Morecambe Bay is a huge sandy bay covering 310 square kilometres, making it the second largest bay in Britain after The Wash.

Visitors are often surprised by the seemingly endless expanses of sand and the vastness of the bay.

Morecambe Bay is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe, boasting abundant bird life and diverse marine habitats.

At the last count a quarter of a million waders, wildfowl, and gulls winter or breed or pass through here on their migration.

This huge area of sand and mud is crammed with juicy worms, tiny crustaceans and shellfish which the birds feed on.

Salt marshes, which encourage a unique community of plants, can be found all round the bay.

Visitors can also enjoy its rocky outcrops and tranquil coves.

Morecambe Bay is renowned for its flat fishing, mainly plaice and for its cockles.

But the famous Morecambe Bay shrimp are sadly on the wane.

The cross-bay walk is a popular nine mile trek from Arnside to Kents Bank, but beware of deep water, quick sands and tides. It generally takes about three hours plus to complete the full walk.

Safety - be careful to follow official recommended routes, check tides and take a tour with an official guide.