The Birds of the Bay

Morecambe Bay has the maximum level of legal protection for its wildlife. It's saltmarshes, sands and mudflats are designated as internationally important. It's one of the top three places in the UK for overwintering birds, along with the Wash and the Ribble Estuaries.

Morecambe Bay makes the perfect pit-stop for migrating birds. They travel thousands of miles from the arctic regions during the colder months and stay for days, weeks or months to feed on the millions of creatures that live in the mud, sand and saltmarsh.

Between March and July, rare and declining beach-nesting bird species such as ringed plover, oystercatcher, little tern and arctic tern lay their eggs on the Bay’s quieter beaches, and struggle against weather, predators and human disturbance to raise their families before the summer ends.

The Birds of the Bay need our help to survive. Follow this simple guidance to protect the wonderful wildlife that calls Morecambe Bay home. Avoid disturbance as they need to feed, rest and nest. Here's why:

1.) Birds need to feed up to survive, thrive and fuel their long-distance flights. If a bird stops eating or raises its head, then please move further away.

2.) Birds need to rest ( known as roosting) during high tide. They use 12 times more energy when they fly, so please leave them in peace.

3.) Birds can be easily disturbed by dogs. Keep your dog on a lead and well away from them.

4.) Keep your impact on wildlife to a minimum by staying on well trodden paths.

5.) In spring and summer waders and wildfowl nest on the ground, but they are very difficult to see. Keep on the paths ( and dogs on a lead) on coastal fields, saltmarsh and shingle.