Protected areas

Protected areas

Overview of Designated Sites

International Designations;

• UNESCO Biosphere
  UNESCO Biosphere designations can be terrestrial (land-based) or marine areas and are aimed at promoting conservation and sustainable use within the outlined area. These sites are internationally recognised but are nominated by the national jurisdictions and remain under national control once designated.
  • Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (Scotland)
• Ramsar Sites
  Sites designated under the Ramsar Wetlands Convention are sites of international importance designated by the UK government. 
  • Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren Ramsar Site (Scotland)
  • Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar Site (Scotland/England)
• Special Protection Areas (SPA)
  SPAs are sites selected to protect certain species and migratory birds under the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) which places member states under a duty to do so. The Bird Directive was originally adopted in 1979, however was amended in 2009, creating Directive 2009/147/EC. SPA sites are classified under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) in England and Scotland, and under the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) in the UK offshore area.
  In Scotland SPAs are classified by Scottish Ministers on advice from NatureScot (NS). In England’s inshore waters classification is undertaken by Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA’s) Secretary of State, with Natural England (NE) recommending SPAs within inshore waters for DEFRA’s consideration. Unlike SACs (discussed below) there is no need to submit SPAs to the EU for approval. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is responsible for identifying potential sites offshore, to be classified. Both NS and NE take scientific advice from the JNCC in determining the sites they will recommend.
  
  • Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren SPA (Scotland)
  • Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA – As of late 2020 this site is now extended and renamed as Solway Firth SPA (Scotland/England)
• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
  SACs are designated under the Habitats Directive (European Council Directive 92/43/EEC), primarily selected for the habitats and species which occur within the designated area. The habitats directive aims to protect a variety of habitats and species which are identified in Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the directive respectively, requiring European Union (EU) member states to designate sites to contribute towards a European network of protected sites. UK SAC sites must be adopted by the EU before they can be designated. Member States must submit a list of potential sites to the European Commission. Once the Commission has listed sites considered to be Sites of Community Importance from the submitted Member States lists, the state then has 6 years to designate the SAC.
  In Scotland, Scottish Ministers designate these sites in the marine environment out to 12 nautical miles. These sites are afforded protection through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) in the inshore region. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) applies to a limited extent in Scotland’s inshore area for specific matters. In England the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) provide for the designation of SACs.
  
  • Luce Bay and Sands SAC (Scotland)
  • Solway Firth SAC (Scotland/England)
  • Mull of Galloway (Scotland, but not considered contributing to MPA network)
• OSPAR Marine Protected Areas
  The OSPAR Convention is focussed on the protection of the marine environment in the North-East Atlantic and also the cooperation of the contracting parties. Decisions made by the OSPAR Commission are legally binding on contracting parties, but the commission also provides recommendations and agreements. A recommendation was adopted in 2003 for establishing an ‘ecologically coherent‘ network of MPAs across the North-East Atlantic. This recommendation sought MPAs to; protect and restore, prevent damage (using the precautionary principle), and conserve a range of species, habitats and ecological processes. The establishment of collectively protected sites in areas beyond national jurisdiction forms part of this OSPAR MPA network. Sites in UK waters are nominated to the OSPAR Commission by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (for the whole of the UK including crown dependencies). Nominated sites already form all or part of a SAC, SPA, Marine Conservation Zone (England) or Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (Scotland) and continue to be managed by the appropriate agency. Although these sites overlap other designations within the Solway they will not be looked at in depth as they are an additional designation on-top of the existing one. Explore the OSPAR Commission MPA datasets for more information on specific sites. Some of these sites cover the same area of the Solway, adding additional evidence for protection when they are highlighted.

Table data source; OSPAR Commission (n.d.)

