Morecambe Bay (Day Trip)

Summary

Morecambe Bay Estuary, located just to the south of the Lake District National Park, is a vast area characterised by intertidal mudflats, sweeping saltmarshes and freshwater wetlands. This dynamic landscape provides a home to thousands of birds and other wildlife in autumn and winter, offering a spectacular display.

Joining leaders Nick and Caroline Godden, the day will commence at 7:30am in the southern reaches of Morecambe Bay, where we will marvel at the blizzard of wings as countless birds emerge from their overnight roosts. Watch out for the Pink-footed Geese soaring directly overhead! Among the many species here, we could expect to see Knot, Dunlin, Golden Plover, and the ever-vocal Oystercatcher! We will then make a short stop at Fluke Hall Marsh to witness the Whooper Swans and other waders and wildfowl on the surrounding fields and saltmarsh. Moving east to the mouth of the Lune Estuary, we will explore Cockersand Abbey, a ruined 12th-century Premonstratensian monastery, and the surrounding areas with a gentle walk of up to 4 miles. This is an excellent birdwatching site with a wide variety of raptor species possible on the saltmarshes, and with luck, we may observe Peregrine, or the elusive Merlin, hunting over the landscape.

We expect to do around a total of 4 miles of walking throughout the day, with two short site stops in the morning and a comfort stop at a local café, and we will finish the day with the main walk around Cockersand Abbey. We expect the day to finish around 3:00pm. The terrain can be muddy but is otherwise flat and will be on existing footpaths and short sections of country road. Sturdy walking boots are advised. Please wear plenty of layers, as the sites can be exposed to winter winds.

• Watch the spectacular dawn flight of Pink-footed Geese as they leave their overnight roost
• Look out for Bewick’s Swan amongst large flocks of Whooper Swans
• Visit Cockersand Abbey, with saltmarsh, estuary and farmland bird species all likely