WHEN many people hear about the National Trust all they think about is the preservation of wonderful buildings. In our area we have Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham and East Riddlesden in Keighley.

The inference is that the National Trust has nothing much to do with the national environment. Nothing could be further away from the truth. In the future I am going to explore Heysham Head near Morecambe, a wonderful wildlife area saved from development thanks to the money and management of the Trust.

This week I explored the area around Formby which the National Trust is working hard and successfully to preserve. My postbag brought me the first issue of the Trust's new Formby Points magazine.

It is full of facts including articles from dealing with the commercial production of asparagus to how to study and manage costal erosion.

Red squirrels in danger of extinction

THERE are to ways to help in the work of the National Trust.

One is to join the organisation and the other is to visit properties and pay for the entry.

The Red Squirrel Reserve, near Formby, is a great place. Follow the A59 from Preston towards Liverpool and Southport. From Southport take the coastal road towards Liverpool (the A565) and turn off on the Formby Road.

When you see the red squirrel on the reserve it is hard to realise the species it is all but extinct in England.

There are some around Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge and there are some populations present in the Lake District.

The grey squirrel, introduced from North America in the 1870s, is larger and more aggressive than the red and represents a real problem for our native species.

It comes as a surprise to many that at times the grey squirrel can look almost rusty in colour, but the two species can be differentiated by the fact grey squirrels have three different shades of colour in the tail whereas the reds' tail is of an even colour. Red squirrels also have hairy tufts while the ears of the grey squirrel are smooth.

The Trust is trying to stop grey squirrels invading the Formby area and if you spot one you should ring Ken Parks, Red Squirrel Alert North West officer, on 01704 879787.

The area around Formby has a lot more on offer in addition to the Red Squirrel Reserve. There are rare plants, especially the Dune Helleborine, and even rarer animals such as the Natterjack Toad and Sand Lizard.

For these animals and plants to survive they must have the correct habitat. The National Trust manages such environments to perfection.

The Sand Lizard

THE area around Formby has a lot more to offer in addition to the Red Squirrel Reserve. Here are some very rare plants especially the Dune Helleborine and even rarer animals such as the Natterjack Toad and the Sand Lizard.

The common lizard is distributed throughout Britain and the female gives birth to live young. In contrast the larger and, as its name implies, sand lizard lays eggs. She buries her eggs in the sane and the heat of the sun incubates the brood.

For these animals and plants to survive they must have the correct habitat. It is the management of such environments that the National Trust achieve to perfection. The organisation therefore deserves all the help that we can give it.