*Please note that the area of this site is reported differently on the OSPAR Commission MPA datasets and in the 2018 Status Report (OSPAR Commission, 2019)

National Designations;

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – England only designation
  AONBs are designated for unique landscape features, making them valuable assets which need protected. In England AONB sites are designated by Natural England, and the management bodies responsible for the areas do not have planning powers. The roles and responsibilities in terms of AONBs are set out in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
  • Solway Coast AONB 
• Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) – England only designation
  MCZs are designated under The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. They are designated for the conservation of special features in the marine environment, and can be within England’s inshore (out to 12 nautical miles) or offshore (from 12 nautical miles to the marine boundary limit). 
  • Allonby Bay MCZ
  • Cumbria Coast MCZ
  • Solway Firth MCZ
•  Marine Protected Areas (MPA)- Scotland only designation
  Scottish MPAs include sites designated for conservation of marine features, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), SPAs and SACs. It is the overarching term used for designated marine areas. However, the Scottish Government also has the power to designate MPAs which are not covered by other designations by the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 out to 12 nautical miles, and offshore Scottish waters through The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. MPAs can be designated for nature conservation, historical, or research purposes.
  • Clyde Sea Sill MPA (Nature Conservation MPA)
• National Nature Reserves (NNR)
  NNRs are designated by NS/NE in Scotland/England respectively, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but can be owned and managed under a variety of bodies such as, but not limited to; NE, NS, The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), or local authorities. See more about NNRs in Scotland here, and in England here. The Caerlaverock NNR on the Scottish side of the inner Solway is managed by NS and the South Solway Mosses site, on the English side, is managed by NE. There are several NNRs on the English side of the Solway within close proximity of the firth; Drumburgh Moss, Finglandrigg Moss and Thornhill Moss and Meadows, but are not strictly on the Solway coast.
  

  Jurisdiction	Name	Area	Date of Designation
  Scotland	Caerlaverock	80km²	1957
  England	South Solway Mosses	10km²	–

• National Scenic Areas (NSA) – Scotland only designation
  NSAs are similar designations to AONB designations in England, and gained a statutory basis through the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. Under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (As Amended) the Scottish Ministers may designate an area a NSA by direction, but must consult as outlined in this act before issuing said direction. NSAs have been recognised since 1980 within the planning system, having first been identified in 1978. These sites are designated for their scenic value to be protected from unsuitable development. This designation covers seascapes, in addition to landscapes, and therefore cover marine areas. Each of the sites in Dumfries and Galloway have a marine space covered by the designation, and each site has current management strategies available here.
  

  Name	Total Area (Land and Marine area)
  East Stewartry Coast	45km²
  Fleet Valley	53km²
  Nith Estuary	93km²

  Table Data Source; Dumfries and Galloway Council (2019)

• The National Trust (England) and The National Trust for Scotland (Scotland)
  The National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland aquire, among other things, land for protecting natural and historic areas. Although they are charities which purchase or rent the areas they manage, the National Trust and National Trust for Scotland have the statutory power to declare land ‘inalienable‘. This means that the land cannot be compulsory purchased, or mortgaged without the Trust’s agreement unless a special parliamentary procedure is followed. Areas can also be gifted to the National Trust and National Trust for Scotland. This is how the National Trust for Scotland came to acquire the Murray Isles, which were gifted in 1991.
  • Whitehaven Colourful Coast (England)
  • Rockcliffe and Rough Island (Scotland)
  • Murray Isles (Scotland)

• Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)
  LNRs are statutory reserves selected, designated, and managed by local authorities under s.21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (as amended) for both Scotland and England.
  

  Jurisdiction	Name	Area	Date of Designation
  Scotland	Wigtown Bay	28.2128km²	25.03.1996

Table Data Source; Sitelink (n.d.k).

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  In Scotland SSSI is a statutory designation under Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and are designated by NatureScot (NS). In England, SSSIs are statutory designations, designated under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) by Natural England (NE). This designation is considered the foundational building block of further designations. These sites can be designated for geological or biological features, as well as flora or fauna, so are wide ranging. They can be designated on privately owned land. For detailed information on these sites visit NS Sitelink for Scottish sites, and NE site list for English sites. These sites are given certain protection over damaging activities including development. 

