Rockcliffe Marsh

(See also Barnacle Geese and Rockcliffe)

Rockcliffe Marsh is thought to be the largest saltmarsh in Cumbria. It is noted for both breeding and wintering birds. In the summer lapwing and oystercatcher can be seen along with large numbers of lesser black backed and herring gulls.

Other species that breed on the marsh are the ringed plover, greater black backed gull, common and arctic tern, skylark, and meadow pipit. In the winter barnacle geese and pink footed and greylag graze on the marsh. Wigeon, teal, goldeneye, and goosander can also be spotted here.

Rockcliffe Marsh is reached from the village of Rockcliffe. Access is limited. Permits are issued by the Castletown Estate, Castletown, Rockcliffe, Carlisle.

Photos courtesy Peter Wakely and Paul Glendell of English Nature

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