The key characteristics of the Morecambe Coast and Lune Estuary are:

31. Morecambe Coast and Lune Estuary

The key characteristics of the Morecambe Coast and Lune Estuary are:


• Broad relatively flat lowlands enclosed by steeply sloping, commonly wooded escarpments, opening out dramatically into the undulating landscape of the coastal strip with substantial drumlin features.

• Predominantly sheep and cattle grazing, enclosed by well maintained hedgerows with mature trees. Stone walls at higher elevations.

• Panoramic vistas across valley and Lancaster from higher ground.

• Range of coastal landscape features towards the mouth of the estuary including: extensive salt marshes; reclaimed mosses and marshland; a small area of remnant mossland at Heysham; sand and shingle beaches north of the estuary; and sandstone cliffs at Heysham.

• Development generally concentrated along the coastal strip where Heysham power station and caravan sites dominate the coastal scenery, with the remaining pastoral elements providing important countryside wedges.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.