  Jurisdiction	Name	Area	Date of Designation
  England/Scotland	Upper Solway Flats and Marshes (England) Upper Solway Flats and Marshes (Scotland)	English Area; 129.5025km² Scottish Area; 248.92km²	England; 06.06.1988 Scotland; 06.06.1988
  England	Silloth Dunes and Mawbray Banks	1.898992km²	30.01.1991
  	River Eden and Tributaries	24.48626km²	29.05.1997
  	Maryport Harbour	0.036079km²	18.12.1989
  	St Bees Head	1.572402km²	28.11.1995
  Scotland	Corsewall Point to Milleur Point	0.8328km²	11.03.1994
  	Salt Pans Bay	0.2769km²	20.12.1988
  	Morroch Bay	0.1146km²	03.07.1990
  	Grennan Bay	0.0636km²	29.09.1989
  	Port Logan	0.0421km²	26.08.1988
  	Mull of Galloway	1.3717km²	19.03.1987
  	Scare Rocks	0.0181km²	30.04.1986
  	Torrs Warren – Luce Sands	23.1814km²	23.08.1985
  	Back Bay to Carghidown	2.3051km²	14.10.1988
  	West Burrow Head	0.0234km²	29.09.1989
  	Isle of Whithorn Bay	0.0296km²	09.03.1990
  	Cruggleton Bay	0.0135km²	29.09.1989
  	Cree Estuary	34.4188km²	31.03.1987
  	Ravenshall Wood	0.4113km²	10.05.2018
  	Borgue Coast	7.3056km²	17.06.1988
  	Shoulder o’ Craig	0.0259km²	17.06.1988
  	Torrs to Mason’s Walk	1.6141km²	31.03.1987
  	Abbey Burn Foot to Balcary Point	1.8116km²	17.06.1988
  	Auchencairn and Orchardton Bays	1.7713km²	17.06.1988
  	Port o’ Warren	0.054km²	21.05.1990

Table Data Source; Sitelink (n.d.a). & Natural England Website (n.d.a).

Non-statutory Designations;

• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sites (RSPB)
  RSPB is a voluntary organisation. RSPB reserves are generally owned or leased long-term by the RSPB and open to the public.
  

  Jurisdiction	Name	Area	Date Purchased/rented
  England	Campfield Marsh	3.35km²	1987 – site purchased
  	St Bees Head	–	–
  Scotland	Mull of Galloway (Including Scare Rocks)	–	2013 – site purchased through community buyout. Mull of Galloway Trust owns and operates the RSPB visitor Centre
  	Crook of Baldoon	1.96km²	2010 – site purchased
  	Mersehead	0.5 – 1km²	–
  	Kirkconnell Merse	–	–

  Table Data Source; RSPB Website (n.d.)

• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserves (WWT)
  WWT is a charitable organisation which protects areas of high wildlife value which they own or lease long term. They have a total of 10 sites throughout the UK.

  Jurisdiction	Name	Area	Date opened
  Scotland	Caerlaverock	5.87km²	1970

  Table Data Source; Wetland Link International (2012)

• Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserves (CWT) – Cumbria only
  

CWT is a voluntary conservation and wildlife organisation which operates sites around Cumbria looking to connect people to nature in addition to protecting it.
The CWT works in partnership with a variety of wildlife organisations to campaign for wildlife protection and appreciation. This CWT campaigning includes land based wildlife conservation, and ‘Living Seas – Marine Conservation‘.

Table Data Source; Cumbria Wildlife Trusts Website (n.d.)

• Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves (SWT) – Scotland only
  SWT is focussed on protecting Scotland’s nature. They manage around 120 reserves throughout Scotland, two of which are on the Scottish coast of the Solway Firth, with one close to Carsethorn (Drummains Reedbed), and the other located between Caulkerbush and Sandyhills (Southwick Coast). SWT reserves vary in management methods based on the reasons for protection.
  • Drummains Reedbed
  • Southwick Coast
• Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) – England/ Local Nature Conservation Site (LNCS) – Scotland
  LWSs and LNCSs are selected for their local nature conservation value. These sites are locally selected, and are publicly or privately owned.
  In Scotland, these sites are identified by groups (such as SWT, or local groups) or the local authority, and then assessed by the local authority. If they are adopted the sites are included in planning documents to indicate that there are features, of at least local importance, to consider when planning for the outlined area.

• Heritage Coast
  Heritage Coasts are defined (not designated) by agreement between local authorities and Natural England in order to protect undeveloped coastline areas in England. The English National Planning Policy Framework protects heritage coasts through paragraph 114, meaning local authorities should maintain these areas.
  • St Bees Head Heritage Coast
• Geological Conservation Review (GCR)
  These sites are outlined as being of geological importance in Britain, forming the basis of geological and geomorphological site protection. These sites are often given statutory protection through SSSI designations due to their geological qualifying features. There are several GCR sites around the Solway Firth, for more information on GCR sites see the NatureScot or Joint Nature Conservation Committee webpages.

