Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape - Discover limestone hills, woodlands and coastal beauty.

Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972, is a unique and compact protected area located on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria, adjoining the shores of Morecambe Bay. Covering just 29 square miles, it is one of the smallest National Landscapes in England, yet it offers an impressive variety of scenery.

The landscape is defined by its low limestone hills, including Arnside Knott and Warton Crag, set among open grassland and extensive deciduous woodland. Ash, oak and hazel trees dominate the area, creating a rich and ever-changing environment throughout the seasons. Coastal sections feature wide salt marshes along the Kent Estuary, adding to the area's diverse habitats.

Wildlife is a major highlight, with the RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve forming the largest reedbed area in North West England and an important bird habitat. The rare bittern, which can be found here, has become a symbol of the landscape. The area also contains numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve, known for its rare butterflies such as the High Brown Fritillary.

Visitors can explore charming villages including Arnside, Silverdale, Warton and Beetham, all offering easy access to walking routes, nature reserves and scenic viewpoints. Whether you are interested in wildlife watching, coastal walks or peaceful countryside escapes, this landscape provides a rich and varied experience.

Plan your visit to Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape and enjoy one of England's most diverse and tranquil natural areas.

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