Upper Solway Flats and Marshes (2627)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Upper Solway Flats and Marshes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 54.9037, Longitude: -3.4870
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 45
Area of KBA (km2): 456.84379
Protected area coverage (%): 98.21
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the largest and most important areas of continuous intertidal habitat in Britain. The system is a dynamic one, with shifting channels undergoing phases of erosion and accretion. The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl and waders.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989; extended to include Merse Head in 2000. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale. Additional area added on 1:50,000 maps.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | fisheries/aquaculture (80%) | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 43 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Marine Neritic | 43 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Industrial aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Large dams | Only in the future |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Only in the future |