Protected areas

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Core Area: 106.58km²
Buffer Zone: 845.23km²
Transitional Area: 4317.07km²

Designated date: 2012

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, and all biospheres, work towards conservation, learning and development, as well as committing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The designation does not provide any rules in itself but rather drives and encourages change and is administered by an independent partnership which works on behalf of the businesses and people within the biosphere.

Coastal areas on the Scottish side of the Solway are part of the ‘Transitional area’, from Piltanton Burn to Kirkcudbright. The designation does not extend into the water of the Firth and so is included for readers information, although is of limited relevance. 

Protected areas

Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar Site & Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Ramsar site;

Area: 436.2673km²

Designated date: 30.11.1992

This Ramsar site spans the Scottish and English sides of the innermost area of the Solway Firth and is designated under the Ramsar Convention for internationally important wetlands sites. As well as hosting rare species and geological exposures, this site also features internationally important saltmarshes (known as ‘merse’ in Scotland) with well represented broad transitions to mature ‘upper-marsh’. This area also forms one of the largest areas of continuous intertidal habitat in Britain.

The area designated as a Ramsar site provides an important habitat for wintering wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans) and waders. The site is important for migrating waterbirds, and is also an important area for the natterjack toad.

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.f). & SiteLink (n.d.g).

Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SSSIs;

The Upper Solway Flats and Marshes is one SSSI site which is designated by NS and NE on their respective side of the Solway.

SSSI (Scotland);

Area: 248.92km²

Designated date: 06.06.1988

A map of the Scottish area of the SSSI available here from Scotland’s National Marine Plan Interactive, with layers (links will provide usage licence, data provider, etc); ‘Solway Region (mask)‘ © Crown Copyright, All rights reserved, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) contributing to the MPA network (SNH WMS) (OSCP) © Crown Copyright, All rights reserved

The flats and marshes of the Upper Solway Firth form the third largest continuous areas of intertidal habitat in Britain. As previously mentioned there are a variety of internationally, and nationally important habitats and species within the shifting sandbanks, scars and rocky shore, of the inner Solway Firth.

The Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SSSI is a NS designated site and seeking to maintain species and habitats within the area, in addition to sustainable fishing practices.

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.h). & SiteLink (n.d.i).

SSSI (England);

Area: 129.5025km²

Designated date: 06.06.1988

The English side of the inner Solway is designated as a SSSI by NE. There is a wide variety of habitats and species which are of importance to this designation.

Table Data Source; Natural England (n.d.d).

Table Data Source; Natural England (n.d.e).

Protected areas

Solway Firth Special Area of Conservation, Solway Firth Special Protection Area

These sites overlap the Ramsar designation and also the SSSI designations (detailed above). The SAC and the previous Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA sites are collectively known as the Solway European Marine Site. The Solway Firth European Marine Site arises from the dual protected of co-occurring SPA and SAC designations under the Birds and Habitats Directives, respectively. The EMS extends 436.7616km².

These two designations reflect the value of the habitats in the area, including mudflats, reefs, and  saltmarsh (merse), in addition to the presence of a variety of bird species. The term European Marine Site covers areas designated as both a SAC and SPA which are covered by tidal waters.

Solway Firth SAC;

Area: 436.7616km²

Designated date: 17.03.2005

This site is managed by NS and NE. 

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.d).

Solway Firth SPA;

Area: 1357.49km²

Designated date: 03.12.20

The Solway Firth SPA includes the previously designated Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA site (designated in 1992) and the SPA at Rockcliffe Marsh (designated 1986).

The SPA supports a wide variety of bird species highlighted in the table below, along with virtually all of the Svalbard population of Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) over the winter. This site is managed by NS and NE. 

It was announced in December 2020 that the proposed SPA (pSPA) was designated. First proposed in 2016 the new Solway Firth SPA includes the previously named Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA and a significantly larger area of the Solway Firth than the original SPA. Over 125,000 seabirds will benefit from this extension according to the UK Government Press Release announcing the extension. Marine Scotland also announced the extension on the same day among other SPA designations and 4 new MPAs. This site supports Annex 1 species of European Importance, and other migratory populations of European importance. A map of the extended proposed SPA area can be seen here. The map shows that the extension covers the vast majority of the English side of the Solway Firth, with the new SPA extending down to Whitehaven. The size of the SPA was more than doubled with this extension, from 436.7826km² to 1357.49km².

