The Solway Coast has been in the spotlight! In early September Solway Coast National Landscape (SCNL) staff welcomed the BBC Countryfile camera crew to Mawbray Banks Nature Reserve alongside special guest, Howard Inns, vice chairman of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). Together we took a closer look into the life of the highly protected natterjack toads who call Mawbray Banks their home.
Mawbray Banks Nature Reserve is a thriving coastal dune system, which is carefully managed and provides an ideal habitat for the endangered Natterjack toads. The camera crew captured the hard work of SCNL volunteers, discussed management techniques with staff and were even lucky enough to witness these elusive amphibians making the most of their sandy surroundings. Over a biscuit break the camera crew chatted to some of our amazing volunteers, who give up their free time to help protect and enhance this site, hearing their passion for Mawbray Banks and the Solway as a whole was wonderful.
It was also a real treat to have Howard Inns, chairman of the amphibian and reptile conservation trust, visit Mawbray Banks in September. As a specialist in amphibians and reptiles Howard was able to confirm that this year the toads had an extremely successful breeding season at Mawbray Banks, which was music to our ears. He credited the habitat and the healthy sand dune systems that our staff and volunteers work hard to maintain. Howard carries the correct licences to handle and film this highly protected species, giving staff, volunteers and the BBC camera crew a very rare opportunity to take a closer look at these amazing amphibians. Initially Howard was looking for evidence of the toads, such as burrows in the sand banks, but to our delight we found several little toadlets, this really was a testament to just how well they have done this year, we were all blown away by the sheer numbers.
It was our absolute pleasure to feature, alongside many of our partners, in this Solway Coast exclusive episode. The episode aired on Sunday, September 21, 2025, you can catch up on iPlayer.
