This stunning bay is one of the most important areas in Europe for wildlife. It contains a wide range of habitats and is crammed full of worms, crustaceans and shellfish, which acts as a richly stocked larder for birds.

Nationally and internationally important species of birds inhabit the bay, including in winter Pink Footed Geese, Shellduck, Pintail, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone and Ringed Plover.

During migration and in winter, the bay becomes a vital feeding ground for thousands of wading birds and wildfowl. At high tide the birds are pushed back on to the saltmarshes, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities from Hest Bank, about 8 miles from the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss.

This is the largest remaining reedbed in the Northwest and home to rare species such as breeding Bitterns, Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers and Avocets.

To the north of the Bay is the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where summer visitors are treated to the stunning limestone flowers on Arnside Knott and Whitbarrow.