Rossall Coastal Defense Plan And Larkholme Grasslands Ecology Park

The Rossall Coastal Defense Plan, completed on June 1, 2018, introduced a 1.25-mile seawall to protect over 7,000 homes from the risk of flooding. As part of the final phase, the Larkholme Grasslands Ecology Park was developed, enhancing the local ecosystem while complementing the seawall by capturing excess water during extreme weather conditions. This dual-purpose design strengthens flood defenses while fostering greater biodiversity in the area.

In early 2016, Wyre Council partnered with our sister company, Wildflower Turf Ltd, to restore the Larkholme Grasslands using UK native wildflower seeds, which had been carefully collected from the local environment. To match the specific needs of the site, Wildflower Turf Ltd created three custom sod blends: Swale, Coastal Grassland, and Bee-Friendly. These blends were designed to restore and enhance the local habitat while contributing to the flood management goals of the seawall.

Installation of the wildflower sod took place in multiple phases between June 2017 and May 2018, with the project team facing challenges from construction schedules and the harsh coastal weather. Despite these obstacles, the turf was successfully established, transforming the grasslands into a thriving, resilient landscape.

The rejuvenated Larkholme Grasslands now serve as both an ecological asset and a functional element of flood defense, acting as a secondary buffer against water overflow during extreme weather. The park has been embraced by the local community, seamlessly integrating into the surrounding landscape. The area has also seen a swift increase in bird and invertebrate populations, highlighting the success of the ecological restoration. This project demonstrates the effective fusion of environmental conservation with coastal infrastructure, providing long-term benefits for both wildlife and flood management.