Take a quick look at some of the wildlife that can be found in and around Silloth.
Silloth Wildlife
Silloth is situated on the Solway coast and forms part of of the Cumbria Coastal Way. Wildlife is still dominant along much of the Solway Coast. Oystercatchers, sandpipers, redshanks, godwits and curlews are commonplace and the huge flocks of knot, swirling and tumbling along the coast are a joy to watch. Harbour porpoises can often be seen swimming close into the promenade from Silloth to Skinburness.
Silloth holidaymakers can easily experience the wildlife and remote beauty of the Solway Coast by walking from from Silloth town Centre to Grune Point. Call in at the Solway Discovery Centre for further details of the walk. Add to your enjoyment and appreciation by taking a brief tour with a Ranger.
Grune Point was created by longshore drift forming a finger of land into Moricambe (not Morecambe) Bay. All around this area are superb examples of tidal mud flats and salt marsh with an abundance of rare flora and fauna.
The bird population reaches a peak in winter with many thousands of migrant waders, Cooper Swans, Barnacle geese and pink footed geese. Over 70 species have been recorded and many occasional rarities such as snow bunting, skewer and unusual and rare gulls visiting the salt marsh and surrounding areas. Raptors such as Merlin, Peregrine, Harriers along with the more common sparrowhawks and kestrel often seen in the area..
There are significant and important nature reserves all around Silloth, Including raised bogs and important bird, flower and butterfly sites. Life goes on alongside the nature and the shrimp fleet is active throughout the year in the Firth. Salmon are still caught in the Estuary by the age-old method of Haaf netting (under licence). Of course the Solway Firth forms one of the main routes for returning Atlantic salmon to enter some of the finest salmon rivers in the country.
