Ragman Ridge

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Lancashire Barrow-in-Furness

England

Ragman Ridge

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

Ragman Ridge is a picturesque coastal marsh and saltings located in Lancashire, England. Situated along the coastline, it spans a vast area of approximately 100 acres, providing a unique and diverse landscape for visitors to explore.

The ridge itself is characterized by its sandy dunes, which offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. These dunes act as a natural barrier, protecting the marshland and saltings from the powerful tides of the Irish Sea. The ridge is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The marshland at Ragman Ridge is a sight to behold, with its lush green vegetation and tranquil pools of water. The area is rich in biodiversity, attracting a wide range of bird species, including waders, ducks, and geese. It is not uncommon to spot rare and migratory birds here, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The saltings, located adjacent to the marshland, are characterized by their salt-tolerant plants and unique brackish water. This briny environment is a haven for various species of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is also home to a diverse range of flora, such as samphire and sea lavender.

Ragman Ridge offers visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty through designated walking trails and observation points. The area is well-maintained, with informative signage providing educational insights into the various habitats and their inhabitants.

Overall, Ragman Ridge in Lancashire is a haven for nature lovers, offering a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of coastal marshes and saltings. Its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and peaceful ambience make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to connect with nature.

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Ragman Ridge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.058907/-3.153109 or Grid Reference SD2463. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Piel Island and Castle, Barrow-in-Furness
Piel Island and Castle, Barrow-in-Furness
South East Point, Walney Island A conglomerate spur of rock
South East Point, Walney Island
A conglomerate spur of rock
Shelly Bars, South Walney Nature Reserve Looking north towards Piel Castle
Shelly Bars, South Walney Nature Reserve
Looking north towards Piel Castle
South Walney Nature Reserve Looking towards Walney Lighthouse.
South Walney Nature Reserve
Looking towards Walney Lighthouse.
Piel Castle Looking East from Fouldrey Stones. A popular summer destination for visiting and local sailors. Site of spectacular sun-sets
Piel Castle
Looking East from Fouldrey Stones. A popular summer destination for visiting and local sailors. Site of spectacular sun-sets
Sunset over Barrow in Furness
Sunset over Barrow in Furness
Safely Ashore The head of the landing on Piel Island
Safely Ashore
The head of the landing on Piel Island
Spirit of Ecstasy The West beach of Piel Island at low water
Spirit of Ecstasy
The West beach of Piel Island at low water
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
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
Roa Island slipway The slipway to the ferry to Piel Island (in distance). The lifeboat station is to the left of picture.
Roa Island slipway
The slipway to the ferry to Piel Island (in distance). The lifeboat station is to the left of picture.
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.
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.
Beacon on Foulney Island Roa island and lifeboat station in background
Beacon on Foulney Island
Roa island and lifeboat station in background
Sands by the north shore of Walney Island The muddy foreshore in the west of the gridsquare (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/839330">SD2262 : North shore of Walney Island</a>) gradually gives way to a sand spit, part of Snab Sands. This view from the track around the South Walney Nature Reserve is near the disused pier
Sands by the north shore of Walney Island
The muddy foreshore in the west of the gridsquare (see SD2262 : North shore of Walney Island) gradually gives way to a sand spit, part of Snab Sands. This view from the track around the South Walney Nature Reserve is near the disused pier
Eider duck colony at South Walney Nature Reserve The South Walney Nature Reserve contains the most southerly eider duck breeding colony in Britain, which use the lagoons of the oyster farm. The black birds are immature. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/839385">SD2262 : Eider duck colony: close up</a>
Eider duck colony at South Walney Nature Reserve
The South Walney Nature Reserve contains the most southerly eider duck breeding colony in Britain, which use the lagoons of the oyster farm. The black birds are immature. See also SD2262 : Eider duck colony: close up
Track to Walney Lighthouse Private track to Walney Lighthouse. The area east of the South Walney Nature Reserve track is not accessible to visitors
Track to Walney Lighthouse
Private track to Walney Lighthouse. The area east of the South Walney Nature Reserve track is not accessible to visitors
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SD2363">SD2363</a>)
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)
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 (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SD2363">SD2363</a>). Bass Pool lies between the sands of North East Point and Piel Island, with Piel Harbour beyond
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
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Ragman Ridge is located at Grid Ref: SD2463 (Lat: 54.058907, Lng: -3.153109)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Barrow-in-Furness

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///streamers.land.lorry. Near Barrow in Furness, Cumbria

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