The Solway Firth is the third largest estuary in the UK and the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) stretches from Rockcliffe in the north to Maryport in the south.

The AONB, designated in 1964, has four distinct zones and provides food and shelter for many important birds, insects and animals, including the endangered Pink-footed Goose and the Natterjack Toad.

The Solway Coast is also the only wintering spot for the UK’s entire population of the Spitzbergen Barnacle Goose.