Islands | Walney Island

South Walney Nature Reserve, Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Natterjack Toads - to the north of the island.

Birds - species found among the mudflats and salt marshes include Redshanks, Knot, Common and Little Terns, Ringed Plovers, Oystercatchers, Dunlins, Curlews, Pintails, Shelducks and Red-breasted Merganser. Head to the north of the island.

The gull colony is located at the southern end of the island.
Be careful not to pick up or interfere with the chicks.

Observation hides and purpose-built trails on South Walney.

Disabled Access to public toilets at car park and nature reserve marked pathways. Access also available to one of the six observation hides in the South Walney Nature Reserve.

By car: From Junction 36 on the M6 follow the A590 through Barrow-in-Furness and over the bridge to Walney Island. The reserve is situated at the north end of the island - turn right after the bridge onto the Promenade and then turn left onto Mill Lane after half a mile.

Turn right at the Periscope Hotel onto West Shore Road and continue through the West Shore estate to Earnsie Point - the nature reserve lies one mile to the north.

Car parking: Available at South Walney Nature Reserve.

North Walney Nature Reserve - year round.

South Walney Nature Reserve - 10am - 7pm in summer and 10am - 6pm in winter. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays.