Stretching for 22 miles, Sefton’s coastline comprises stunning beaches, dynamic sand dune systems and a vast beautiful landscape that offers something for everyone.
It is also home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, from the famous Red Squirrels to the rare Natterjack Toads and Sand Lizards. It is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and more due to the range of dune habitats and rare species that can be found. Two areas are also designated as Marine Conservation Zones.
‘The Iron Men’ at Crosby beach
Antony Gormley’s spectacular installation, Another Place, has looked out from Crosby Beach for almost two decades. Nicknamed ‘The Iron Men’ by locals, the statues are made from cast iron, each weighing 650 kilos, standing across 3km of sandy coastline.
If you are looking to film the artwork or use in a campaign, prior written permission from Antony Gormley is required. Sefton Council are unable to approve filming of the installation.
Filming requests
All events, including filming, along Sefton's coastline need to be pre-approved by The Council’s Communications and Green Sefton team.
You will be asked to complete a special form for permission to be granted to film on our coast which can be found here.
As with all filming requests, permission is not guaranteed and the minimum time frame for applications to be reviewed is 5 working days.
Drone usage
We are receiving increasing numbers of enquiries about the use of drones in Sefton, which is not surprising given the wonderful photographic opportunities our beautiful coastline presents.
Drones are not allowed anywhere along our entire coastline (the whole 22 miles of it!) without prior written permission. This includes flying a drone, and landing or taking off.
For our teams to properly assess a drone request along our coast, we need a minimum of 6 weeks.
There is a separate Drone Usage page which details everything you need to know about drone use in Sefton, including the laws in place.
Locations along the coast
Our coastline is made up of different landowners, such as The National Trust, Natural England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and Mersey Forest.
When seeking filming permission, we ask people to use exact locations of where filming would take place along our coastline by using the What3Words interactive map – www.what3words.com
If a location is not owned or managed by Sefton Council, you will need to contact the correct landowner to seek permission. Failure to do so could lead to a hefty fine.
National Trust Formby
If you would like to find out more about filming at National Trust Formby, you will need to contact their Filming and Locations office direct by emailing filmoffice@nationaltrust.org.uk
Filming or photography cannot be undertaken at National Trust Formby without permission and a contract needs to be in place signed by both parties.
The money raised from filming location fees helps to support conservation work to care for Formby’s special coastline and wildlife.