Anthorn Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Anthorn Marsh

Channel of River Wampool Channel of River Wampool near Anthorn. — Channel of River Wampool Credit: Colin Kinnear

Anthorn Marsh, located in Cumberland, is a picturesque coastal marshland characterized by its vast expanse of salt marshes and saltings. Situated along the Solway Firth, this unique ecosystem spans an area of approximately 250 hectares and is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna.

The marsh is primarily composed of muddy and sandy substrates, rich in minerals and nutrients that support a thriving ecosystem. Its proximity to the sea allows for the regular influx of saltwater, creating a brackish environment that is home to a variety of salt-tolerant plant species. These include samphire, sea lavender, and glasswort, which form dense patches of vegetation across the marsh.

The marsh also serves as an important habitat for a wide array of bird species. It is a favored breeding ground for waders such as redshanks, lapwings, and oystercatchers. Additionally, during the winter months, thousands of migratory birds flock to the marsh, including pink-footed geese and whooper swans. The area's grassy salt marshes provide ideal foraging grounds for these birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Anthorn Marsh is not only a haven for wildlife but also plays a crucial role in coastal protection. The dense vegetation and intricate network of channels and creeks help absorb and dissipate wave energy, reducing the risk of erosion and flooding along the coastline.

Overall, Anthorn Marsh is a biodiverse and ecologically significant coastal marshland, offering a sanctuary for numerous plant and bird species, as well as playing a vital role in preserving the coastal landscape.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Anthorn Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.911069/-3.2597084 or Grid Reference NY1958. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Channel of River Wampool

Channel of River Wampool near Anthorn.

Colin Kinnear

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).

Houses in Anthorn

The road to Whitrigg

Waver Road - Anthorn

Anthorn Social Club

Open land on Bowness Common

The common here is open land with low scrubby vegetation. The Anthorn antenna masts (outside this square) dominate the local landscape and are visible in the distance in this picture.

Phil Davies

View towards Anthorn from Bowness Common

The Common here is open heathland with patches of birch. The rooves of Anthorn (in grid squares to the south) are visible on the skyline.

Phil Davies

Bowness Common: view towards Rogersceugh

Open featureless peaty heathland on Bowness Common. This view east towards Rogersceugh farm (in NY2159) shows the boundary between heath and agricultural land near the east side of this square.

Phil Davies

The estuary of the River Wampool at Anthorn

The tidal channel of the river is here heading roughly northwards before turning to the west and then south on its way to the Solway Firth. The eastern end of Anthorn is in the background.

Andrew Smith

Newton Marsh

The marsh is mostly dry grassland and is probably grazed from time to time, but is subject to occasional tidal inundation. This area is certainly not as wet as suggested by the Ordnance Survey. Here it is crossed by three parallel barbed-wire fences. The village of Anthorn can be seen beyond the hidden River Wampool.

Andrew Smith