Clay Ridge

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Lancashire Barrow-in-Furness

England

Clay Ridge

Piel Island and Castle, Barrow-in-Furness Credit: Simon Ledingham

Clay Ridge, located in Lancashire, England, is a unique coastal marshland characterized by its vast expanse of saltings. This area stretches along the coastline for several kilometers, providing a diverse and fascinating landscape for both locals and visitors to explore.

The marshland is primarily composed of clay soil, giving rise to its name. This clay soil is rich in nutrients and supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. The saltings, which are salt marshes, are formed by the regular flooding of seawater during high tides. This creates a unique ecosystem that is home to numerous species of plants and animals that have adapted to the saline environment.

Clay Ridge boasts a stunning array of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The marshland is adorned with vibrant salt-tolerant plants such as sea lavender, sea purslane, and glasswort. These plants provide food and shelter for a plethora of bird species, including wading birds like curlews, redshanks, and avocets. Additionally, the marshes are inhabited by various insects, amphibians, and small mammals.

The landscape of Clay Ridge, with its rolling dunes and expansive mudflats, offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Irish Sea. The area is perfect for leisurely walks, birdwatching, and photography. It also serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, as they stopover during their long journeys.

Overall, Clay Ridge in Lancashire is a captivating coastal marshland that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature. Its clay soil, saltings, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and enriching outdoor experience.

Show me another place!

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

Clay Ridge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.057632/-3.1482461 or Grid Reference SD2463. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Piel Island and Castle, Barrow-in-Furness

Simon Ledingham

Shelly Bars, South Walney Nature Reserve

Looking north towards Piel Castle

Chris Upson

Piel Castle

Looking East from Fouldrey Stones. A popular summer destination for visiting and local sailors. Site of spectacular sun-sets

Arnold Price

Sunset over Barrow in Furness

Arnold Price

Safely Ashore

The head of the landing on Piel Island

Arnold Price

Seal colony on South Walney

This colony of Grey Seals has been gradually expanding over the past few years, currently well over 70 can be seen hauled out on the sands

Anthony Sinton

Bass Pool

There were numerous seals swimming in the water at the time of the photograph, one can be seen centre right. There is a rich source of food for marine life hereabouts, brought in on strong tides which was making at this time. Bass Pool is no longer navigable as it dries at its NW end about half tide on the ebb. It is understood that it was the main channel through to Barrow in Furness many years ago. The main channel now passes to the east of the island which has been known for many years as Piel Harbour.

Arnold Price

Disused pier on the north shore of Walney Island

Shingle beach with a sand spit behind, part of Snab Sands. The disused pier at North East Point runs broadly parallel with the beach. Piel Castle on Piel Island is visible on the horizon (in SD2363)

Espresso Addict

View to Piel Castle from North East Point

View NNE from the track at the north-east corner of Walney Island towards Piel Island and Piel Castle (SD2363). Bass Pool lies between the sands of North East Point and Piel Island, with Piel Harbour beyond

Espresso Addict

Shelly Bars

Shelly Bars is part of the South Walney Nature Reserve, and is not accessible to the public. An extensive area of salt marsh (foreground) divides the main Walney Island from Shelly Bars. View from the hide near North East Point

Espresso Addict

Shelly Bars and North East Point

Shelly Bars is part of the South Walney Nature Reserve, and is not accessible to the public. This view from the hide near North East Point shows the northern end of the sand bar. An oyster catcher is visible in the salt marsh (right foreground)

Espresso Addict

Piel Island and Castle

Piel Island with ruined castle can be accessed via a ferry from Roa Island.

Malcolm Carruthers

The view from the pier head bird hide

Steve Fareham

Stone Shelter on Foulney Island

Black Combe is the hill in the background

Stephen Middlemiss

Blockhouse on Foulney Island

A trail marked by posts and blue rope should be followed so as not to disturb nesting birds

Stephen Middlemiss

Stone Shelter on Foulney Island

This photo was taken 3 years after the first one in this square Link , note half of the near side of the shelter has disappeared, probably due to erosion as the shingle it sits on is gradually washed away during high tides.

Stephen Middlemiss