There are five Annex I species (Directive 2009/147/EC) of European importance, non-breeding, which are regularly supported by the Solway Firth SPA; red-throated diver, whooper swans, Svalbard barnacle geese, golden plover, and bar-tailed godwit.

After the extension a new page was created within NatureScot’s SiteLink webpage, all of the features are listed as having ‘no negative pressures’ and as ‘condition not assessed’ as of February 2021.

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.g), SiteLink (n.d.h) & NatureScot (2020).

Protected areas

Luce Bay and Sands Special Area of Conservation

Luce Bay and Sands Special Area of Conservation;

Area: 487.5299km²

Designated date: 17.03.2005

Luce Bay and Sands was designated as a SAC to protect the large and shallow (0-10m depth) bay and inlet which features sand dunes. The bay deepens to 20m at the mouth of Luce Bay, at the SPA boundary, and supports a variety of animals and plants as a result of the variable sized boulders, deep sediments and mobile fringing sands located within the bay.

The JNCC provides the following overview of the species which can be found in the habitats present in Luce Bay;

‘Most of the intertidal area of the bay comprises small boulders, often resting on sediment. Some larger boulders on the lower shores have spaces beneath and between them which provide shelter for false Irish moss Mastocarpus stellatus and permit rich under-boulder communities to develop, including ascidians, sponges and crustose coralline algae. In the subtidal area mixed boulders and sediment harbour a shallow-water community of sparse kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) and sea-oak (Halidrys siliquosa), red algae and the dahlia anemone Urticina felina, typical of sand-influenced hard substrata. Much of the central part of Luce Bay consists of slightly deeper-water sediments that support a rich community of polychaete worms, bivalves, echinoderms, brittlestars, particularly Ophiura spp. The holothurian Labidoplax digitata has also been recorded in the bay. At Mull of Galloway in the west and Scare Rocks near the seaward boundary of the bay, tide-swept rocky reefs support L. hyperborea on shallow sublittoral rocks and very rich sponge- and hydroid-dominated communities below 10 m.’ (JNCC website, nd)

Given the reliance on Luce Bay for fishing there is The Inshore Fishing (Prohibited Methods of Fishing) (Luce Bay) Order 2015 which establishes three separate areas of the Luce Bay Area where mechanical dredging is permitted within defined time periods. This site is managed by NS. A survey was carried out in 2012/13 by NatureScot on the marine features within the Luce Bay and Sands Special Area of Conservation. The report is available here. 

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.c). & SiteLink (n.d.e).

Protected areas

Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren Ramsar site, Special Protection Area, and Site of Special Scientific Interest

The Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren SPA and Ramsar sites are comprised of two separate areas, a large eutrophic freshwater loch (Loch of Inch or White Loch) and a nearby area of foreshore and dunes (Torrs Warren). A similar area is also covered by the Torrs Warren – Luce Sands SSSI site.

Ramsar site;

Area: 21.1139km²

Designated date: 02.02.1999

The Ramsar site qualifies by regularly supporting, in winter, an internationally important number of Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and is also recognised for its sand dunes.

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.a). & Sitelink (n.d.c).

Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren SPA;

Area: 21.105km²

Designated date: 02.02.1999

This site is designated as a SPA by regularly supporting, in winter, an internationally important number of Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) and a nationally important number of hen harriers (Circus cyaneus). This site is managed by NS.

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.b). & Sitelink (n.d.d), NatureScot (1999)

Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren SSSI;

Area: 23.1814km²

Designated date: 23.08.1985

Table Data Source; Scotland’s Environment Website (n.d.e). & SiteLink (n.d.j).

