Anthorn and Cardurnock Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Anthorn and Cardurnock Marsh

Moricambe Bay The seaweed covered shingle at the extreme end of Grune Point, a sand and shingle spit extending north eastwards into Moricambe Bay, the estuary of the Rivers Wampool and Waver. In the background beyond the waters of Moricambe Bay are the masts of Anthorn Radio Station, location of the three National Physical Laboratory atomic clocks. — Moricambe Bay Credit: Adrian Taylor

Anthorn and Cardurnock Marsh are two coastal marshes located in Cumberland, England. These marshes, also known as saltings, are situated on the Solway Firth, a large estuary that separates England from Scotland.

Anthorn Marsh is a vast expanse of saltmarsh, characterized by its flat and muddy terrain. It is home to a diverse range of plant species that have adapted to the brackish conditions, including sea lavender, sea aster, and marsh samphire. These plants provide crucial habitats for various bird species, such as redshanks, lapwings, and curlews, which can be observed feeding and nesting in the marshland.

Cardurnock Marsh, located just north of Anthorn, is a smaller but equally important saltmarsh. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, hosting a variety of bird species, insects, and marine life. The marsh is particularly recognized for its significant population of barnacle geese, which migrate here from Arctic regions during the winter months.

Both Anthorn and Cardurnock Marsh are protected areas, designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These designations aim to preserve the unique habitats and wildlife found in these marshes, while also providing opportunities for people to enjoy and appreciate the natural surroundings.

Visitors can explore the marshes through designated footpaths and bird hides, allowing them to observe the diverse range of birdlife and experience the tranquility of these coastal habitats.

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Anthorn and Cardurnock Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.921095/-3.298483 or Grid Reference NY1659. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moricambe Bay

The seaweed covered shingle at the extreme end of Grune Point, a sand and shingle spit extending north eastwards into Moricambe Bay, the estuary of the Rivers Wampool and Waver. In the background beyond the waters of Moricambe Bay are the masts of Anthorn Radio Station, location of the three National Physical Laboratory atomic clocks.

Adrian Taylor

Triangulation Pillar, Cardurnock

The concrete Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar beside a gorse hedge at Cardurnock. The pillar was constructed in 1952. The flush bracket benchmark number S6939 on the west southwest face of the pillar marks a height of 18.9558m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last levelled for height in 1971 (detail photograph NY1759 : Benchmark, Cardurnock).

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Cardurnock

Detail of the flush bracket benchmark on the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar at Cardurnock. The flush bracket, benchmark number S6938, is on the west southwest face of the pillar and marks a height of 18.9558m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn), last levelled for height in 1971 (location photograph NY1759 : Triangulation Pillar, Cardurnock).

Adrian Taylor