Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
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Overview
Sea Buckthorn is one of the most significant management challenges on the Sefton Coast — an invasive shrub that forms dense, thorny thickets that smother dune grassland and eliminate the specialist plant and insect communities. The vivid orange berries in autumn and winter are beautiful and eaten by birds (particularly thrushes). But its aggressive suckering growth means it can take over large areas rapidly. Green Sefton manages it by cutting, pulling and targeted herbicide to protect open dune grassland. It's native in eastern England but non-native on the Sefton Coast.
At a Glance
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Habitat | Fixed dune · Dune scrub · Dune grassland (when invading) |
| UK population | Native on East Anglian coasts; widely planted and now invasive on western dune systems including Sefton |
| Sefton Coast | Widespread and invasive across the Sefton Coast dune system; active management to contain it |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune scrub throughout Ainsdale and Formby. Can form dense, impenetrable thickets.
Identification
Dense, thorny shrub to 3m. Narrow, silvery-grey leaves. Vivid orange berries in dense clusters in autumn (female plants only — plants are dioecious). Very thorny stems. Suckering, forming impenetrable thickets.
Viewing & Photography Tips
The vivid orange berries in October are unmistakeable. Walk any fixed dune area and you'll encounter Sea Buckthorn thickets — a contrast to the open grassland it displaces.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sea Buckthorn a problem on the Sefton Coast?
Sea Buckthorn is non-native to the Sefton Coast — it was planted for 'stabilisation' in the mid-20th century without understanding its aggressive spreading ability. It reproduces by seed (spread by birds eating the berries) and by underground suckers, forming dense thickets that eliminate the specialist dune grassland plants and insects. Removal is extremely difficult and expensive, and the Sefton Coast Partnership spends significant resources managing it.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.