008}}</ref> In spring the males gather at the edge of shallow pools in the dune slacks and sing to attract a mate.

==Sport==
This stretch of coast is famous for links golf courses such as [[Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club|Southport & Ainsdale]], [[Hillside Golf Club|Hillside]], West Lancashire, Hesketh and [[Royal Birkdale]]. Formby is home to another championship quality golf course – [[Formby Golf Club]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southportreporter.com/139/southportreporter139-11.shtml|title=Curtis Cup 2004 Formby|work=Southport Reporter|date=12 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716112733/http://www.southportreporter.com/139/southportreporter139-11.shtml|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref> However, the club, unlike its neighbour Royal Birkdale, does not have the capacity to host large events such as The Open Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandsgolfcoast.com/site/courses/formby-golf-club|title=Courses|work=England's Golf Coast|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> Formby has a cricket club based down Cricket Path in Freshfield that plays in the [[Liverpool and District Cricket Competition]]; this also has squash courts and a large [[AstroTurf]] hockey pitch.

The town also had a football team called [[Formby F.C.]] who played in the [[North West Counties Football League]] [[North West Counties Football League Division One|First Division]]. They played at Altcar Road, behind Tesco just off the A565 Formby Bypass, having moved in the summer of 2002 from their town centre home at Brows Lane. That site is now occupied by Formby Pool which opened on 27 January 2007. The biggest game in the club's history was in November 1973 when they faced [[Oldham Athletic F.C.|Oldham Athletic]] in the First Round of the F.A Cup.

In addition, a variety of youth sporting groups are based in Formby. These include Formby Junior Sports Club (FJSC) known locally as "Rourke's League" after Jim Rourke [[Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|MBE]] (1912–2006)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southportreporter.com/226/226-16.shtml|title=Formby Loses Favourite Father Figure, Jim Rourke MBE, 1912 – 2006|work=Southport Reporter|date=13 February 2006|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> who founded the club on 2 January 1959.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.formbytimes.co.uk/formby-sport/2009/01/21/fjsc-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary-this-month-phil-kirkbride-looks-back-66401-22735744|title=FJSC celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Phil Kirkbride looks back|work=Formby Times|date=21 January 2009|first=Philip|last=Kirkbride|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123235222/http://www.formbytimes.co.uk/formby-sport/2009/01/21/fjsc-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary-this-month-phil-kirkbride-looks-back-66401-22735744/|archive-date=23 January 2009}}</ref> Rourke continued to attend the club into his 90s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2004/09/17/junior-jim-a-real-marvel-100252-14653277|title=Junior Jim a real marvel |work=Liverpool Echo|date=17 September 2004|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> Over 600 children ranging in age from 5 to 16 years meet at Deansgate Lane Playing Fields to play football at various times throughout Saturday mornings during the football season. The club welcomes children of all abilities, there are no trials or criteria to meet; every member plays every week. The club also fields numerous representative teams in local junior leagues (e.g. the Craven Minor League).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formbyfcjuniors.co.uk/MATCHREPORTS22.html|title=Formby FC Juniors}} {{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Formby is also home to Formby Dons Football Club, who operate 3 teams, playing their home games at Duke Street Park. In 2007, Formby Vikings Rugby Union Team was established to include a wide range of ages including a colts first 15 team.

==People==
===Footballers===
{{more citations needed|section|date=June 2020}}
Many current and former professional footballers and football managers, the majority of whom are linked to [[Liverpool Football Club|Liverpool FC]] or [[Everton Football Club|Everton FC]], currently live or have lived in the town, including:
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
{{div col}}
*[[Joe Allen]]
*[[Leighton Baines]]
*[[Alan Ball, Jr.|Alan Ball]]
*[[Mario Balotelli]]
*[[Ross Barkley]]
*[[Stig Inge Bjørnebye]]
*[[Fabio Borini]]
*[[Andy Carroll]]
*[[Ray Clemence]]
*[[Joe Cole]]
*[[Stewart Downing]]
*[[Fabinho (footballer, born 1993)|Fabinho]]
*[[David Fairclough]]
*[[Duncan Ferguson]]
*[[Steven Gerrard]]
*[[Joe Gomez (footballer)|Joe Gomez]]
*[[Jordan Henderson]]
*[[Tony Hibbert]]
*[[Emlyn Hughes]]
*[[Sami Hyypiä]]
*[[Howard Kendall]]
*[[Jürgen Klopp]], during his time as Liverpool FC manager
*[[Adam Lallana]]
*[[Rickie Lambert]]
*[[Yerry Mina]]
*[[Phil Neal]]
*[[Mike Newell (footballer)|Mike Newell]]
*[[Divock Origi]]
*[[Andrew Robertson]]
*[[Brendan Rodgers]], during his time as Liverpool FC manager<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/rodgers-focused-on-foundations|title=Rodgers focused on foundations|work=Liverpool FC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715045759/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/rodgers-focused-on-foundations|archive-date=15 July 2012}}</ref>
*[[Wayne Rooney]]
*[[Neil Ruddock]]
*[[Gylfi Sigurðsson]]
*[[Alan Shearer]], during his time at [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]
*[[Raheem Sterling]]
*[[Alan Stubbs]] (who also owned Woodwards Winebar in the village)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/2007/09/28/carnival-time-at-opening-of-blues-star-s-birkdale-bar-101022-19857836/|title=Carnival time at opening of Blues star's Birkdale bar|work=Southport Visiter|date=28 September 2007|first=Joanne|last=Kelly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716162500/http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/2007/09/28/carnival-time-at-opening-of-blues-star-s-birkdale-bar-101022-19857836/|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>
*[[John Toshack]]
*[[Arne Slot]]
{{div col end}}

