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Warton Sands

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Lancashire Lancaster

England

Warton Sands

The Remains of Walduck's Wall Near Jenny Brown's point there exists what is left of Walduck's Wall, an attempt to reclaim an area of land between the point and Carnforth: work began on the project in 1877 and ceased in 1879, and the stones were hidden under the bay's shifting sands for many years before re-emerging in 1975.
The Remains of Walduck's Wall Credit: Anthony Parkes

Warton Sands is a coastal marsh located in Lancashire, England. It is situated on the southern shore of Morecambe Bay, a large tidal bay in northwestern England. The sands stretch along the coast for approximately 2 miles and are known for their vast expanse of saltmarshes and saltings.

The marshland at Warton Sands is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to the saltwater environment. The saltmarsh is characterized by its dense vegetation, consisting of grasses, herbs, and low-lying shrubs that can withstand the high salinity levels. It provides an important habitat for numerous bird species, including wading birds, ducks, and geese, which can be observed during different seasons.

The tidal nature of Morecambe Bay means that the landscape at Warton Sands is constantly changing. The marshes are submerged during high tide, creating an ever-shifting environment for the flora and fauna. At low tide, a vast expanse of mudflats is exposed, attracting a variety of bird species that feed on the rich invertebrate life dwelling in the mud.

Warton Sands is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those interested in exploring the unique coastal environment. Visitors can enjoy walks along the shoreline, observing the diverse wildlife and taking in the breathtaking views of Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside. The area is also known for its tranquility and peacefulness, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature.

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Warton Sands Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.139845/-2.8456604 or Grid Reference SD4471. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Remains of Walduck's Wall Near Jenny Brown's point there exists what is left of Walduck's Wall, an attempt to reclaim an area of land between the point and Carnforth: work began on the project in 1877 and ceased in 1879, and the stones were hidden under the bay's shifting sands for many years before re-emerging in 1975.
The Remains of Walduck's Wall
Near Jenny Brown's point there exists what is left of Walduck's Wall, an attempt to reclaim an area of land between the point and Carnforth: work began on the project in 1877 and ceased in 1879, and the stones were hidden under the bay's shifting sands for many years before re-emerging in 1975.
Tidal Mud Flats and Pile of Stones It is believed that in the mid 19C Silverdale had the potential of becoming a seaport. In order to achieve this objective, a causeway into deeper water was required. The quarry quite close by in the lane provided the stone which when placed on the seabed promptly sank into the mud. Whilst the project was likened to a job creation scheme and provided work for the local inhabitants, it was abandoned some time later and remains for all to see when Neptune decides to uncover it, for it is not always visible, occasionally silted over and revealed again at the whim of the elements.
Tidal Mud Flats and Pile of Stones
It is believed that in the mid 19C Silverdale had the potential of becoming a seaport. In order to achieve this objective, a causeway into deeper water was required. The quarry quite close by in the lane provided the stone which when placed on the seabed promptly sank into the mud. Whilst the project was likened to a job creation scheme and provided work for the local inhabitants, it was abandoned some time later and remains for all to see when Neptune decides to uncover it, for it is not always visible, occasionally silted over and revealed again at the whim of the elements.
Tidal Bore The channels are constantly changing and consequently not shown on the OS map. Here the tidal bore is coming up a channel, one of several such channels in the estuary, on its way to Arnside some 8km away as the tide flows. It took 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach the viaduct at Arnside (shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/324585">SD4579 : Arnside Viaduct</a>) from this point.
Tidal Bore
The channels are constantly changing and consequently not shown on the OS map. Here the tidal bore is coming up a channel, one of several such channels in the estuary, on its way to Arnside some 8km away as the tide flows. It took 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach the viaduct at Arnside (shown in SD4579 : Arnside Viaduct) from this point.
Sea Pink growing on the limestone facing Morecambe Bay
Sea Pink growing on the limestone facing Morecambe Bay
Near Jenny Brown's Point
Near Jenny Brown's Point
The road to nowhere This, presumably man-made, trackbed juts out onto the sands.
The road to nowhere
This, presumably man-made, trackbed juts out onto the sands.
Looking along the foreshore The seaweed covered rocks show the mean tidal height, difficult to believe when you cannot see the sea!
Looking along the foreshore
The seaweed covered rocks show the mean tidal height, difficult to believe when you cannot see the sea!
Morecambe Bay "Sands" This silt, masquerading as sand, is extremely dangerous for the unwary to walk upon. The changing channels, quicksand and swift incoming tide are among the hazards.
Morecambe Bay "Sands"
This silt, masquerading as sand, is extremely dangerous for the unwary to walk upon. The changing channels, quicksand and swift incoming tide are among the hazards.
Flotsam on the shore Unusually this tree trunk has been left here by the tide.
Flotsam on the shore
Unusually this tree trunk has been left here by the tide.
Gone with the wind No prizes for guessing which way the prevailing wind is.
Gone with the wind
No prizes for guessing which way the prevailing wind is.
Road to nowhere The most recent tidal height can be ascertained (colour change on the rocks).
Road to nowhere
The most recent tidal height can be ascertained (colour change on the rocks).
Twister - the effects of wind on tree growth This promontory is very exposed. On a good day it is a popular picnic site.
Twister - the effects of wind on tree growth
This promontory is very exposed. On a good day it is a popular picnic site.
Remains of a former landing stage Presumably part of the old cockle industry (before the advent of 4x4's).
Remains of a former landing stage
Presumably part of the old cockle industry (before the advent of 4x4's).
Looking across Morecambe Bay The empty channels change on a frequent basis making cross bay walking hazardous. Heysham Power Station (I and II) can be seen on the skyline to the right of the picture.
Looking across Morecambe Bay
The empty channels change on a frequent basis making cross bay walking hazardous. Heysham Power Station (I and II) can be seen on the skyline to the right of the picture.
Road to nowhere - half an hour later It is said that the tide comes in here faster than a man can run...
Road to nowhere - half an hour later
It is said that the tide comes in here faster than a man can run...
Close up of the incoming tide The channels fill first, then the main body of water. The fast filling channels are one of the reasons that the bay is so hazardous.
Close up of the incoming tide
The channels fill first, then the main body of water. The fast filling channels are one of the reasons that the bay is so hazardous.
Four in a row These slotted posts, below mean high water, offer no clues as to their previous use.
Four in a row
These slotted posts, below mean high water, offer no clues as to their previous use.
Rising Tide Had this been last week or maybe even seven days on, the tidal bore would be much in evidence. Here, at Jenny Brown's point the Neap tide is making its way up the estuary in front of the limestone glowing warmly in the setting sun.
Rising Tide
Had this been last week or maybe even seven days on, the tidal bore would be much in evidence. Here, at Jenny Brown's point the Neap tide is making its way up the estuary in front of the limestone glowing warmly in the setting sun.
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Warton Sands is located at Grid Ref: SD4471 (Lat: 54.139845, Lng: -2.8456604)

Administrative County: Lancashire

District: Lancaster

Police Authority: Lancashire

What 3 Words

///blanking.dampen.clutches. Near Silverdale, Lancashire

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Warton Sands

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