Protected areas

Cumbria Coast Marine Conservation Zone, St Bees Head Site of Special Scientific Interest, Heritage Coast & RSPB site

Cumbria Coast Marine Conservation Zone;

Area: 22km² 

Designated date: 21.11.2013

Extension Designated Date: 31.05.2019

This is an inshore site that is partially within the English Solway but extends beyond the Solway Firth, stretching from south of Whitehaven, around the cliffs at St Bees Head, to the mouth of the Ravenglass Estuary. The surrounding area is particularly important for seabirds with an estimated 10,000 breeding seabirds thought to be present. The MCZ partially overlaps with a SSSI, which protects seabird nesting areas. The area was extended in May 2019 following concern was expressed that it did not do enough to protect the foraging grounds of seabirds and the additional bird feature of razorbill (Alca torda) was added. The extended MCZ boundaries apply to razorbill only, all other features still apply to the original, 2013, boundaries.

Table Data Source; Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2019a).

St Bees Head SSSI;

Area: 1.572402km²

Designated date: 28.11.1995

St Bees Head SSSI is the most westerly point on the Cumbrian coast, approximately 1km southwest of Whitehaven. This SSSI includes a variety of habitats, but notably sheer cliffs, which house a variety of bird species, and is the only breeding site for black guillemots in England, within the St Bees Head RSPB Reserve. The populations are monitored as part of the JNCC’s Seabird Monitoring Programme (See Birds). The site is known to be used by a variety of birds, including the rock pipit (only known to breed in two sites in Cumbria)

Table Data Source; Natural England (n.d.b).

Table data source; Natural England (n.d.c).

St Bees Head Heritage Coast;

Area: 6km length of the coast 

Designated date: 1992

Unlike National Parks and AONBs, Heritage Coasts are non-statutory. They are an agreement between NE, the local authority and landowners. Seeking to protect, conserve and enhance the natural flora, fauna, and heritage features of the area. 

St Bees Head features dramatic red sandstone cliffs and is home to a variety of species and is a nesting seabird habitat of high value. Other features of the designated Heritage Coast area include coastal heath, farmland, and worked land with evidence of the quarrying and mining history of the area, all of which add to the cultural landscape of the area.

The value of this area has been reflected in this area forming part of England’s coast path (North-west section three) which has been approved but is not yet open as of Feb 2020 (you can check here for updates on progress), and also the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Cycle Route which has a start/end point at St Bees as well as Whitehaven. St Bees is the start of the Alfred Wainwright Coast to Coast walk founded in 1973. Since 2009 the Colourful Coast Partnership has been in place along the 10km coastal area between Whitehaven and St Bees Head. This partnership seeks to  improve aspects of this coastal area in terms of infrastructure, access, enjoyment, and awareness. 

In 2015 a proposal began to extend the Heritage coast to Whitehaven, this proposal was passed in 2019 with the final boundary to be agreed between NE and Copeland Borough Council. The extended area will then be re-defined. You can visit the Colourful Coast website for updates.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) – St Bees Head Site;

There is little information about the date of purchase or occupation of the St Bees RSPB site online. There is an RSPB managed area of the St Bees cliffs hosting north-west England’s largest seabird colony. Species of bird spotted in the area of the RSBP site include Guillemots and Fulmars, and is also monitored as part of JNCC Seabird Monitoring Programme.

Colourful Coast;

The importance of this stretch of coastline is highlighted by the variety and number of designations which are established on the coastline and into the marine environment between Whitehaven and St Bees Head. The National Trust (which has owned the leasehold for St Bees Cottages and Fog Warning Station since 1989), RSPB, Natural England, Lands Trust, and Cumbria and Copeland councils are working together to best manage this stretch of coastline through the Colourful Coast Partnership.

Protected areas

Solway Firth Marine Conservation Zone

Area: 45km² 

Designated date: 31.05.2019

This MCZ was designated in May 2019 for the protection of European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), known as sparling in Scotland.

Smelt are an important species of fish which were once abundant around the UK and within this area of the Solway. However, declines have been seen in smelt leading to protection efforts to try and help the recovery of these stocks.
Distinctive for its smell of cucumber, smelt are historically and culturally significant, with fishermen in this area of the Solway remembering the smell of catching them in years gone by or locals remembering eating them as a tasty treat.

A ‘Smelt Restoration Management Plan‘ was undertaken in 2019/2020 by Galloway Fisheries Trust in association with NE. It is hoped that this management plan will form a framework to be used throughout England and Wales for smelt restoration.

Table Data Source; Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2019b)