=== Other notable people include === <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
{{div col}}
*[[Beryl Bainbridge]], English novelist
*[[Alex Blanchard]], brother of [[Annabel Blanchard]], professional women's footballer
*[[John Birt]], former director of the [[BBC]]
*[[Edward Craig (philosopher)|Edward Craig]], philosopher and former cricketer
*[[Tymon Dogg]], musician
*[[Angela Eagle]], Labour MP and former minister
*[[Maria Eagle]], Labour MP and former minister
*[[Kevin McNamara (politician)|Kevin McNamara]], former Labour MP and shadow minister
*[[Chris Chibnall]], television writer and producer
*[[Percy French]], Irish songwriter and entertainer (died and buried in Formby<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stlukes.merseyside.org/PercyFrench.htm|title=Are ye right there, Michael?|work=St Luke's Church|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611211734/http://stlukes.merseyside.org/PercyFrench.htm|archive-date=11 June 2011}}</ref>)
*[[Thomas Fresh]], public health pioneer
*[[John Garstang]], archaeologist (worked at Liverpool University and resided at Thornbury on Freshfield Road, Formby<ref>World Biography – Volume 1 – Page 1932</ref>)
*[[Christopher Hope (journalist)|Christopher Hope]], journalist
*[[Frank McLardy]], member of the [[British Union of Fascists]] and [[Waffen-SS]] [[British Free Corps]]
*[[Robert Molyneux]], Jesuit missionary to the United States
*[[Sir John Moores]], founder of [[Littlewoods]]
*[[John Parrott]], snooker player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.knowhere.co.uk/Formby/Merseyside/Northern-England/info/celebs|title=Cringing Cult of Celebrity in Formby, Merseyside|work=The Knowhere Guide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420143016/http://www.knowhere.co.uk/Formby/Merseyside/Northern-England/info/celebs|archive-date=20 April 2009}}</ref>
*[[Andrew Sumner]], movie journalist and [[TCM UK|TCM]] presenter
*[[Rhian Teasdale]], lead singer of [[Wet Leg]]
*[[Matt Williams (radio presenter)|Matt Williams]], AKA - "Dr Mosh". BBC sports broadcaster and personality
{{div col end}} 

The notable music hall entertainer [[George Formby Sr.]] adopted his stage name after seeing it as a destination on a railway carriage. His son [[George Formby Jr.]] used the same stage name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A735013|title=George Formby Senior – Entertainer|work=BBC Online|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Listed buildings in Formby]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Percy_French_Grave.jpg|Grave of [[Percy French]]
File:Red_squirrel_feeding,_Formby_nature_reserve_-_geograph.org.uk_-_376405.jpg|Red squirrel feeding
File:A_Pleasing_Extension_to_Bull_Cop_Formby_-_geograph.org.uk_-_806273.jpg|Housing in Formby
File:Dunes_at_Formby_Point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_357105.jpg|Formby Beach [[sand dunes]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|24em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Formby}}
{{Wikivoyage|Formby}}

'''[https://www.formbyonline.com/ History]'''
*[http://www.formbycivicsociety.org.uk Formby Civic Society]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090508110848/http://www.worldwar2defences.co.uk/ WW2 Defences in Merseyside and West Lancashire]

'''Media'''
*[http://www.radiocity.co.uk Radio City] (local radio station)
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100310021813/http://www.champnews.com/ ''Formby Champion'']}} (free local newspaper)
*[http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk ''Liverpool Echo''] (local newspaper)
*[http://www.formby-reporter.com ''Formby Reporter''] (free local newspaper)
*[http://icseftonandwestlancs.icnetwork.co.uk/icformby/ ''Formby Times''] (free local newspaper)

'''Information'''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120407025056/http://www.theworkfoundation.com/Assets/Docs/Liverpool%20City%20Region.pdf City Relationships: Economic Linkages in Northern city regions. Liverpool City Region]
*[http://www.seftoncoast.org.uk ''Sefton Coast''] [[Metropolitan Borough of Sefton]]'s website
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120402140633/http://www.sefton.gov.uk/pdf/2%20Profile%20of%20SeftonFORPRINT.pdf Profile of Sefton]
*[http://www.livedepartureboards.co.uk/ldb/summary.aspx?T=FBY&R=1 Formby station timetable] from [[National Rail]]'s Live Departure Boards

'''Community'''
*[https://www.formbyevents.co.uk Formby Events]
*[https://www.ourladyofcompassionformby.org.uk Our Lady of Compassion Formby Catholic Parish Church]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050426151310/http://stlukes.merseyside.org/History.htm Parish Church of St. Luke: History]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170211105943/http://y2u.co.uk/%26002_Images/Formby%20Point%2001.htm Photos of Formby Point]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090210123800/http://liverpoolstreetgallery.com/thumbnails.php?album=39 Photos] of St. Michael Church just outside Formby in [[Great Altcar]].
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081022021007/http://www.films.mod.uk/north_england/woodvale.htm MOD] Film locations page.

{{Metropolitan Borough of Sefton}}
{{Merseyside}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Formby| ]]
[[Category:Towns and villages in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton]]
[[Category:Towns in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Beaches of Merseyside]]