Solway Coast facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Solway Coast |
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The Solway Coast AONB, in green, on the northwest coast of Cumbria.
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Nearest town | Silloth |
| Area | 118 km2 (46 sq mi) |
| Established | 1996 |
| Governing body | The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| Website | https://www.solwaycoastaonb.org.uk |
The Solway Coast is a special place in northern Cumbria, United Kingdom. It's known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means it has amazing scenery that is protected.
The Solway Coast AONB covers two parts of the coastline along the Solway Firth. One part stretches from just north of Carlisle to Silloth. This area includes villages like Bowness-on-Solway and Burgh by Sands. The second part starts near Beckfoot and goes south to Allonby Bay. Villages like Mawbray and Allonby are in this section.
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Why is the Solway Coast Special?
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are chosen because of their beautiful landscapes. Natural England is the group that decides which areas get this special title. The Solway Coast was chosen to protect its stunning English coastline.
What Challenges Does the Solway Coast Face?
The Solway Coast is loved for its beautiful views. However, building many wind turbines, both in the sea and on land, has caused some debate. Some people feel these wind farms spoil the natural beauty of the area.
The coast between Silloth and Sellafield is sometimes called "Britain's Energy Coast." Many people wonder if this focus on energy production fits with being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, new energy projects bring money and jobs to the area. This is good news for many local residents.
Amazing Animals and Plants of the Solway Coast
Even though an AONB mainly protects the landscape, it also helps wildlife. Protecting the land means protecting the homes of many animals and plants.
- Butterflies: Several types of butterflies live here, including some rare ones. You can find them on Mawbray and Wolsty banks. This area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
- Rare Toads and Newts: The sand dunes at Mawbray, Wolsty, and Silloth are home to very rare creatures. These include the natterjack toad and the great crested newt. These sand dunes are very important. They are protected both as an SSSI and an AONB.
Discover the Solway Coast Discovery Centre
In the town of Silloth, you can visit the Solway Coast Discovery Centre. This center has exhibits about the area's geography and history. It also provides information for tourists. About 12,000 people visit the center each year.
What Can You See at the Discovery Centre?
The main exhibit shows the wildlife, landscape, and communities of the Solway Coast. It explains how things have changed from the last ice age until today. You can learn about different groups who lived here, like the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. The exhibit is designed to be interactive and fun.
The center also has an art exhibit where local artists show their work. There is a cafe and a tourist information office too. A film about the Solway Coast was made to celebrate its 40th anniversary as an AONB. You can get this film on DVD at the center.
The Discovery Centre opened in 2002. Many groups helped fund it, including Cumbria County Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
