Reptiles and amphibians

The habitats of the Solway Coast National Landscape are a haven for some reptiles and amphibians. There is one stand-out example of a rare species which has made this area its home – the natterjack toad. More than 10% of the total British population lives here, the creature’s most northerly outpost. The natterjack is easily […]

Plants, flowers and fungi

 There are so many different environments along the Solway Coast National Landscape that it means a vast array of plants can grow here. From the varying dune conditions that range from the strandline, through to the fixed dunes at the rear, as well as the marshes and the raised peat mires, it’s a haven for […]

Marine and seashore

The sand and mud of the Solway Coast National Landscape hides a fantastic array of plants and animals that can easily be overlooked. Under the rippled sand lies a whole world of life, from small animals such as crabs and worms to the larger shellfish like the razor shell, or the tiny Baltic tellin – […]

Mammals

It’s fair to say that the bird population is the first wildlife you’ll spot on a visit to the Solway Coast National Landscape. Our mammals are a little more elusive – and they’re not just on land. Cetaceans are a group of warm-blooded marine mammals which have become aquatic and adapted to life in the […]

Insects and invertebrates

It’s the diverse habitats of the Solway Coast National Landscape which make this such a great place to discover insects and invertebrates. One additional factor that allows so many species to thrive so far north is the influence of the Gulf Stream. Some of those creatures who like the warmer climes are the purse-web spider […]

Birds

Not a moment goes by when you can’t spot at least one species of bird as you explore the Solway Coast National Landscape. The Solway Firth changes constantly thanks to the twice daily force of the tide and this creates a dynamic backcloth where birds are moved from their feeding grounds on to their roosting […]