Arnside and Silverdale AONB

Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a protected area of Lancashire, England. It covers an area of  75 sq. km and includes many individually designated wildlife sites. It was designated in 1972 to conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty while taking into account the need for sustainable development.

Flora and Fauna

Fifteen of the fifty species of orchid which grow wild in Britain are found here in habitats such as limestone grassland, woodland, coppices and disused quarries. The RSPB site in Leighton Moss in Silverdale has 100 species of birds including breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. There are also rare butterflies inhabiting the area, with 32 of about 50 UK species being found here including the Northern Brown Argus, Duke of Burgundy and Dingy Skipper.

Outdoor Activities

Walking is the best way to explore the limestone, coastal and woodland scenery. There are self-guided heritage routes, ones which illustrate the features of a limestone landscape and easy access walks for those with limited mobility. Cyclists and horse riders are catered for with a variety of bridleways and off-road tracks. There are plenty of historic and cultural attractions to discover, as well as nature conservation areas such as Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserve.