Whan Scar

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Dumfriesshire

Scotland

Whan Scar

Bowness-on-Solway The narrow main road through Bowness-on-Solway.
Bowness-on-Solway Credit: Colin Kinnear

Whan Scar is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Situated along the Solway Firth, it covers an area of approximately [insert size] and is known for its unique ecological characteristics.

The marshland is characterized by its brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and saltwater. This creates a diverse and rich habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The saltings, or salt marshes, are particularly important as they provide a breeding ground for many bird species, including waders and wildfowl.

The landscape of Whan Scar is dominated by salt-tolerant plants such as samphire, sea lavender, and sea aster. These plants thrive in the marshy conditions and provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and other wildlife. The area is also home to rare plant species like the Scottish primrose.

Birdwatchers flock to Whan Scar throughout the year to observe the diverse birdlife. Species such as redshanks, oystercatchers, and curlews can be seen foraging along the muddy shores, especially during the winter months when migratory birds seek refuge in the area.

Whan Scar is also part of a larger conservation effort to protect and preserve the Solway Firth's coastal habitats. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance, and various management practices are in place to maintain its unique biodiversity.

Visitors to Whan Scar can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take part in guided nature walks, and learn about the importance of preserving this fragile coastal ecosystem.

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Whan Scar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.965176/-3.2221954 or Grid Reference NY2164. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowness-on-Solway The narrow main road through Bowness-on-Solway.
Bowness-on-Solway
The narrow main road through Bowness-on-Solway.
Solway Saltmarsh It looks as if the sea has been making inroads into the saltmarsh here, leaving tongues of marsh vegetation a foot or so above the sand.
Solway Saltmarsh
It looks as if the sea has been making inroads into the saltmarsh here, leaving tongues of marsh vegetation a foot or so above the sand.
Shore at Barwick Brow At the edge of the tidal sands here are remnant tongues of what must have been a more extensive saltmarsh.
Shore at Barwick Brow
At the edge of the tidal sands here are remnant tongues of what must have been a more extensive saltmarsh.
All Roads Lead to Rome The relevance here, of course, is that this is the site of the Roman fort of Maia, which was at the western end of Hadrian's Wall.
All Roads Lead to Rome
The relevance here, of course, is that this is the site of the Roman fort of Maia, which was at the western end of Hadrian's Wall.
Bowness-on-Solway - St Michael's Church
Bowness-on-Solway - St Michael's Church
Bowness-on-Solway - Cabin at start of Hadrian's Wall Path It is feasible to park at Burgh by Sands and walk to Carlisle then catch a bus to Bowness-on-Solway then walk back which gives the option of cutting the walk short if the weather is bad.
Bowness-on-Solway - Cabin at start of Hadrian's Wall Path
It is feasible to park at Burgh by Sands and walk to Carlisle then catch a bus to Bowness-on-Solway then walk back which gives the option of cutting the walk short if the weather is bad.
Wesleyan Chapel, Bowness-on-Solway The foundation stone of the chapel -

WESLEYAN
HOME MISSION CHAPEL
BUILT BY
WILLIAM TOPPING
OF BOWNESS
1872
Wesleyan Chapel, Bowness-on-Solway
The foundation stone of the chapel - WESLEYAN HOME MISSION CHAPEL BUILT BY WILLIAM TOPPING OF BOWNESS 1872
Chapel, Bowness-on-Solway A small Wesleyan Chapel on the south side of the main street passing through the village, built in 1872, and now a private residence.
Chapel, Bowness-on-Solway
A small Wesleyan Chapel on the south side of the main street passing through the village, built in 1872, and now a private residence.
Path at Bowness-on-Solway Leading between houses, over the line of Hadrian's Wall, to the western end of the wall, the start of the National Trail, and a lookout and information point.
Path at Bowness-on-Solway
Leading between houses, over the line of Hadrian's Wall, to the western end of the wall, the start of the National Trail, and a lookout and information point.
National Trails - Hadrian's Wall Path A cast information panel, now somewhat weathered but still readable, with much information about the Roman occupation of the area at the western end of the wall. Part of The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
National Trails - Hadrian's Wall Path
A cast information panel, now somewhat weathered but still readable, with much information about the Roman occupation of the area at the western end of the wall. Part of The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
The Solway Firth Looking north from Bowness-on-Solway, about 2.6km across the firth, towards Annan. This was the lowest point at which it was feasible to ford the Solway Firth.
The Solway Firth
Looking north from Bowness-on-Solway, about 2.6km across the firth, towards Annan. This was the lowest point at which it was feasible to ford the Solway Firth.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [1] One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [1]
One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [2] One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [2]
One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [3] One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Welcome to the Banks, Bowness-on-Solway [3]
One of three panels with much interesting information about the area - history [from the Ice Age, through the Bronze Age, the Roman Occupation, the mediaeval period to the present], natural history, the National Trail and much more.
Wildlife mosaic at The Banks, Bowness-on-Solway A mosaic showing waders and water birds of the Solway area. It was composed from drawings by children from Bowness Primary School and  made by the artist Gilly Watson. It is in the shelter at the western end of Hadrian's Wall path.
Wildlife mosaic at The Banks, Bowness-on-Solway
A mosaic showing waders and water birds of the Solway area. It was composed from drawings by children from Bowness Primary School and made by the artist Gilly Watson. It is in the shelter at the western end of Hadrian's Wall path.
Hadrian's Wall National Trail The start of the trail for eastbound walkers at Bowness-on-Solway. The shelter contains information about the area.
Hadrian's Wall National Trail
The start of the trail for eastbound walkers at Bowness-on-Solway. The shelter contains information about the area.
Fort Maia, Bowness-on-Solway Entrance to Garrison Bistro and Visitor Centre at Bowness-on-Solway.
Fort Maia, Bowness-on-Solway
Entrance to Garrison Bistro and Visitor Centre at Bowness-on-Solway.
The Solway Firth Looking northwest across the water towards Annan.
The Solway Firth
Looking northwest across the water towards Annan.
Show me another place!

Whan Scar is located at Grid Ref: NY2164 (Lat: 54.965176, Lng: -3.2221954)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///inches.savings.height. Near Annan, Dumfries & Galloway

Nearby Locations

Gowkesk Rig Whan Scar

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